Nintendo has surprised everyone with the announcement of a new music app for mobile devices that will delight fans of its video games: Nintendo MusicWith this app, users who have a Nintendo Switch Online subscription will be able to enjoy the most iconic soundtracks from the Japanese company's games. From the memorable themes of Super Mario y The Legend of Zelda to the warm and relaxing music of Animal CrossingNintendo Music is designed to bring the sound universes of its video games to mobile devices. Available on both iOS as on Android, this app presents itself as a kind of Spotify for video game fans. L
A varied catalogue for the most nostalgic and current fans
Nintendo Music not only includes the songs of its classics, such as Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda y Metroid, but also tunes from more recent games like Splatoon 3 o Pikmin 4. At its launch, the app has around 23 soundtracks of some of the most important games in the company's history. It should be noted that, although the current catalog is varied, Nintendo has already announced that it will add more songs and soundtracks in future updates, following a similar strategy to the one it uses with its games on the Nintendo Switch Online platform.
One of the most innovative details that this application brings is the option of avoid spoilers, enabling a filter that blocks songs or themes from video games that you haven't finished yet. This way, you can enjoy the soundtracks of your favorite titles without fear of spoiling important parts of the plot.
Advanced features for playing music
Nintendo Music is not limited to being a mere song player. One of the most striking features is the possibility of play music on loop, which allows users to extend a piece of music to play for 15, 30 or even 60 minutes. It is also possible to download tracks within the app itself, which is very useful for enjoying music when there is no internet connection, for example when travelling.
Despite all these advantages, the application has some shortcomings that have not gone unnoticed among fans. The fact that Do not include the names of the composers of the soundtracks is one of the most repeated criticisms, considering the great relevance of figures such as koji kondo (responsible for the music of The Legend of Zelda) or David Wise (composer of Donkey Kong Country) have had on the industry. Still, it is hoped that Nintendo will be able to correct this omission in the future.
How much does Nintendo Music cost?
For those who want to try Nintendo Music, the app is now available on both the iOS App Store like Google Play for AndroidHowever, there is one small detail you should keep in mind: you will only be able to use the application if you have a active subscription to Nintendo Switch OnlineIf you don't have it yet, Nintendo offers one Free 7 days trial, where you can access both music and other online features offered by the service. In addition, those who have the Family plan Nintendo Switch Online users can share access with up to seven additional people, making the experience much more affordable for groups or families.
Nintendo has assured that this application is not just a passing fad, but a platform that intends to evolve and improve over time. This means that in the coming months we will see how they add new titles to the catalog, such as Super Mario 64, Wii Sports, or the expected one F-ZeroAdditionally, the app will also notify users when new soundtracks become available, keeping the experience fresh and ever-expanding.
A new way to enjoy video game music
Nintendo Music seems to be designed for true video game lovers who not only enjoy playing them, but value all the elements that accompany these experiences, and music is a fundamental part. From listening to the exciting melodies of the epic battles of Zelda until you relax with the calm music of Animal Crossing, the app turns Nintendo Switch Online into a platform that offers much more than just online multiplayer matches or retro games.
For years, Nintendo has been very strict regarding the rights to its soundtracks, denouncing and removing YouTube channels that uploaded music from their games. This stance led many fans to view Nintendo as a company that did not understand or value the role of its own music in video game culture and the community that consumes it.
Now, with the announcement of Nintendo Music, the company seems to be publicly acknowledging the value of its sound catalogue. It's a shift in strategy, but it comes with an obvious irony: instead of having facilitated access to these songs through already established platforms, such as YouTube, they have opted to launch an exclusive, paid service (due to the Nintendo Switch Online requirement). It's just one more example of how Nintendo wants to control every aspect of its content, while at the same time monetizing it more directly.
From a business perspective, this is understandable, as they have a valuable product in their soundtracks, however, for fans, this may seem like a late and selfish move, after so many years of restrictions. This negative perception could have been avoided if they had been more flexible and open to their music being present on the internet unofficially or under specific licenses from the beginning.