NSO Members' Delight: Nintendo Drops Surprise Music App

Nintendo finally did it! They launched a brand new mobile app exclusively for Nintendo Switch Online members! Read on to learn more about Nintendo Music and the bangers it offers.

Nintendo Music Now Available on iOS and Android DevicesExclusively for Nintendo Switch Online Members

What can’t Nintendo accomplish? They've released alarm clocks, opened a museum, and even designed manhole covers featuring our favorite Pokémon. Now, they've released a music app that lets fans stream and even download soundtracks from the company's decades-spanning catalog of games, ranging from titles like The Legend of Zelda and Super Mario to recent hits like Splatoon.

Launched earlier today, Nintendo Music is accessible on both iOS and Android devices, making it easier than ever to delve into Nintendo’s musical history. Most importantly, it’s free to download and use… as long as you have a Nintendo Switch Online membership (either the standard or Expansion Pack option). Fortunately, if you genuinely want to try the app out, you can obtain a "Nintendo Switch Online Free Trial" to test out the new app before committing to a subscription.

The app’s user interface is refreshingly sleek. You can search by game, track name, and even by themed and character playlists handpicked by Nintendo themselves. As a clever touch, the app suggests music based on each player’s gaming history on the Switch. If you can't find the right playlist, you can create your own and share it with friends. Nintendo even has a spoiler-free listening option for those in the middle of their playthroughs, so you can enjoy music without inadvertently hearing tracks tied to significant game events.

For uninterrupted listening, the app also includes a looping function for those who want background music while studying or working. You can loop tracks for 15, 30, or even 60 minutes without interruption.

Can't find your favorite tunes? Don’t worry; according to Nintendo, the app will continue to steadily expand its library overtime and roll out new songs and playlists to keep content fresh.

Nintendo Music is the company’s latest move to expand the value of its Switch Online membership, which includes access to classic NES, SNES, and Game Boy games. It seems Nintendo is capitalizing on nostalgia, especially as it’s competing with other game companies’ subscription services and music apps that offer similar perks.

The app seems to be a step forward in bringing video game music into the same space as streaming services while giving fans a legal and convenient way to access these soundtracks. For now, however, it appears that Nintendo Music is exclusive to the U.S. and Canada, but with high interest internationally, fans outside these regions can only hope that the app soon expands globally.