Nintendo has rolled out a notable update to its mobile app for the Switch, introducing several long-requested features that bring the app closer to what fans have come to expect from modern gaming platforms.

Leading the update is the addition of GameChat — a new voice and video chat system that enhances communication during gameplay sessions. Players can now talk to each other more easily, and even send friend requests directly after chatting in-game, making it simpler to stay connected beyond a single session.

The app also now alerts users when friends come online, including what game they’re playing — a small but welcome addition that improves the sense of community. It’s a feature standard on other platforms, and it’s great to finally see Nintendo catching up in this area.

iOS users haven’t been left out either. The update introduces support for managing screenshots and videos from the Switch, allowing users to create albums directly within Apple’s ecosystem. This makes sharing your favorite in-game moments far more convenient.

Altogether, the update feels like a step in the right direction for Nintendo’s online and social features, which have historically lagged behind competitors. With Switch 2 rumors heating up, this could be part of Nintendo’s broader effort to modernize its digital services ahead of the next-generation hardware.