Listening to your favorite Nintendo music—an experience many gamers have long craved—has typically been a challenge. With no presence on mainstream streaming services, avid fans often resort to scouring YouTube for nostalgic tracks from iconic franchises like Animal Crossing and Metroid. However, the recent surprise launch of Nintendo Music, an app exclusively for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers, had many hopeful for a seamless solution to this issue. While the app brings some innovative features to the table, it is marred by frustrations that prevent it from fulfilling its potential.

User Experience and Features

The layout of Nintendo Music may feel familiar to users who have tried other music platforms such as Apple Music or Spotify. The app allows users to explore soundtracks by individual games, as well as curated playlists categorized by themes, characters, and special gameplay moments, such as Pokémon battle themes. Notably, fictional bands from Splatoon 3 receive their own artist pages, complete with bios, adding a unique touch to the browsing experience. Fans of Animal Crossing: New Horizons can enjoy tailored playlists like K.K. Slider's performances and other instrumental tracks, including an extensive list of Kapp’n’s beloved sea shanties.

One standout feature is the extended loop option, enabling listeners to seamlessly enjoy certain tracks for up to 60 minutes—perfect for those creative sessions or study marathons. "The Great Plateau" from The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild remains a popular choice for its calming piano melodies. Another useful element is the spoiler prevention feature, allowing users to conceal information about games they haven't yet played—ideal for those eager to avoid plot reveals.

Limitations

However, the app is not without its drawbacks. Only 25 game soundtracks are currently featured—far fewer than the extensive library Nintendo boasts over its 40-plus years. For example, fans can only access two Zelda titles, with Breath of the Wild and Ocarina of Time represented. Despite the nostalgia that spans decades, classic favorites like Super Mario World are glaringly absent.

Nintendo seems to be gradually expanding the offerings, as showcased by the sudden inclusion of soundtracks like Super Mario Bros. Wonder and Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest shortly after launch. Additionally, Nintendo has teased future arrivals including soundtracks from classics like Wii Sports and Super Mario 64, although an exact timeline remains unclear.

Puzzling Oversights

Another unexpected limitation is the absence of proper credits for the talented individuals behind these iconic scores. Instead, fictional music projects from titles like Splatoon 3 are highlighted, leaving out renowned composers like Koji Kondo, a puzzling oversight given his significant contribution to Nintendo's musical legacy.

Furthermore, the app is not without its quirks; not all songs are eligible for the extended loop feature, leaving users puzzled as to why specific beloved tracks, like Metroid Prime’s "Phendrana Drifts," can't be looped for longer listening periods. Adding to the inconvenience, selecting an extended duration restarts the track, disrupting the flow of play.

Platform Limitations

Currently, Nintendo Music is limited to iOS and Android, with no desktop or web app available, leaving many fans desiring a more versatile listening experience. Its incompatibility with platforms like CarPlay and Android Auto adds to the frustration for music lovers.

Conclusion

While Nintendo Music showcases great potential, the lack of depth and variety raises questions about the app's launch timing—was it rushed ahead of the announced successor to the Switch? This pattern of innovative ideas overshadowed by limitations echoes recent Nintendo projects, including the quirky Alarmo clock and the somewhat underwhelming Nintendo Museum.

Die-hard Nintendo fans may find satisfaction in the current selection, but many will still be left on the hunt for their favorite tracks on YouTube. Here's hoping Nintendo Music evolves to fully embrace its rich musical heritage in the future!