Nintendo’s latest move has taken everyone by surprise with the launch of Nintendo Music, a streaming app specifically for Android and iOS. Following hot on the heels of this release is the Nintendo Alarmo, a Nintendo-inspired alarm clock. While the gaming giant remains tight-lipped about any news regarding the much-anticipated Switch 2 and the ongoing rumors about its specs and possible launch date, they have certainly caught our attention with these unique products.
The app immediately brings to mind the familiar interface of Spotify and other music streaming services. It boasts all the expected features such as Nintendo-curated playlists, but also adds some intriguing extras. One handy feature is the option to filter out spoilers in songs from certain games. You can even extend the playtime of certain tracks for up to an hour—a significant improvement over merely looping them.
It wouldn’t be surprising if you’re already eager to download this app. For those with an active Nintendo Switch Online membership—even a free trial will do—you’re good to explore Nintendo Music and all its features without restraint, whether you’re on Android or iOS.
However, we must address a few critical points.
First, Nintendo’s decision to create a separate music app, instead of simply placing their soundtracks on Spotify or similar platforms, is puzzling. Many developers and publishers already follow this route, and it’s more convenient for listeners who prefer a single integrated library. While it’s great to see official Nintendo soundtracks available, it’s somewhat disappointing to require a different app and subscription, especially for those who enjoy the diverse features of more established music services.
Moreover, Nintendo fans have long been sharing OSTs on platforms like YouTube for over two decades. Nintendo’s timing feels a bit off; they’re arriving to the party a bit late. Oddly enough, the app lacks credits for composers and artists, only mentioning game titles, while fan uploads historically included such information.
Nintendo’s recent copyright enforcements on fan-uploaded soundtracks now make more sense with this new service. Nonetheless, losing key aspects of game preservation is regrettable, as Nintendo ought to be the easiest source for providing these details.
Another concern is the surprisingly limited selection of soundtracks available as of now. Though Nintendo claims coverage of its entire console history, there are just 23 soundtracks currently offered, leaving many iconic OSTs missing. Even the trailer was misleading, as it suggests the Super Mario 64 soundtrack is included, but it’s nowhere to be found.
Given the vast array of classic tunes and games in Nintendo’s repertoire, the time it took for them to release a product like this, and their choice to make it a standalone app, fans have every reason to expect a more robust library right from the start.
In the end, all this leaves us wondering: when will we finally be able to enjoy the Legend of the Seven Stars OST in this app?
