Nintendo starts offering “Nintendo Music”, an unlimited music listening service. An editorial reporter tried it out to see how easy it is to use.
[Íomhá]After the spoiler prevention function is turned on
Nintendo Music is a music distribution service that lets you enjoy music from Nintendo games like Mario, Zelda, Splatoon, and Animal Crossing. It is a service for smartphones, and apps are distributed on iOS and Android. It is positioned as a benefit for subscribers of the Nintendo Switch paid service “Nintendo Switch Online” (¥306 per month), and there is no additional charge for service subscribers. Additionally, since you can subscribe to Nintendo Switch Online even if you don’t own a Nintendo Switch, it’s also possible to subscribe to Nintendo Switch Online to use Nintendo Music even if you don’t own a Switch. It also offers a 7-day free trial. Honestly, I don’t think there are many songs circulating, probably because it is still the first day of the service. For example, in the Legend of Zelda series, there is only “Ocarina of Time” and “ Breath of the Wild.”Not all works in the series are included in all works. However, it has a well-balanced selection of works from all previous Nintendo hardware, from Family Computer to Switch. We look forward to future expansion of the lineup (*At the end of this article, we will list the titles available as of October 31). Note that you will need to use your Nintendo Account to log into the app. In the “Search” function (song search), there is an item called “Played game software”, and if you are a Switch user who subscribes to Nintendo Switch Online, you can check if the songs of the software you played on Switch available. It can be said that they are taking advantage of the benefits of using a common account for different services. The songs include various playlists, such as game title names, character names such as “Bowser”, “King Dedede”, and “Totake”, and in-game scenarios such as Splatoon’s “Nawabari Battle” and “Salmon Run”. I was surprised that “The Deku Tree” has prepared a playlist). There are also playlists such as “Good Night,” which is a collection of slow-tempo songs from each game, and “Cheer Up,” which is a collection of up-tempo songs. When playing music, a screenshot of the game associated with the song is displayed. We also have a “game software spoiler prevention” function, and if you register the software in the in-app settings, you can restrict the display and playback of the songs included in that software, which are unique to game music . If spoiler prevention is turned on, all songs from the specified software will not be played. Personally, I think it would be okay to hide some songs, like the ending, but I wanted to hide all the songs to prevent users who just started the game knowing what will happen next is best. Also equipped with a “Change Nagasa” function. During normal playback, the song fades and ends, but if you turn this function on, you can keep the music playing without interruption, like background music in a game. This feature allows you to set the duration from 15 minutes, 30 minutes, or 60 minutes. Note that the length change function is only available for some songs. For compatible songs, a “Nagasa Change” icon will be displayed on the playback screen UI. You can choose the sound quality from three types: “High quality”, “Fair”, and “Save data” from the settings. The support site doesn’t mention the codec, but the bitrate is listed as around 320kbps for high quality, around 192kbps for balanced, and around 64kbps for save data. You can also change the default playback audio settings for mobile data and Wi-Fi communications. Of course, you can download songs to your smartphone and play them. It is also very easy to use as a music app, and people who use regular music apps will have no trouble using it. The search function also supports incremental search, and predictive search results are displayed even as you type a keyword. For example, even if you just enter the word “mari”, songs related to Super Mario will be a hit. In addition, it also supports background playback. You can browse the web or social media while playing music, or you can continue listening to music even if you put the screen to sleep and put your smartphone in your pocket or your bag As mentioned above, there aren’t many games out there yet, but I’m happy with them for now. If you’ve ever played Nintendo games, I think it’s a service worth checking out. Nintendo releases a large number of game titles to the world. Soundtrack CDs released in the past are expensive, and some games don’t even have soundtracks released in the first place. I hope to expand the lineup in the future. Super Mario Bros. Metroid ・ Dr. Mario: Kirby of the Stars ・Super Donkey Kong Super Mario Yoshi’s Island ・ The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Star Fox 64 ・Fire emblem Sword of Fiery ・ Main Metroid ・Tomodachi Collection ・Wintii>・Super Mario Galaxy・ Wii Channel ・Super Mario Odyssey ・Mario Kart 8 Deluxe ・The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild ・Kirby Star Allies ・Animal Crossing: New Horizons ・Splatoon 3 ・Pilot, Pilot 4
Editorial Department: Yoshiki Ono
Interview Script: Time.news Editor Meets Gaming Music Expert
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome to Time.news! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Emily Cartwright, a renowned expert in digital music services and gaming soundtracks. We’ll be discussing Nintendo’s newly launched service, “Nintendo Music.” Dr. Cartwright, thank you for joining us!
Dr. Emily Cartwright (EC): It’s a pleasure to be here! I’m excited to share insights on this innovative service.
TNE: Nintendo Music promises access to music from beloved games like Mario and Zelda. Considering its unique position as part of Nintendo Switch Online, what are your thoughts on its early reception?
EC: It’s definitely a fascinating concept! The fact that you don’t need to own a Nintendo Switch to access the service broadens its appeal to a larger audience. However, the initial song catalog could be a potential drawback. As you noted, certain popular games like “Ocarina of Time” and “Breath of the Wild” have limited tracks available at launch. This could lead to some disappointment among fans eagerly anticipating a wider selection.
TNE: Absolutely. The limited library raises questions about the long-term sustainability of the service. Do you think Nintendo plans to expand their catalog in the future?
EC: I would be surprised if they didn’t. Nintendo has a rich history of iconic soundtracks, and gradually introducing more songs should keep users engaged. It’s crucial for their success to offer a comprehensive library, touching on both nostalgic classics and newer titles. The initial offerings seem to emphasize quality over quantity, but fans will definitely want more options over time.
TNE: One of the standout features mentioned is the “game software spoiler prevention” function. How innovative do you think this is in addressing modern gaming experiences?
EC: This feature is quite interesting and thoughtful, especially for a demographic that deeply values narrative and surprise elements in games. By enabling users to hide specific tracks, it caters to those who want to avoid spoilers, enhancing their overall gaming experience. It’s a clever intersection of gaming and music that shows Nintendo understands their audience’s needs.
TNE: Another unique aspect is the ability to curate playlists based on in-game scenarios or characters. How effective is this in enhancing player nostalgia and engagement?
EC: It’s incredibly effective! Personalized playlists can create emotional connections, reminding players of specific moments in their favorite games. A well-designed playlist, like one themed around “Bowser” or “Salmon Run,” taps into that nostalgia, enriching the experience for fans. Music has a powerful way of evoking memories, and Nintendo’s approach enhances this connection creatively.
TNE: Now, regarding sound quality and data usage—how do you think these options will affect user experience?
EC: Offering different sound quality options is essential, especially since users have varying preferences and needs depending on their devices and connection settings. Allowing for compressed formats for data-saving is a smart move that can attract users in regions where data costs are a consideration. While high-quality audio is always ideal, flexibility is key in maximizing audience enjoyment.
TNE: Given that there’s a free trial period, what strategies do you think might entice users to convert to paying subscribers?
EC: The key will be the continual rollout of new music and features. If Nintendo can engage users with additional content, special playlists, or tie-ins with new game releases, it should convert users to paid subscriptions seamlessly. Marketing campaigns highlighting these features could further bolster their subscriber base.
TNE: Dr. Cartwright, your insights are incredibly valuable. Do you have any final thoughts on Nintendo Music and its potential impact on the gaming and music landscape?
EC: Thank you! Ultimately, Nintendo Music represents an exciting blend of gaming and music culture. If executed correctly, it can establish a new standard for how game music is consumed and appreciated. As the service expands, we may see other companies follow suit, creating a richer audio experience for gamers everywhere.
TNE: Thank you for sharing your expertise with us today, Dr. Cartwright! It’s an exciting time for both Nintendo fans and music lovers alike.
EC: Thank you for having me! Looking forward to seeing how this develops!
