To everyone’s surprise, Nintendo has just launched its own music streaming service with a dedicated app for iPhone and Android. Its particularity? It is entirely dedicated to the music of its video games.
For years, video game fans have delighted not only in the adventures offered by Nintendo, but also in their captivating music. The soundtracks of Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda, and even Animal Crossing have become cult. However, until recently, listening to these melodies outside of games remained complicated. Indeed, Nintendo was reluctant to broadcast its music on popular streaming platforms like Spotify or Apple Music. However, those days seem to be over: the famous Japanese firm has launched a dedicated application, called Nintendo Music, for its Nintendo Switch Online subscribers.
Nintendo Music: a small revolution for video game fans
Available at the end of October 2024, Nintendo Music is a small revolution in the world of video games. Unlike other manufacturers who had already invested in the sale of video game music via albums or vinyls, Nintendo resisted, forcing fans to turn to YouTube videos to listen to their favorite music. This launch therefore marks a significant shift for the company.
The application, accessible on iPhone and Android, is reserved for subscribers to the Nintendo Switch Online service, and offers a free seven-day trial for those who are curious. Once the application is downloaded, users can immerse themselves in the musical world of Nintendo games. They will find complete soundtracks of great classics like Pokémon Scarlet/Purple, Metroid Prime, and of course the essentials like the main theme of the Wii Shop.
Nintendo Music: an app designed for gamers
What sets Nintendo Music apart from other streaming platforms is its attention to detail. The application doesn’t just offer entire albums to listen to. It goes further by classifying the music according to original criteria that will speak to players. For example, the songs are organized by character, like Yoshi or Kéké Laglisse, but also by moment of play. You can choose to listen to combat music, dungeon music, or even the famous ocarina songs from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. An immersive way to relive your favorite adventures, accompanied by music.
Another innovative function: anti-spoiler protection. In order to preserve gaming pleasure, Nintendo has added an option to hide the soundtracks of unfinished games. This prevents important scene music from appearing in the playlists, thus preserving the surprise for players still immersed in a game.
Finally, a fun nod to fans: the possibility of extending certain songs up to 60 minutes. This option will delight those accustomed to YouTube videos offering “extended” versions of their favorite titles. So you can now immerse yourself in the repetitive and captivating atmosphere of a theme throughout the day, whether to concentrate or relax.
For now, the Nintendo Music app only offers music from 23 games, with Nintendo specifying that new titles will be added gradually.
- Animal Crossing: New Horizons
- Wii Channels
- Donkey Kong Country
- Dr.Mario
- Fire Emblem: The Blazing Blade
- Kirby Star Allies
- Kirby’s Dream Buffer
- Lylat Wars
- Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
- Metroid
- Metroid (Famicom Disk System)
- Metroid Prime
- Nintendogs
- Pikmin 4
- Pokémon Scarlet and Purple
- Splatoon 3
- Super Mario Bros.
- Super Mario Galaxy
- Super Mario Odyssey
- Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island
- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
- The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
- Tomodachi Collection
Nintendo Music: what future for fan playlists?
The launch of Nintendo Music, however, raises a question: what will happen to the famous fan-created playlists on platforms like YouTube? For a long time, these compilations were the only way to listen to Nintendo game tracks outside of their console. If the official application offers a richer and more personalized experience, some may miss the creativity and humor of these homemade compilations, like the No thoughts, head empty playlists featuring Yoshi against a bossa nova background .
However, it is likely that the official Nintendo application will gradually take over, with its advanced functions and the possibility of listening to your favorite songs at any time. And even if certain franchises or secondary pieces are still missing, this first version of Nintendo Music already seems to meet the expectations of video game and music lovers. Enough to keep fans waiting while waiting for the next announcements, such as the long-awaited Nintendo Switch 2.