Nintendo’s new streaming app, Nintendo Music, is a welcome, long-awaited treasure trove for anyone who’s wanted easy, legal access to the company’s iconic game soundtracks. With soundtracks spanning the NES to the Switch, it feels like Nintendo is finally catching up to an industry-wide demand for game music on streaming platforms — but with Nintendo’s unique touch.
To enhance the Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) experience, Nintendo Music is exclusively available to subscribers, adding value to a service packed with perks. For Nintendo, it’s another clever step in building loyalty and engagement within the NSO ecosystem. The app is available for iOS and Android devices, and its interface and functionality align with what music streamers expect: playlists by character and mood, looping capabilities for extended listening, and even offline downloads.
But Nintendo didn’t stop at the basics. The app’s spoiler-prevention feature, which allows users to avoid soundtrack spoilers from boss battles and story twists, is a first in the music-streaming space. The selection may still be limited compared to Nintendo’s vast catalog, but the company has promised more soundtrack releases over time. And with fan favorites like Super Mario Odyssey, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and Animal Crossing: New Horizons already available, there’s plenty to dig into from day one.
For years, Nintendo’s decision to keep its music off popular streaming services frustrated fans. The company went so far as to issue copyright strikes against YouTube channels that shared its music, leaving fans without many legal alternatives. Nintendo Music may be the company’s answer to this frustration, and its curated experience — spoiler-free listening and all — is a refreshing alternative to sifting through various unofficial uploads.
In the broader strategy, Nintendo Music seems well-timed as Nintendo readies for what many speculate will be its next console. With no sign of a Switch 2 announcement on the horizon, NSO subscribers continue to get increasing perks, from retro game libraries to now Nintendo Music. This may be enough for loyalists to keep them content for the next few years, even if Nintendo keeps holding off on unveiling that elusive next-gen console.
The Take
Nintendo Music is more than just a streaming app; it’s a strategic move that strengthens Nintendo Switch Online’s value as a subscription service. By making these nostalgic and iconic soundtracks easily accessible, Nintendo is finally addressing a long-standing fan desire — a legal, one-stop source for its music. This app isn’t just about delivering fan service; it reflects Nintendo’s focus on deepening loyalty within its ecosystem as speculation around the next-gen Switch continues. Nintendo Music could serve as a valuable engagement tool, keeping subscribers invested while the company carefully paces out its hardware plans. For fans, it’s a refreshing offering that acknowledges and rewards their dedication to Nintendo’s legendary game catalog.
