In a few days, Nintendo will release its long-awaited new console: the Nintendo Switch 2. For the occasion, the Japanese company has developed new features, one of which will require you to share your phone number to use it.
A new feature subject to conditions by Nintendo
While many people are complaining about unwanted phone calls, Nintendo has announced that to benefit from a new feature planned for the Nintendo Switch 2, you will have to share your phone number. Indeed, for its new console, the company has unveiled GameChat, a social function that aims to be able to make audio and video calls with your friends directly through the console. But you won't just have to press the C button on the new controllers to use it.
To take advantage of this new chat function integrated into the Switch 2, Nintendo will require you to first register your phone number with an active Nintendo Switch Online subscription. And even if the manufacturer justifies this obligation as a security measure to protect young players, it doesn't go down well with some.
As specified in the terms of use published by Nintendo, if Big N notices abuse in the use of GameChat or malicious behavior, the Nintendo account and the associated number may be blocked. And if you do this, it's your console that risks being blocked.
Nintendo wants to protect minors and better moderate GameChat discussions
During setup, an SMS verification will be performed. One way for Nintendo to avoid seeing banned GameChat players again is to circumvent the penalty by creating a new account without changing their phone number. Additionally, for younger players, the Japanese company requires parents or guardians of minors to give their consent to use the feature through the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app. Adding a mandatory and certified phone number will also allow for better moderation of online discussions. Account suspension will be faster. But this condition raises questions such as privacy concerns for players who do not wish to share this information. While the announcement of GameChat on Nintendo's console was enthusiastically received, many players are denouncing the requirement to share their phone number to use it. This is especially true since Nintendo has announced that video and audio interactions can be monitored and recorded.
0 Comments