Since its launch last week, the Nintendo Switch 2 has been the talk of the town. And for good reason: it has already sold over 3.5 million copies in just 4 days. However, the next-gen console currently only offers one game truly designed for it. It's Mario Kart World, a title that focuses more on the multiplayer component than the single-player adventure.
And if there's one thing the history of video games has taught us, it's that an online environment can quickly turn into a toxic environment, especially for young players, as is the case with Nintendo products. This is nothing new; online games have always faced harassment issues that are difficult to stem.
What may change with the Switch 2 is the intensity of these interactions because they are currently concentrated in a single game, and therefore in a single community. The title will remain at risk until more games are released on the console in the coming months. This is why it is important to establish clear boundaries and know when and how to stop the massacre when the need arises.
The good news is that Nintendo has tools for this. It's now very easy to block a player, whether they're on your friends list or not. This helps avoid unnecessary confrontations and allows for a healthier gaming environment.
To block someone you're already friends with, nothing could be simpler: go to your profile at the top right of the home screen, scroll down to your friends list, select the person in question, then click on "Options" and finally on "Block". The player will immediately disappear from your online environment.
If the person you want to block isn't one of your friends, you can also remove them by going through your history of people you've recently played with. Simply click on your profile, then go to user settings, go to “Add a friend,” and choose “Search among players you’ve met.” Once you’ve found the person, the “Block” button will appear there as well.
This blocking system becomes all the more crucial given that, for the moment, the console still lacks variety in its multiplayer catalog. Negative behaviors cannot be diluted across several games or play styles. It is therefore essential to protect yourself, to remain attentive to your digital well-being, and especially that of players who are still minors who do not have all the tools to defend themselves from toxic behavior. In addition, Nintendo recently updated its parental controls, so don’t hesitate to use them to the best of your ability.
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