Splatoon 2 Direct Gives Us a Glimpse At The Nintendo Switch Online App

During today's Splatoon 2 Direct, Nintendo showed off the first real look at the Nintendo Switch Online smartphone application. From within the application, Splatoon 2 players can access SplatNet 2. SplatNet 2 will allow players to check the game's stage schedules, their current gear and stats, and more on their smartphones.

Using SplatNet 2, Splatoon 2 owners can invite other users to play online matches via their Switch friends list or social media. Voice chat in Splatoon 2 will be automatically limited to just those on your current team.

From within the app, you can view detailed stats and results for your last 50 battles, including the weapons and gear equipped by the players in those matches. The app keeps track of lifetime ink use in relation to real-world landmarks, like the Great Pyramid of Giza example in the Direct. SplatNet 2 also offers a special gear shop, letting you send gear from the app to a store in the game's Inkopolis Square.

This is the first real shot at the Nintendo Switch Online app. Nintendo hasn't given many details up until now and Splatoon 2 acts as the launch of the service. Nintendo Switch Online will be free at launch, with Nintendo charging an annual subscription fee of $19.99 in early 2018.

Splatoon 2 launches on Nintendo Switch on July 21, 2017.