Nintendo Switch Online Profile Controversy Explained

Nintendo Switch Online can't catch a break, though the constant controversy surrounding it is scarcely unfounded. The service has long been defined by its inadequacies, and a recent upset is bringing yet another flaw in Nintendo Switch Online.

Nintendo's online service was never going to be overly popular, especially given late CEO Satoru Iwata's principled opposition to charging for online play. Nonetheless, the derision of Switch Online has come more from dissatisfaction with the service itself, as fans have long reported a lag-addled experience playing online. Switch Online's dated netcode is only the tip of the iceberg, as the games available through the service (old Nintendo titles added via drip-feed) arrive there in lieu of a Virtual Console system, which many fans would've preferred.

Nintendo Switch Online Icons Are Confusing Users

Recently, a number of NSO subscribers have been inconvenienced by Nintendo's roundabout online policy, particularly when it comes to profile icons. NSO users can unlock new profile icons via Platinum Points, which can be earned through completing missions or through promotional/tournament prizes. However, buying these icons often requires a process that's a hassle at best and Rube Goldberg-adjacent at worst.

The Switch Online Icon System is Riddled With Strange Decisions

There are some immediate problems with the icon process, which have been pointed out by many Nintendo fans. Firstly, icon elements (character, background, and frame) are in a rotational 'Missions & Rewards' section in NSO, meaning that each part is only available for a limited time.

This FOMO structure is greatly oversaturated in the current market, and it's a particularly poor fit for what should be a subscription benefit.

There's little reason why any icon element shouldn't be available in perpetuity, especially as there's little incentive for Nintendo to push impulse purchases; icons can only be bought through Platinum Points, which can't be bought with real currency. With rotating elements having the potential to disappear for over a year, Nintendo might be banking on this system to encourage the continuation of NSO subscriptions—though it's unlikely that icon accessibility will be the deciding factor for any subscription renewal.

On the subject of Platinum Points, these unassuming collectibles only add to the problem of a rotating storefront. Platinum Points expire after six months, meaning fans will have to keep up with their tasks. Luckily, Nintendo does offer a constant cycle of missions, so fans will have plenty of opportunities to accrue points. Regardless, it stirs inconvenience within what is already a paid service—one that already has a fair share of complications for customers.

NSO Subscribers Are Frustrated By Icon Restrictions

Back in March, Nintendo introduced icon elements related to Super Mario World and Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Fans immediately noticed that these icons had some absurd restrictions attached to them, requiring fans to not only own the related games but to play them within the promotional period. Not only was this not retroactive, but in the case of New Horizons, the reward section required fans to "have played on three separate days in the last 30 days, leaving at least 24 hours between each play session."

These absurd stipulations are hardly good for the consumer, and many subscribers are starting to voice their concerns. Users on Reddit, such as u/WhispyWhirl, are addressing these exact restrictions, with Animal Crossing: New Horizons becoming the prime bogey. With the Switch's successor on the horizon, Nintendo ought to reconsider its entire online system. Not only should the quality of online be patched up, but features such as NSO games and icon elements should be streamlined and improved for the customer.

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