Splatoon 2's Online Lounge function for the smartphone app on July 28, 2021. After its discontinuation, players will no longer be able to invite other players through the online lounge via a URL link. The link can (at least until July 28) be shared through social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook. The friends could be invited to either private or public matches. Once invited, players will receive a notification, and can then choose to utilize the voice chat available through the app as well.
How do I use the voice chat in Splatoon 2 after July 28?
Good question! Basically, you go to the "Lobby" in the game, select Private Match or League Match, and create a room with "Voice Chat ON". You can switch this option on or off with the R button. You would then communicate through the smartphone app "Nintendo Switch Online" as per usual.
If you want to voice chat in Salmon Runs, you go to "Kumasan Shokai" in-game, select Friends and Bytes, and then create a room with "Voice Chat ON". Like before, you can switch this on or off with the R button, and you communicate through the "Nintendo Switch Online" smartphone app.
Note: I've never played Splatoon 1 or 2, (I know I'm a heretic), and I'm using translated instructions from Nintendo Japan. The instructions should be accurate, but they might not be. This is just a friendly warning in case you want to do this yourself later on.
As for why this is happening... who knows? We know Splatoon 3 is coming eventually, so perhaps it's making way for that. Nintendo has also announced that they will not be making any further changes to the app at this time, which is good, but honestly Nintendo, where's our in-game chat or Discord integration?
What do you think of this news? Do you think Nintendo is preparing for something? Do you think Nintendo will finally fix its voice chat situation or even fix its online? Do you still play Splatoon 2? Let us know in the comments!
