Listening to Nintendo music isn’t straightforward, as it’s not available on popular streaming platforms. I usually end up searching YouTube for tracks from games like Animal Crossing and Metroid. That’s why I was excited when Nintendo launched a new app, Nintendo Music, hoping it would become my go-to source for Nintendo soundtracks. However, while it has some clever features, it also has frustrating limitations and odd choices that keep it from being the ideal experience I had hoped for.
The app, which is accessible on iOS and Android for Switch Online subscribers, has a navigation system similar to music services like Apple Music or Spotify. Users can browse tracks by individual games or curated playlists focused on themes like characters, Pokémon battle songs, or tracks that suit long listening sessions. The music is thoughtfully organized by game, and fictional bands from Splatoon 3 even have their own artist pages with bios. There are also dedicated playlists for Animal Crossing: New Horizons featuring K.K. Slider performances and instrumentals, plus a full playlist of Kapp’n’s sea shanties.
One of my favorite features is the extended loop option, which lets you extend certain songs to 15, 30, or 60 minutes. I’ve already used it while working, listening to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild’s peaceful “The Great Plateau” track, which remains beautiful even years later. Another nice touch is the “spoiler prevention” list, which hides game details you haven’t encountered yet, helping avoid spoilers like final bosses for games you plan to play.
Unfortunately, Nintendo Music has a limited selection of game soundtracks. Although Nintendo has decades of iconic titles, there are currently only 25 games represented. For instance, there are just two Zelda games—Breath of the Wild and Ocarina of Time—and only one Fire Emblem game from the Game Boy Advance. There are three NES games, with two of them being from Metroid. Oddly, one of the “games” is just the music from Wii Channels, even though it has its share of fan-favorite tracks.
In short, Nintendo Music is not a comprehensive library of Nintendo’s vast musical history. It’s more of a selection of Nintendo’s recent soundtracks, with a surprising omission of classics like Super Mario World. There have been a few additions since the app launched, like Super Mario Bros. Wonder and Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest, and Nintendo hinted that more soundtracks from games like Wii Sports, Super Mario 64, The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, Splatoon 2, and F-Zero X will arrive “over time.”
The app also has some technical issues. Certain songs can’t be extended, with no clear explanation as to why. For example, Metroid Prime’s “Phendrana Drifts” track, which loops throughout a main area, can’t be extended—a decision that doesn’t make sense to me. While you can repeat the track, it’s not the same as having a seamless hour-long version. Additionally, when you select a loop duration, the song restarts, creating a brief but noticeable interruption.
Nintendo Music is currently available only on iOS and Android, with no desktop or web app. It also lacks compatibility with CarPlay and Android Auto, which would have been useful for those who want to listen on the go.
For what’s available, Nintendo Music is a good service, but it lacks the depth I’d hoped for. It feels like Nintendo may have rushed this release, possibly planning to expand it later, maybe in conjunction with a new Switch model. It’s similar to other recent Nintendo products, like the Alarmo clock and the limited Nintendo Museum—good ideas but with odd restrictions.
In the end, Nintendo Music isn’t comprehensive enough, so I’ll still be turning to YouTube for many of my favorite Nintendo tracks.