Thanks to its portability and the sheer amount of fun, multiplayer games available, Nintendo Switch has become one of the most popular gaming consoles in the world. Whether you’re struggling to join your buddy in a game of “Mario Kart 8 Deluxe” or you’re trying to invite them to brawl with you in “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate” is among the game’s pride and glory, being able to transmit an online play invite on your own Switch is kind of essential. And in this guide, we’ll explain how to send online invites to play on Switch, thus allowing you to get together and game in a whole new way.
In this blog post, we will show you how to send invites along with answers to common questions and important tips for an awesome, hassle-free experience while enjoying your multiplayer titles.
Key Points:
- Send invites to online play You’ll need to be signed up to Nintendo Online to send online play invites.
- In other games, both players must be online and have the same version of the game.
- Invitations will generally be issued via the game’s own menu or through a friend list.
What Do You Need to Send Online Invites in Switch?
Before you begin sending out your invitations, you’ll want to ensure you have a few items ready. First, you need a Nintendo Switch console that has been connected to the web. If your console is offline, you will not be able to play or send invites. You will also need a Nintendo Account and an active Nintendo Switch Online membership. This subscription is necessary to play offline or online multiplayer for most games.
Next, confirm that the game you want to play has an online multiplayer option. Please note that not every Switch game supports online invites. For example, some games — such as “Animal Crossing: New Horizons” — require that you open your island gates in the game, instead of sending a standard invite. After you’ve verified that the game in question allows online invites, make sure neither of you has added the other to your Nintendo Friend List.
Reminder: Be sure to have your Nintendo Switch system updated and your game updated to avoid connection errors.
How to Add Friends on Nintendo Switch?
You will need to add friends if you plan on inviting them to play games with you online. First, navigate to your Nintendo Switch’s home screen and select your user profile icon in the top-left corner. From there, scroll down and tap on “Add Friend.” There are several places where you see the option to add friends, including:
- Find via Friend Code: Put in your friend’s 12-digit Nintendo ID code.
- Search for Nearby Users: If friends are in the vicinity.
- Search Users You Played. This is helpful when you want to add some people you just played a game with.
When you send a friend request, your friend has to accept it before you will see them in your friends list. Once they’ve been added, you can check if they’re online and what they’re currently playing.
Note: Your friend must confirm your request before you can invite them to games.
How do I send trophies screenshot of online play invites in game?
Now that your friend is added to your game, you can invite them to play online. Most games will have their own invite system; the process will look a little different in every game. Let’s say “Mario Kart 8 Deluxe” and “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate” as examples:
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe:
- Open the game.
- Select “Online Play.”
- Choose “Friends.”
- If your friend is online, hang out with them in the room or invite them to your room.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate:
- Open the game.
- Go to “Online.”
- Select “Battle Arenas” then “Create Arena.”
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Create the arena and give the ID to a friend.
A few games will even let you send invites through the Nintendo Switch invitation notification system, although this is up to the developer. And if you’re not sure what a part of the game does, just go into the game’s manual or help menu.
Table 1: Analysis of Invite Methods Across Popular Games
| Game Title | Invite Method | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mario Kart 8 Deluxe | Join or invite from friends | Must be friends and online |
| Super Smash Bros. Ultimate | Create and share arena ID | Notifies only if friend checks manually |
| Animal Crossing | Open gates via airport | No direct invites, use Dodo codes |
| Minecraft | Invite via in-game menu | Must be Xbox Live friends |
Can You Email Out Invitations from the Nintendo App?
Yes, Nintendo has a companion smartphone app called Nintendo Switch Online, which assists with game invites, voice chat, and adding friends. To access this, download the application from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store and log in using the Nintendo Account.
It is particularly helpful for some games, such as “Splatoon 2” and “Animal Crossing,” for which the communication feature is expanded. Once you’re in the app:
- Select the game.
- Select the online room or invitation.
- Forward a link or an alert straight to your friend.
The app doesn’t, in other words, supplant in-game invites; it’s another limb of the service, providing complementary functionality.
Table 2: Console vs App Invite Features
| Feature | On Console | On App (Nintendo Online) |
| Send Game Invites | Yes | Limited (depends on game) |
| Voice Chat | No | Yes |
| View Friend List | Yes | Yes |
| Create Rooms/Lobbies | Yes (in-game) | No (only join via link) |
What If the Invite Doesn’t Work?
Sometimes, invites might not go through. This could be due to connection issues, outdated software, or friend list problems. Here are a few tips:
- Make sure both players are connected to the internet.
- Confirm that you both have Nintendo Online subscriptions.
- Check that both of you are using the same version of the game.
- Restart the console or game and try again.
You can also try removing and re-adding the friend if the issue persists. Nintendo’s official support website provides troubleshooting guides for most games and error codes.
Reminder: Always check for system or game updates before starting a multiplayer session.
Conclusion
Sending online play invites on Switch is not as complicated as it may seem. Once you understand the requirements and steps, it becomes a very simple process. Whether you’re playing with friends across the globe or next door, the Nintendo Switch offers flexible ways to enjoy gaming together.
From adding friends, navigating in-game menus, to using the Nintendo Switch Online app, each method adds to your multiplayer experience. With proper setup and a good internet connection, you’ll be sending invites and playing online like a pro in no time.
FAQ’s
- Do I need Nintendo Switch Online to send invites?
Yes, most games require an active Nintendo Switch Online subscription. - Can I invite someone who is not on my friend list?
Usually no, but some games like Animal Crossing allow invites using codes. - Why is my invite not reaching my friend?
Check your internet connection, game version, and ensure both accounts are updated. - Can I use the Nintendo app for all games?
Not all games are supported by the app, so its use is limited to select titles. - How do I check if my friend is online?
Go to your profile, then Friend List to see their current online status and activity.
