Nintendo has launched Nintendo Music, a new streaming app for iOS and Android, offering soundtracks from its iconic games like Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda, and more, exclusively for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers. This unique platform features customizable track durations and a ‘spoilers’ option to avoid revealing game plot points. However, it controversially omits credits for composers, raising questions about recognition for those who shaped Nintendo’s musical legacy, such as Koji Kondo and David Wise. Fans hope for future updates to address this oversight.
The Weekend Surprise
It has been known for quite some time now that Nintendo enjoys operating on its own terms, often opting for a unique approach. A perfect illustration of this is the newly launched Nintendo Music app, unveiled just yesterday. This application, available for download on iOS and Android, allows users to listen to the soundtracks from a wide array of Nintendo games: Super Mario Bros. Wonder, Super Mario Odyssey, Pikmin 4, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, nintendogs, Metroid Prime, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Donkey Kong Country, Kirby’s Dream Land, the original Metroid, and even the Wii channels… There’s something for everyone across various eras, with a promise of adding more music in the future.
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Indeed, rather than turning to popular streaming platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, or Deezer to distribute its soundtracks—an approach that is typical among publishers—Nintendo decided to create its own music streaming platform. The benefit for Nintendo, in particular, is that access is limited to subscribers of Nintendo Switch Online, whether or not they have the expansion pass.
Additionally, this allows Nintendo to introduce exclusive features. For instance, users can select the duration of some tracks, with options extending up to a one-hour loop; there’s even a ‘spoilers’ feature that prevents songs from a specific game from appearing, avoiding potential plot spoilers based on track titles or cover art. To top it off, Nintendo offers a variety of categories and playlists based on: characters, moods, franchises, and more. There’s plenty to explore.
But Where Are the Artists?
However, there’s a crucial aspect missing, particularly given Nintendo’s strong affiliation with copyright issues and its long-standing battle against those who disregard them: not a single composer is credited on Nintendo Music. It’s a bit ironic for a music streaming service to lack information about who you’re listening to. Even the ‘legal mentions’ of the music do not acknowledge them.
This omission raises questions about respect: while Nintendo has made a significant impact over its decades of existence, it owes much of that legacy to legendary composers who have been pivotal in shaping its reputation. For example, there’s the esteemed Koji Kondo, who has been with Nintendo since 1984 and is responsible for the iconic scores of Super Mario Bros., Super Mario 64, Ocarina of Time, and many more. The same goes for David Wise, who has crafted the soundtracks for titles like Donkey Kong Country and Star Fox Adventures, among others. Numerous other talented composers have also contributed greatly.
Perhaps Nintendo will address this oversight in a future update?
Subscribe to Nintendo Switch Online for 12 months
Subscribe to Nintendo Switch Online for 12 months