You Can Expect Nintendo Server Issues Over the Holidays
When you open your Nintendo Switch this Christmas, you can expect some Nintendo server issues, it seems. One of the plagues of everything being online is that a new console is no longer a plug-and-play these days. Now you have to set up accounts and download new updates. The issue is when thousands or millions all try to do this simultaneously. Sometimes, it just doesn’t work.
A tweet on the Japanese customer service accounts reads:
“This weekend, access will be concentrated on the server of #Nintendo Account, and it is expected that Nintendo Account will not be created immediately. If you are planning to use the Nintendo Switch family for the first time, we recommend that you create it in advance.”
I won’t lie; Nintendo server issues are the least surprising thing in the world to me over the holidays. I’d be far more shocked if they didn’t have server issues. Even Sony and Microsoft, who have far a far better online system in place, will also likely suffer at least some outage.
At the moment, Nintendo is just talking about account creation. They advise that you set up an account before the weekend where most will be opening their new Switch. While that would be nice, I’m sure many parents have close to no idea how to do that.
Nintendo may be warning of just account issues, but I wouldn’t be surprised if other issues pop up. Downloads may be slower than usual, and popular online games, such as Splatoon 2, Mario Kart 8, and Smash Bros. Ultimate will also probably have some server issues if you try to play them.
It does suck that this is something we just have to live with when the holidays roll around. The online connection offers many great benefits, so we just have to take the negatives with them.