New Gamepad Offers Access to Fortnite Chat for Switch Without App
The Nintendo Switch’s solution to providing an in-game chat feature has always been rather cumbersome; the mobile app attracted derision when it was first announced. Since then, the system has had some simplifications, but it remains more convoluted than on any other platform. Now, however, a new wired gamepad for the Switch is offering players a chance to access Fortnite chat and similar features on certain other games without needing the app.
The New Faceoff Deluxe+ Offers Fortnite Chat on Switch Without the Mobile App
The Faceoff Deluxe+ is a new wired gamepad for the Nintendo Switch made by PDP. The company developed the gamepad in collaboration with Vivox; the company which designed the in-game Fortnite chat on the Switch. As such, the Faceoff Deluxe+ features chat integration directly into the controller itself; players won’t have to set up the mobile app alongside it. The gamepad’s chat support will only work for games supported by Vivox, however, not the Switch’s entire catalogue.
The new controller has much in common with a Switch Pro Controller. However, it features two extra buttons which users can program; making it easier to customise your pro Fortnite settings to how you want them. It’s also compatible with PDP’s Faceoff faceplates. Describing the gamepad, PDP calls it; “The best Nintendo Switch controller for serious gamers.”
When Nintendo first launched their voice chat app, there were a variety of frustrating problems for players. As of 2017, the app no longer shuts down if the user switches to another app on the device. Similarly, it no longer cuts off audio if the screen turns black. However, it remains a cumbersome system which many gamers would rather do without. This gamepad does seem to offer at least one alternative.
The Faceoff Deluxe+ will launch in June, with pre-orders beginning in May. It will reportedly retail for $24.99.