Nintendo’s music app now works with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Recently, Nintendo updated Nintendo Music with several new compatibilities. Arguably the biggest additions have been the web browser and tablet versions, but the most important new feature for many will be Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. Sure, you used to be able to listen to your favorite songs on your phone while you drive, but this new compatibility allows you to natively select your favorite songs on a compatible car’s touchscreen and listen to the music through your vehicle’s speakers. There’s nothing like driving down a highway at night and listening to the Rainbow Road theme.

When you’re driving, Nintendo recommends not using your touchscreen to select Nintendo Music songs – good advice that many essential Android Auto apps echo. Since video game songs are usually around two minutes long, that means you need to set playlists beforehand. You can choose from an ever-growing library of tracks or use the “My Mix” feature to create a playlist based on your recent playing history. To make things even easier, Nintendo Music also supports voice commands for hands-free control.

While you can use the Nintendo Music app on more platforms than ever, you need a Nintendo Switch Online membership to listen to music – one of the many benefits Nintendo Switch Online offers. With an active subscription and Nintendo Music installed on a compatible device, it’s time to start connecting.

If you have an iPhone, turn on your car and make sure Siri is enabled on your phone, then connect to your car via USB or wirelessly. If you choose USB, just plug in your phone. If this is your first time, your car’s touchscreen will ask you if you want to activate Apple CarPlay. Select “Yes” and CarPlay will mirror all apps on your phone, including Nintendo Music, and subsequent connections will automatically enable CarPlay. If you’re using wireless, make sure Bluetooth is turned on and in the car’s infotainment menu, select “Smartphone Projection” and then “Connect Device.” In the Manage Device Connection window, tap “Connect a new device”. In your iPhone’s Settings menu, open “Bluetooth” and scroll down to tap your car’s Bluetooth name, then follow the on-screen instructions to pair the devices.

Connecting Android Auto is essentially the same experience, but with compatible Android devices. Again, you have to choose between USB and wireless. If you opt for USB, plug it in and a compatible car should automatically recognize it and ask if you want to start Android Auto. If you choose wireless, turn on Bluetooth on your phone, then press and hold the voice control button on the steering wheel to open the menu for pairing a new phone. Follow the on-screen instructions to pair the phone with the car and when you’re done, you’re ready to use Android Auto to listen to the best songs Nintendo has to offer.