The "Nintendo Switch Concierge" service applies a tried-and-true idea from a public health perspective to video game consoles: instead of waiting until the Switch breaks before calling customer support, Nintendo encourages recent console purchasers to call the Switch's They encourage them to set up a one-on-one call to learn how to use it properly. This is a "preventative care" approach, but one for the console gaming world. Interestingly, the Nintendo Switch Concierge Service also leverages Microsoft Teams for video meetings.

This information comes from Nintendo's official website, which now has a "Nintendo Switch Concierge" subsection. This service is available to any "recent" Switch owner ("recent" is not defined, so it is completely by appointment only), and making an appointment is a simple process. First, choose the topics you want to discuss: Nintendo Switch 101, Gaming (Getting Started), Gaming (What's Next), Security and Privacy, Nintendo Account, and Customization. Then, choose an available spot on the digital calendar and make a 30-minute appointment with a Nintendo representative. When the time is up, we chat via video call in Microsoft Teams.

This service may not sound terribly interesting to those already following the minutiae of the Nintendo Switch online. After all, this is essentially a preventative tech support call, not an opportunity to talk to developers or senior Nintendo staff. But remember that Nintendo is targeting not only its core audience, but new and casual gamers as well, and by talking to a real person for 30 minutes, you'll get a serious understanding of how to set up your system, how to choose the right games, how to manage your online account securely, etc.

As to whether Nintendo's use of Microsoft's services for the Switch Concierge Service is particularly interesting, it depends. Nintendo has worked with Microsoft in more substantive ways in the past, such as with the Switch versions of Minecraft and Ori; Microsoft Teams is a major video conferencing platform, along with Zoom and Google Meet, and it would be more interesting for Nintendo to use something of its own It would be easier for them to use an existing service than to develop one on their own.

In any case, there are a few things to keep in mind when using the Nintendo Switch Concierge Service. First, Nintendo representatives can generally only discuss the topics listed above. You cannot pry into things like when your favorite character will appear in "Smash Bros." or why the Switch Online selection is routinely disappointing. Reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis, so if a reservation is full, you have to wait for the next one. You can only make one appointment, after which it is someone else's turn. Finally, you must be at least 18 years old and a resident of the United States.

However, there is a positive side. Nintendo does not record your calls or share any information about you, so you don't have to worry about your gorgeous mug shot being featured in future ads on this platform.