Sensor Tower: 25% of Switch owners have downloaded the Online app

Five million iOS and Android users have downloaded the Nintendo Switch Online companion app, according to mobile research firm Sensor Tower. This makes up about 25 percent of the console’s install base.

The app launched in July, but Switch’s paid online service just started on September 18. The $20 subscription gives players access to online multiplayer, cloud saving, and a digital collection of classic Nintendo Entertainment System games. But you can’t group up with friends or chat with them through the Switch. You need the companion mobile app to do that (or you could use other services, like Skype or Discord). Nintendo is the only console maker that requires its owners to use an outside app for such online activities.