It`s a game console, first and foremost, despite its resemblance to tablets like the
iPadtablet made by Apple
that are so often used for media consumption.Nintendo`s new video game system, the Switch, isn`t able to browse the internet, stream music, movies, or play any media that isn`t a video game.
Nintendo SwitchMore(The Nintendo Switch is the tablet in this image, in between the two gamepads.You may slot the Switch tablet into a dock to play it on a TV as well.Nintendo)
That`s by design as Nintendo of America senior public relations manager Kit Ellis told Business Insider in Jan.:
"At launch we are truly trying to be clear that this is a gaming device first, so you`re truly not gonna see a lot of that at launch.It doesn`t mean that it`s not going to come later on, but it likely won`t be there at launch."
Still, now that the Switch is out and early adopters are putting it through its paces, there`s growing demand for streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon.For instance, a top-voted Reddit thread urged Switch owners to get in contact with Netflix and demand the service on Switch:
Nintendo Switch RedditMore(Reddit)
It sounds like Nintendo has heard those demands.
In an interview with The Washington Post published Wednesday, Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime directly confirms that those services are in the works."Were talking to a range of companies about other services, companies like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon(amazon.com) things that will come in time," he told.
When those services are coming is another question altogether.None of them are crucial of course.Fils-Aime says as much: "In our view, these are not differentiators.What differentiates us is the way you play with the Nintendo Switch and what you can play."
He`s not wrong in this respect.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the WildMore("The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild" is an excellent new game for Nintendo`s Wii U and Switch consoles.Nintendo)
Nintendo has always differentiated itself with the games it makes, from "Super Mario" to "Donkey Kong" and many others.The Switch continues this tradition its marquee launch game is a fantastic new "Legend of Zelda" game that`s getting near-universal praise.
What Fils-Aime isn`t saying, be that as it may, is also apparent Nintendo would assuredly rather you kept using its console over its competition.Part of the reason that Microsoft`s Xbox One and Sony`s PlayStation 4 had Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, and other video services at launch is in view of the fact that Microsoft(microsoft.com) and Sony(sony.com) don`t want you to turn off their consoles and go elsewhere.Nintendo`s last two home consoles, the Wii and Wii U, both had streaming services.
Of course, it`s not so hard to turn off the Switch and access these services from an Apple(apple.com) TV, Roku, or even another game console.But wouldn`t Nintendo prefer I keep using the Switch? It sounds like the answer is yes.
