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[KingSnake]

Yes.

Link them.

 

[XOMTOR]

The whole "play at home or away tablet" concept is precisely why it's a bummer switch lacks features like netflix, music streaming and a web browser. It would make the device more useful. It would be cool to watch netflix on TV than remove it from the cradle and continue watching on the go. Or how about at the airport pausing Zelda and checking your email on a single device? It's such an obviously cool differentiating feature that Nintendo decided to neglect.

Agreed.

If Nintendo is so reluctant to take their core games to mobile, then they should be bringing "mobile" to their hardware. There's no reason the Switch couldn't have been both since it's essentially an Nvidia Shield Tablet with a Nintendo logo stamped on the front.

 

[ElectricBlanketFire]

Honestly, I do not care. I have over 10 devices that are Netflix-capable at this point. Nobody is going to decide whether they want a Switch on the basis of whether it does Netflix.

Not on its own, but it certainly contributed to our decision not to get one at launch.

 

[louiedog]

I carry my phone and laptop when I fly every couple of months. Desktop operating system Netflix doesn't let me download video for offline viewing and my phone screen isn't 6.2". It won't kill my decision to buy one, but I would use it.

It would be nice if the hybrid home console and mobile gaming device had the feature that other home consoles and mobile devices have.

 

[MyBodyisReady]

I really don't get why this matters at all. Don't people already have enough devices that can play Netflix? Like, is someone going to awaken from their cryostasis and buy ONLY a TV and a Nintendo Switch and be like... "Awwww, DAMN IT NINTENDO why can't I play this new NETFLIX thing?"

I think this is a garbage decision. I started to use Netflix because of my Wii. So I have, until now, only used Netflix exclusively on my Nintendo Console. My HD TV is from 2010 so it's pre-Smart TV era.

I don't feel like buying a new TV, or a dedicated Netflix Box/Dongle. Why can't I just continue on with how things are?! My console system should be able to handle Netflix!
iPad/Phone screens are too tiny for TV.

 

[Drek]

But you have a PS4 if you want Netflix, if you then have a PS4 and a Switch why is it important/terrible if this doesn't utilise it?

You know what else a PS4 has if I want it? Video games. So why do I need a Switch?

So does my iPad.

And my phone.

And my Vita.

And my PC.

And my 3DS.

Maybe Switch shouldn't exist since it's clearly so redundant in offering us something as ubiquitous to all these existing hardware devices we all already own. I already have enough systems to play video games on, why one more? Fuck reasons for different usage situations, obviously.

Don't pretend the Vita was a proper home console experience like the Switch will be. It didnt even have HDMI out.

So it's the same as the PSP GO then. That had video out. Could also sync a traditional controller with it, like the Switch. Had a digital marketplace for new and legacy software too. Even had half-baked online play. Another Switch "feature".

So the "Switch" here is to a business model Sony tried to implement a fucking decade ago without success.

Also, while the Vita might not have had HDMI out there is something it does have that the Switch doesn't. NETFLIX.

 

[jonno394]

Also, while the Vita might not have had HDMI out there is something it does have that the Switch doesn't. NETFLIX.

Vita didn't have netflix for me........wasn't released in UK, europe and likely countless other places.

(i apologise for not taking the time to properly reply to your full post, i'm now in the middle of things)

 

[Kintaro]

Spinning this as anything but a negative is some Tornado-like spin. Everything under the sun has Netflix it seems. If it doesn't, something is wrong. It's a bad look and you really don't want to be associated with devices that don't have it, when you should have it.

 

[kiguel182]

The whole "other devices have só who cares" assumes that everyone has every device and that obviously isn't the case.

Anyway, hopefully Netflix will arrive soon after launch.

 

[Mr T.]

It just says it won't have it at launch. I'm guessing it will get it down the line. It seems like Nintendo wants the Switch released early this year so its positioned inbetween the PS4 Pro and Scorpio. This way consumers know what it is and it doesn't have to compete with other new hardware until Christmas. Unfortunitely for Nintendo, some people are jumping ship at launch but maybe they'll pick it up during the holidays or when some more games and apps are added.

 

[mackattk]

I can see it being an issue to some people... To me though? Really not a big deal at all.

 

[Lemaitre]

Just when I thought the Switch couldn't be more of a joke.

Glad I canceled my pre-order.

 

[PopcornMegaphone]

It'd be great, but then I can't imagine everyone with an ipad or a smartphone that does that deciding they no longer need it because they have a feature packed switch.

It doesn't need to be everyone. No one is making that argument.

I certainty don't think switch could make people give up their smart phones, but they may prefer to use switch for internet, streaming, etc due to the larger screen.

 

[Steve Youngblood]

The whole "other devices have só who cares" assumes that everyone has every device and that obviously isn't the case.

Anyway, hopefully Netflix will arrive soon after launch.

I'm going to be honest. The market for a brand new, $300 hybrid video game console is almost entirely going to consist of tech enthusiasts. It actually is fair to point out that there's a 99.9999% chance you have a similar device that you can watch Netflix on. But to me, that's beside the point. The point is just that it seems implausible that such a device wouldn't have the ability to use Netflix. If you're in the planning room at Nintendo and someone says "ah we don't need media apps; consumers can just use a different device" everyone else in the room should be pelting that person with any loose object they can find. Why on Earth does that sound like a good idea?

 

[ArmageddB]

I wonder if if was some sort of agreement with Nvidia:
-Nintendo markets the Switch as a game console
-Nvidia markets the Shield as a media streamer

That way the sell both products.

 

[prag16]

Read the thread for reasons.

I think we have failed. It's like talking to brick walls. We could draw a little picture and even use our hands, and they would still repeat the same bullshit.

 

[Pennywise]

I wonder if if was some sort of agreement with Nvidia:
-Nintendo markets the Switch as a game console
-Nvidia markets the Shield as a media streamer

That way the sell both products.

No.
They're not tied to each other, Nvidia is merely providing some hardware.

 

[flkraven]

I'm going to be honest. The market for a brand new, $300 hybrid video game console is almost entirely going to consist of tech enthusiasts. It actually is fair to point out that there's a 99.9999% chance you have a similar device that you can watch Netflix on. But to me, that's beside the point. The point is just that it seems implausible that such a device wouldn't have the ability to use Netflix. If you're in the planning room at Nintendo and someone says "ah we don't need media apps; consumers can just use a different device" everyone else in the room should be pelting that person with any loose object they can find. Why on Earth does that sound like a good idea?

But if that argument is made about the Switch, couldn't the same thing be said about everything else it does? Sure I have plenty other places that I can watch Netflix, but I also have plenty other home consoles that play games (and some are more powerful and cheaper). I also have tablets and a phone that can play games, chat with friends, have Netflix, facebook, etc. So anytime someone says 'what's the point of Netfix on the Switch if you can watch it elsewhere?' I think an equally valid question is "what's the point of the Switch if it does less than other products for more money?'

 

[Okami Haundo]

I'm going to be honest. The market for a brand new, $300 hybrid video game console is almost entirely going to consist of tech enthusiasts. It actually is fair to point out that there's a 99.9999% chance you have a similar device that you can watch Netflix on. But to me, that's beside the point. The point is just that it seems implausible that such a device wouldn't have the ability to use Netflix. If you're in the planning room at Nintendo and someone says "ah we don't need media apps; consumers can just use a different device" everyone else in the room should be pelting that person with any loose object they can find. Why on Earth does that sound like a good idea?

I appreciate you presenting this point of view! It seems very likely that Nintendo doesn't care about getting apps like this out for day one. To their credit, the release is during a relative low point in terms of retail sales and day one is generally for enthusiasts. If Switch were launching without Netflix during the holiday, things would be a bit worrisome. If we never get Netflix and other apps at all, I'd be worried as well.

 

[Budi]

I can see it being an issue to some people... To me though? Really not a big deal at all.

Same here, if I used Netflix I would do it on my PC. And I personally couldn't imagine watching movies from the screen on the go. Anyone who I'm in relations with has a PC actually, don't know if that's a Finnish thing. What I'm kinda bummed about is that Switch doesn't work as a phone, that's a feature I would actually welcome.

 

[Teletraan1]

I don't understand why Nintendo wants to drive you to use your 1000 other devices rather than switch. The whole push should be to get you to use your switch for everything. More engagement with the device the better. If it is just some dank device you only turn on once in a while to play some Nintendo games then good luck.

 

[Wowfunhappy]

I don't feel like buying a new TV, or a dedicated Netflix Box/Dongle. Why can't I just continue on with how things are?! My console system should be able to handle Netflix!
iPad/Phone screens are too tiny for TV.

Not saying this makes this justifies the situation or anything like that, but if you have a Wii U, you could just continue to use it as your Netflix box. You'll probably want to keep it plugged in anyway, since the Switch doesn't have backwards compatibility.

 

[ArmageddB]

No.
They're not tied to each other, Nvidia is merely providing some hardware.

And the gaming API ... basically they've built and are providing everything that makes the games run.

https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/2016/10/20/nintendo-switch/

Nintendo's just putting their skin (physical and UI) and games on top of it.

 

[arlucool]

You'll probably want to keep it plugged in anyway, since the Switch doesn't have backwards compatibility.

This is another thing that I find contradicts with Iwata's views on the future of the company, like that famous quote of absorbing WiiU's architecture with their next console:

In this perspective, while we are only going to be able to start this with the next system, it will become important for us to accurately take advantage of what we have done with the Wii U architecture. It of course does not mean that we are going to use exactly the same architecture as Wii U, but we are going to create a system that can absorb the Wii U architecture adequately. When this happens, home consoles and handheld devices will no longer be completely different, and they will become like brothers in a family of systems.

So they weren't able to do so? It seems like they really don't want anything to do with WiiU, not even with what was good about the system.

 

[GabeTheGrouch76]

Considering how fast they shafted the Wii U after 2015 and how much they kept this platform under wraps, it's still amazing to see the Switch apparently come out with so many half-baked components.

Sure, Netflix may eventually come "after launch", but first impressions are important and the Switch isn't exactly living up to that on all cylinders IMO. Nintendo has a really puzzling tendency of starting from square one from things they previously built up on with their previous ventures.

The more we hear, the more obvious it is that Switch should have been delayed. Oh well. If early adopters are OK with it, then that's their choice.

Key words: "at launch"

There are quite a lot of things that are using these key words combined with "missing". From games to online services.

Agreed on both counts.

 

[ShowDog]

Nintendo should hope a consumer is buying a Switch instead of an iPad or Kindle Fire, not in addition to one. Offloading features like voice chat to a competing product (like a phone or tablet) and not putting effort into making the Switch at least a passable tablet for web browsing and media consumption in addition to a games machine is a huge mistake.

Especially for the parents that don't want to buy little Johnny a Nintendo and a Kindle. He's gonna get one, and it's probably going to be the one that does the most things semi-competently. All the expensive bits and pieces to lose, drop and shatter also make this a hard sell for parents/kids.

 

[Wowfunhappy]

Edit: Double post fail.

 

[Wowfunhappy]

So they weren't able to do so? It seems like they really don't want anything to do with WiiU, not even with what was good about the system.

I have no idea what Iwata meant by that quote. The Wii U is PowerPC. There's no way that would have made sense for a (hybrid) portable.

Nintendo should hope a consumer is buying a Switch instead of an iPad or Kindle Fire, not in addition to one. Offloading features like voice chat to a competing product (like a phone or tablet) and not putting effort into making the Switch at least a passable tablet for web browsing and media consumption in addition to a games machine is a huge mistake.

Especially for the parents that don't want to buy little Johnny a Nintendo and a Kindle. He's gonna get one, and it's probably going to be the one that does the most things semi-competently. All the expensive bits and pieces to lose, drop and shatter also make this a hard sell for parents/kids.

I don't understand why Nintendo wants to drive you to use your 1000 other devices rather than switch. The whole push should be to get you to use your switch for everything. More engagement with the device the better. If it is just some dank device you only turn on once in a while to play some Nintendo games then good luck.

The one thing that I thought would be a no brainer for Nintendo to support on a MOBILE TABLET.

This makes no sense.

The mental gymnastics in here are incredible. Nobody gives a shit how OTHER people will use the device, so your personal anecdotes are meaningless.

Most may not use the feature but a lot of people WOULD use it. The bottom line is that while it's not a death sentence or deal breaker for most people, it WILL baffle a not insignificant amount of potential customers, and it makes Nintendo look stupid. And perception matters.

Yep. Nintendo is basically saying they don't want to even try to become someone's primary entertainment device, which is baffling when you're coming off the heels of your worst-selling system ever.

Nintendo just like to fuck things up. Netflix should be on this console at launch.

Well Nintendo is definitely in a position where they can afford to tell consumers to fuck off.

Do we have any insights if this is Nintendos decision or if Netflix just doesn't bother? Especially with the new offline mode this should be an obvious must have.

My toaster runs Netflix, this is another one of the "Oh, Nintendo" things.

Nintendo does not make the netflix app.

Nintendo has as much control over whether the Switch gets Netflix as they do over whether it gets the next CoD.

 

[Steve Youngblood]

Nintendo has as much control over whether the Switch gets Netflix as they do over whether it gets the next CoD.

I don't think you thought this comparison through at all. I mean, I get it. Nintendo doesn't make the app. But Netflix appears on pretty much any device. Do you really think Nintendo tried to get Netflix to make a Switch app and Netflix refused to comply?

 

[Wowfunhappy]

I don't think you thought this comparison through at all. I mean, I get it. Nintendo doesn't make the app. But Netflix appears on pretty much any device. Do you really think Nintendo tried to get Netflix to make a Switch app and Netflix refused to comply?

Yes. Or at least, I don't think Netflix prioritized having it ready for launch.

It took years for Netflix to get around to updating the Wii U app with what had become basic features, like accounts. The Youtube app on the Wii U was clearly created entirely without Nintendo's involvement (since it's slower than just using the browser and iirc didn't support off-tv viewing at one point). I don't think that any of the big tech companies care about Nintendo.

 

[Bronx-Man]

$300

paid online

360-ports from 3rd parties

no games

doesn't even have netflix

 

[LoveCake]

Even if it is coming later, why is it not ready now?

I cannot understand why nothing seems to be ready for the Switch release date, it is only a app, I know Nintendo may not make the app but is it that hard and expensive to create a app like this, or could it be that the Switch doesn't have a web-browser? would it require one for an app like this to use?

 

[hiim_haz]

Even if it is coming later, why is it not ready now?

I cannot understand why nothing seems to be ready for the Switch release date.

I understand Nintendo not to position it as a multimedia device and as only a gaming device, but these are just apps, what about Amazon prime video and YouTube or even Crunchyroll.

It takes time to develop UI and compatability for a new product line. More than likely Netflix was engaged late in the game because Nintendo's core focus has never been multimedia. Netflix is on a ton of devices so it'll come to Switch at some point but it's a lower priority. It'll be there before Holiday for sure.

 

[pawelranger]

Calm your tits guys, Netflix will eventually come to Switch, the app and/or the OS are just not ready at launch. If you want only the Switch to see Netflix, buy the console when the app is released. And stop all the gloom and doom just for Netflix, I'm more concerned right now for the online services, specially needing your phone for matchmaking and chat.

 

[Fantastapotamus]

I'm in the market for a tablet. I don't have huge demands. I want a web browser, I want to listen to music and I want a Netflix app. If Nintendo were able to give me these 3 extremely common and easy things, I would buy a Switch ASAP.
"Just use your XYZ" isn't great advice when you don't have XYZ

Calm your tits guys, Netflix will eventually come to Switch, the app and/or the OS are just not ready at launch. If you want only the Switch to see Netflix, buy the console when the app is released. And stop all the gloom and doom just for Netflix, I'm more concerned right now for the online services, specially needing your phone for matchmaking and chat.

It's not Netflix specifically, it's the whole thing around it.

 

[FLAguy954]

Honestly, I do not care. I have over 10 devices that are Netflix-capable at this point. Nobody is going to decide whether they want a Switch on the basis of whether it does Netflix.

Not on its own, but it certainly contributed to our decision not to get one at launch.

This amongst other things like the distinct lack of multimedia capabilities such as Blu-ray playback (see the huge thread about the lack of a 4K Blu-ray player in the PS4 Pro).

 

[SystemUser]

Okay, that's fine in my opinion. Isn't that the point of buying a game console? Did people expect their SNES to play tapes as well?

You never heard of the SNES CD project that Nintendo was working on with Sony? What was that called again? The PlayStation? A vidja game machine that play music discs? No will ever want that!

 

[LyleLanley]

But if that argument is made about the Switch, couldn't the same thing be said about everything else it does? Sure I have plenty other places that I can watch Netflix, but I also have plenty other home consoles that play games (and some are more powerful and cheaper). I also have tablets and a phone that can play games, chat with friends, have Netflix, facebook, etc. So anytime someone says 'what's the point of Netfix on the Switch if you can watch it elsewhere?' I think an equally valid question is "what's the point of the Switch if it does less than other products for more money?'

Presumably people who own one of those other products would buy the Switch because it plays games the other consoles can't.

 

[Terrell]

It not being there at launch definitely speaks to Nintendo prioritizing other things.

I'm rather shocked that no one has actually reached out to Netflix for comment on this, considering the wide circulation of the report, to see what their intentions are.

 

[LordCiego]

$300

paid online

360-ports from 3rd parties

no games

doesn't even have netflix

Even more expensive in Europe.

Matchmaking and social features by phone App.

Joycons doesnt charge in the joycon grip.

Very expensive accessories.

This reveal and all the little news since have destroyed all the Hype I had for the Switch. Will wait to see how things are by Christmas time of for a future revisión. This is coming from a PC player which his last console was a DS lite.

 

[coughlanio]

I'll say this again, isn't it obvious that Nintendo is reducing the number of apps on the system to reduce the number of attack vectors when it comes to exploits?

 

[ElMexiMerican]

While I don't see this as much of an issue for people with more than one device, I could see this as a problem for parents who are looking at this as an alternative to buying an iPad for their child. Anecdotally, my cousin bought her son a Wii U over a year ago, and every time I visited them he was using it for YouTube. However, Nintendo must be looking at the usage data for these apps and not seeing much traffic coming through them. If that's the case, than they must see the inclusion of multimedia functionality to be not much of a profit changer for them. I suppose this exclusion has some precedent as well, as seen in the past with the lack of DVD playback. Also, it falls in line with their new line of thinking in having your smartphone supplement many of the functions a typical system has, which I'm still trying to fully comprehend.

 

[lord]

I doubt this, cmon the freaking 3ds has netflix on its potato screen. Even if it's not there at launch it will get it eventually.

 

[Wonder Peter]

It's more elegant to watch on your smartphone

Spoiler

/s

 

[cyberheater]

The non US Vita still don't have Netflix. Just saying...

 

[Nerazar]

Nintendo should hope a consumer is buying a Switch instead of an iPad or Kindle Fire, not in addition to one. Offloading features like voice chat to a competing product (like a phone or tablet) and not putting effort into making the Switch at least a passable tablet for web browsing and media consumption in addition to a games machine is a huge mistake.

Especially for the parents that don't want to buy little Johnny a Nintendo and a Kindle. He's gonna get one, and it's probably going to be the one that does the most things semi-competently. All the expensive bits and pieces to lose, drop and shatter also make this a hard sell for parents/kids.

The Switch is not an Android device to keep kids busy with YouTube. If parents were to decide between a 3DS and a $80 tablet, the multimedia feautres would not send them to the 3DS. Those are different devices for different purposes.

Maybe Nintendo is trying to label the console as something for gaming enthusiasts for now, not as a "All in One" multimedia hub? The key message of the device is *not* that you can watch "Netflix anywhere you go" or "watch Netflix in TV mode, Handheld mode and Tabletop Mode". It's something else and I understand their decision not to directly run against common tablets which will always have more (multimedia) apps and everything... but will never have games with that quality level on the go. So they're really trying to focus here on gaming, because this is the main differentiator after all.

But I am quite sure this all gets cleared up eventually. Because we don't know anything about the system yet. We have 2 vaguely frames Reggie-interviews for that Online App and he is trying to sell us this app as well. They really want people on that App, it seems, and I don't think that people outside GAF would care that much about downloading an app in order to use their $300 device to full extent. We're in the age of smart TVs now, so at some point, you would have to move on.

That being said: adding Netflix to the device is a no-brainer, just like adding a Voice Chat app, if anything fails. Maybe it's still onboard, I don't know. But I am still sure that all those #outrage-threads on GAF contain much hyperbole at least until Nintendo broadcasts their Online Direct. After that, there is still enough time to hyperventilate.

 

[maverick40]

Nintendo fans continuing to take expert spin classes I see!

 

[1morerobot]

I've got Netflix on so many freaking devices at this point I really couldn't care less. Same with the web browser. Who actually uses a browser on their gaming console? I've messed around with them occasionally but it's usually more of a pain in the ass than it's worth.

I'm good with this.

Still not getting a Switch at launch though.

 

[orthodoxy1095]

It's more elegant to watch on your smartphone

Spoiler

/s

"Elegant" will become a timeless Nintendo meme now for sure.

 

[Goron2000]

But you have a PS4 if you want Netflix, if you then have a PS4 and a Switch why is it important/terrible if this doesn't utilise it?

Because a lot of people don't have a ps4 and Nintendo not going after an extremely easy selling point is worrying to people that want to know that the system they are buying will survive long enough to justify purchasing it.