Given that it’s 2017, it’s harder to find a device that doesn’t stream your favourite video service rather than one that does. The Xbox One has it, the PS4 has it, and even Nintendo’s little handheld 3DS manages to somehow squeeze in support for apps such as Netflix. The company’s upcoming Switch though? No dice, as Nintendo continues holding no punches when it comes to bad news around their new console.
An official statement from the Japanese company confirmed that while the Switch might seem like the perfect form factor for gaming and streaming on the go, the latter will not be supported at launch. They haven’t ruled out support for Netflix, Hulu, Twitch and more in the future, but right now it’s got no real date attached.
All of our efforts have gone toward making the Nintendo Switch system an amazing dedicated video game platform, so it will not support any video-streaming services at launch. However, support for video-streaming services is being considered for a future update.
The Wii U also launched back in 2012 without any support for streaming apps, but picked up the functionality not long after. Every other console on the market features support too, along with almost any mobile device you might hope to take with you outside of your house – be it in your pocket or in a backpack.
The inability to take the Switch on a trip and not have support to stream your favourite services is just a baffling decision, and yet another cause to pause before pre-ordering. There are so many features of the Switch that are simply being signposted as “coming soon”, with video streaming now joining the likes of a final version of Nintendo’s new online environment, It just feels like Switch is launching before some of its most basic features are ready for it, which is enough for most to stay away for a few months.
Last Updated: January 20, 2017
Admiral Chief
January 20, 2017 at 11:05
Keep digging that hole Ninty…
HvR
January 20, 2017 at 12:07
Hour late for the similar comment:
Welcome to Digging Holes with Reggie Vol2
Ottokie
January 20, 2017 at 11:11
Who streams on consoles?
http://i.imgur.com/KYL7Fxj.png
PurplePariah
January 20, 2017 at 11:14
https://media.giphy.com/media/1Z02vuppxP1Pa/giphy.gif
Guild
January 20, 2017 at 11:21
I used to. Had Apple TV connected to one TV and the PS4 on the other TV. So I would stream Hulu, Netflix, Twitch, YouTube, etc on the PS4. But I bought another Apple TV so don’t use my PS4 for streaming anymore
PurplePariah
January 20, 2017 at 11:22
Why are you even on my Steam friends list?
GAH. Apple?
I can happily accept all consoles, I’d have those too if I could afford them. But. Apple?
Guild
January 20, 2017 at 11:36
I like their products. Easy to use and stream with
PurplePariah
January 20, 2017 at 11:37
Somehow I read that in my head in a Russian accent. XD
GooseZA
January 20, 2017 at 11:23
*raises hand
Gavin Mannion
January 23, 2017 at 10:07
I stream through Wii U in my office, PS3 in the bedroom and Xbox One in the lounge.. why buy another device when I have them already?
Raptor Rants
January 20, 2017 at 11:22
Ok that’s where it goes downhill
Magoo
January 20, 2017 at 11:58
Has anyone stopped to compare this to a PSP? It’s obviously got better hardware and detachable controller, but even the PSP has actual features.
konfab
January 20, 2017 at 12:22
It could even run Nintendo games 😛
Viper_ZA
January 20, 2017 at 12:16
So we will get a half-baked console attempt then, yes? I am sure even more “features” will be slotted in as “yet to be released”.
Galbedir
January 20, 2017 at 13:59
Oh dear, this was a major factor in buying the console for me, mainly because my Bluray player doesn’t have wifi, and needs a cable run through the house. Ill have to wait till this function is added before I purchase then.
Zander Boshoff
January 21, 2017 at 20:11
I have a proper PC hooked to to my tv to stream. My xbox is for games only