Adding video apps like Netflix to the Nintendo Switch is a waste of Nintendo's energy

The Nintendo Switch doesn't need video apps like Netflix, so why is Nintendo even trying?

[sinspirit]

I disagree. I wish it would allow connectivity to the dock while the Switch is disconnected to allow a Wii U-like control just for streaming content. If we have cheap "smart" devices that sell as well as they do, I think we will see one built into the dock in the future for a feature like this.

[NotoriousWhiz]

As someone who doesn't own a tablet, I would prefer to netflix on my Switch than on my Phone. And Wii U Gamepad doesn't have the range to be useful in my house.

[Liqu1d]

I don't own a tablet or Switch but if both had Netflix then I would get the Switch over a tablet.

[ninsigma]

Because it's a good idea! Glad this guy doesn't make important decisions! We are now at a point where we want our devices to do as much as possible. Sure the switch is focused on game primarily and that's exactly what it should be doing but it's also a portable machine and Netflix is a huge portable app. If Switch can replace needing to bring a tablet with you while you travel because it does games AND TV then I'm sure it'll make it a more enticing offer to some people. It should definitely have netflix. Also Spotify (if it doesn't already, I don't know).

[firelogic]

It doesn't take a lot of work by anyone to get Netflix on a device so why not have it? What's the downside?

[girevik]

I agree. Especially since the Wii was the leading device for Netflix viewing.

[girevik]

Read and weep.

https://www.destructoid.com...

[Veneno]

If the cost of putting apps on Switch goes to those app makers then of course why not have them,b UT if it costs Nintendo an arm and a leg it really is a waste unless it is Nintendo goal to be gamers only console in the home like Sony and Microsoft. Realistically I can't see that being the case for the switch. I can see it being the only console for a kids bedroom but not the living room. Focus more on exclusive content.

[ninsigma]

The popularity of Netflix is huge. It absolutely isn't a waste even if it does cost Nintendo because in the end, it's their job to entice gamers to buy their system so they should be utilising every tool possible to do that.

[maybelovehate]

I mean the 720 screen isn't ideal for movies.. but then again it isn't really ideal for games either.

[DarXyde]

It's one less thing for people to complain about, so I don't consider it a wasted effort. Will I use it? No, but I don't use DLNA on my Playstation or Xbox either.

[sk8ofmnd]

The battery life would prob take a huge hit while running netflix... The switch clearly wasnt designed to run apps in the background or at all.

[deafdani]

That makes zero sense.

1. Netflix doesn't need to run on the background if you're playing a game.

2. Running Netflix won't be more intensive than running any other app or a game.

[smashman98]

Netflix is a necessity now a days there are literally fridges and toasters that have Netflix so if the switch doesn't have it that doesn't look good

[MrSec84]

Any device capable of running entertainment apps that are commonly found on every device that can access the Internet should be able to run apps like this, there's literally no argument anyone can propose to legitimately argue against this.

Switch has the technology and technical capacity to run this app and any other one like it, if you're arguing against this you're basically begging for this device to be less feature packed, which is absurd.

[spaceb0y]

I don't think so dude.

[Kabaneri]

No its not. With the stand it would make an excellent mini tv.

[N8]

I disagree although I know I won't use the switch for streaming Netflix or whatever. I have so many devices that do the same thing .

[Killa78]

I genuinely think they missed a trick with no 4G capability and no multimedia apps

[BLKxSEPTEMBER]

I think you guys are missing the fact that if they added Netflix you would still need a internet source on the Switch. That means bringing along a hotspot device like your phone which in turn makes this whole setup pointless. I don't think it needs Netflix or any other video app.

[ninsigma]

Sure, it won't work while actually travelling by itself but do you honestly think people won't be bringing their phone with them while they're travelling anyway?? Also when people are on holidays or business trips where hotels etc will have wifi that the switch can connect to. There's 0 reason not to have it.

[BLKxSEPTEMBER]

Yes people will bring their phones to use as a hotspot but what happens as soon as you get a call? It disconnects (at least with t mobile) so why even bother? My phone screen is 5.5 inches which is almost as big as the Switch so why bother watching Netflix on the Switch?it just seems like an inconvenience and not worth the trouble.

[ninsigma]

It's hardly any trouble to have the app available on the device. If you'd rather watch on your phone then fair enough but as a portable entertainment machine not having an app that is basically expected in today's society can only hurt it, not help.

[BLKxSEPTEMBER]

I agree it doesn't hurt to have Netflix but Nintendo never promoted the Switch as a "entertainment " device they advertised it as a portable home console. Honestly I don't expect any apps like Netflix or amazon on the platform. Nintendo is the last home console maker to focus on pure gaming even though it can be argued that the Wii U did not provide much in that department.

[Cy]

Stupid article. Video game consoles can't survive on being "just video game consoles" anymore. People expect more, especially from something like this that tries to be a video game console, a handheld console, and a mobile device--three things which everyone expects to have internet access and basic app support.

[OrbitingTheOrb]

This arcticle just sounds like yet another fanboy making excuses for nintendo. The system has one game worth playing on it, and there isn't another one until Mario Oddysey. Why shouldn't the switch have apps like netflix or hbo go? It has little else going for it at the moment.

[girevik]

Come on. One game? I know it's not busting at the seams but it just launched. Fast RMX is great and so is Snipperclips. Then Mario Kart in a month and so forth...

I love that my wife can kick me off the TV and the ps4 and I can grab the switch and keep on playing games !

[gamer7804]

waste of energy? while many people have smartphones and tablets not everyone or every kid does. It's definitely something that will give value with honestly very little effort on their part. It also gives them negative press when people would expect the switch to have these apps when even the wiiu did.

[fungusar]

In my family we have 14 devices that can run nexflix, i dont need another.

[subtenko]

We already have a phone and tablets....plus wouldnt you rather ya know...game on that 2hr and some change worth of the switch's battery life?

But it will be handy Im sure when at home where its docked so theres that.....

[King_Lothric]

Keep justifying Nintendo and their out of touch with customers. This is why Nintendo never feel the pressure to get better. It is very ridiculous already how much Nintendo charge for the Switch when it lacks power and many standard functionalities.

[paulust2002]

Missing you tube and netflix more than I thought. I suppose people want choice. Also, if people have to switch to their ps4 or xbox to watch these services that means less time on switch, surely?

...and it's no more work for Nintendo, it's work for the service providers.

[Smokingunz]

What a dumb article. Bring on the Netflix on the swith please.

[andrewsquall]

That's why you get the owners of said services to do apps themselves which frees up any "waste" that could have been done on Nintendo's stellar games lineup for Switch, i.e. a late last gen game, a port of the last Mario Kart game and the newest main Mario game since Mario Galaxy 2 out way back in May 2010.
So if Nintendo "wasted energy on apps" for Switch, I'd hate to think what their current status on upcoming games would be then.