Topic: Switch Apps and Browser

It is now 4 days post switch launch... and I flipping love it. Now that I've had it a couple of days I am seeing my usage of the console in its various forms (docked, handheld, tabletop). So we all know Nintendo is considering media apps at the moment. Given the fact that these media apps were available on previous consoles I believe we will more than likely get them sometime in the future.

Now the internet browser is a bit more up in the air. I was actually one of the people who voted on the polls saying I don't care much for it since I only rarely used it on the 3ds or wii u. Now I have actually been spending most of my switch time in bed. The other thing with he switch is that it is actually a fairly nice tablet. The screen looks great, the tablet is light, and the form factor without the joycons feels pretty good. So the problem is I actually find myself exiting a game and wanting to open up a web browser and do some reading or watch a quick video. It's already in my hand im laying in bed and it just makes sense.

It may seem like this contradicts me not using the 3ds browser since I do play my 3ds in bed as well. But I guess I didnt expect the UI to be so nice, clean, and snappy to the point where I want to use it as a tablet. So I guess the real question is now that the switch is here, do you catch yourself wanting a browser? and if you do, how do we get Nintendo to add this on their to-do list?

This is definitely just a convenience thing and I honestly think the switch is fine without it. (:

I think we should have at least the basics. Such as a web browser, Netflix, YouTube, Hulu and Amazon video. I don't think they need to go all out on applications. But I do think they need at least the basics.

But I think what they're doing is similar to what Sony did. They released the console. But then later on they released YouTube and other apps etc.

Also I feel like there should be a media player. So if you put like a movie onto my micro SD card for example. I'll be able to view it on the tablet. That'd be great when you're on a airplane, long car ride/road trip(not driving the vehicle), just out of town and you want to watch something or you simply at home, and you just want to watch it docked on your TV. That would also work well for Netflix, if the Switch version allows you to download movies for offline viewing.

@Bigj0110
Yup exactly. The basics would be fine. The media player I feels isn't utilized often enough in consoles to the point where I think Nintendo will just ignore it. But yea it would make sense with the sdxc support.

And the switch is in a somewhat weird spot where yes it's a home console, but I usually have it on me. So I've completely changed my mind and feel like the switch could greatly benefit by also functioning as a tablet. But then again this could just be because I don't actually own a tablet. Like I said it's convenience. I don't necessarily think it's imperative to the consoles success. But it could definitely help.

I would like to see,

Social media apps, You tube, browser, netflix.

I'd like to see Youtube. Maybe a web browser too.

I'm obviously in the minority on this, but I actually use the browser on my Wii U all the time. I find it easier to see and navigate than my phone, and we charge our laptop back in our bedroom so the Gamepad is often easier and quicker to grab and power up. I don't have a Switch yet, but I really hope it has a browser by the time I get one.

Quite frankly i don't feel the need for browser or apps of any kind. I want games on it!

@FGPackers
I mean if I had to choose definitely games over browser/media apps.

@Xyphon22
Yea that probably would put you in the minority but it shouldn't make your argument any less valid.

@YellowFighter @mav-i-am
While I'm not completely sold on having media apps for music and pictures, (Although would it be possible to view images in your sd card through the switch album?) Like I mentioned previously the switch is a device that feels very good in the hands. With joycons removed it is actually more portable than many tablets which tend to be 7 inches or bigger and I wouldn't blame you for wanting the media apps.

I'm glad Nintendo focused on it being gaming hardware first, draw in the core gamers and market to masses somtime after launch. But it would seem like wasted potential if they don't add tablet features to this tablet.

Those are just my thoughts just wanted to see others opinions on the matter. Keep it going

After watching some videos on the Switch's newsfeed on the main menu, I now realise how brilliant videos look on the Switch, it sound good and it's nice and loud. The touchscreen is very responsive, so web browsing on it would be great. Hopefully soon.

@Honelith

Yup exactly. Atleast streaming apps are on the way. Also there's a small work around for basic web browsing through linking your Facebook to your switch. Kind of jnteresting

I'd really like to see Twitch (etc.) support added...it'd make sense - especially as Nintendo are looking to make waves on the eSports scene...

Looks unlikely though unfortunately - whenever the Big N have talked about gameplay streaming in the past, they've been largely negative...plus, I'm told that the Switch hardware may not be able to handle running a game & streaming the gameplay simultaneously (?) (fortunately, there are workarounds - but only if you're willing to have your Switch tethered to a computer)

Other than that, a web browser would be nice! I've found it especially useful on my PS4 if I've ever been stuck at a certain point of a game...a quick internet search can get you back on track! ..good to hear that one should be coming in a future update

There were a few instances where I wished there was YouTube or a web browser on the thing but it's not the end of the world for me. I've got a cell phone for my random internet searches and an Apple TV for whenever I want to watch Netflix and a laptop with a far better screen than the Switch to watch my occasional YouTube video on. And Nintendo knows that's how it is for most consumers out there. Though they're taking this logic too far by making apps with features we want on the Switch for your iPhone or Android (like voice chat, messaging, etc).

I really love Switch and I think it is already a great console, but I would definitely be really happy if multimedia apps will be added in the future.
The thing I miss the most is the possibility to view normal photos since the album don't load them, it would be very important for me to have a fix for that, but honestly it would also be very fun to have a web browser.
I would immediately start again to watch Diamond is unbreakable (for the third time! ) just for the sake of watching it on my Switch

I miss the weather and news apps from the Wii era. It was nice to have everything available at a glance in such a neat and intuitive interface.

They need to add apps and a browser. I also find myself in bed wanting to do more than just playing games with it.

so your laying in bed, i get the convenience but cmon you telling me your phone isnt right there next to you? the browser on the WiiU and 3ds are garbage when compared to the one on your phone. now i would love to have media apps though, would love to be able to watch netflix on the tv then when i go to do something i could just take it with me and never loose a beat.

I think we need some media apps soon, and I don't even have Netflix lol (I do have Prime). The next wave of adoption is going to be when MK8 Deluxe comes out, and Nintendo would be smart to try and have that stuff by then.

Honestly, I would be ok with just a YouTube app. That would be perfect. MAYBE Twitch, as well.

Some basic apps would be fine (like media streaming), as long as the games remain the primary focus.

Yeah, Twitch support this time around for sure. Was pretty lame you had to use a pop out video player on the Wii U. Netflix, Youtube, Hulu are pretty much guaranteed ~