Nintendo Switch Won't Have Video Streaming Services At Launch, But They're Being Considered

So that's why no mention of streaming apps... etc.. etc...
Well I hope this gets rectified at a later date but not my priority at the moment.

Another bugger up! I'll just have to keep my wii u hooked up.

Gonna wait until ARMS and other console exclusive will be out anyway. Not really worth it to buy at launch with mostly ports. Zelda is still a Wii U game ported to Switch and not the true Switch Zelda.

Not a big deal just gives me a good reason to use my wii u.

Between this and the lack of titles on launch day, I wonder if they rushed the Switch out of the door. Feels like a Fall launch would make the early days of the console much more appealing, although that would have also meant a firstbhalf of 2017 without any new console games.

I think with that 10 point multi-touch display, eventually there will be a variety of non-gaming apps available, which will include in the very least: YouTube, Netflix, Internet Browser, and possible mobile conversions of SMBR, and FE:H.

Really glad to see that USB HD support is being considered!

Doesn't need Netflix or any of that nonsense.

Games. Gaaaames.

YouTube is what I have the phone for and I'd be hard-pressed to name a rental video streaming service that's actually available in Belarus (outside of a few local ones, of course). I was mildly curious about Nintendo Anime Channel, but it turned out that on top of having a Russian account (Belarus doesn't exist on video game economy map - or on many economy maps at all, to be fair) I also needed to travel to Russian Federation and be hooked to a Russian internet provider. Thanks, but there are less awkward incentives for tourism. XD

Doesn't inspire confidence when they make statements that imply the whole life cycle, or even just external storage, hasn't been thought through.

There'd better be some decent game announcements coming soon.

Im completely happy with the SD memory but the streaming service I hope they add it as well I hope there is a browser , this is upsetting I like Netflix and YouTube . Its kind of senseless to post screen shots and game videos from the system and not be able to look at them on the system.

Other than Wii and Wii U, Nintendo have historically had a low number of launch titles, at least where first party titles are concerned. Looks like third parties are taking a 'wait and see' approach this time around.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_video_game_console_launch_games

I use my Wii U for Netflix and you tube, shame it wont be ready on Switch as then i could watch some TV on lunch break at work using their WIFI.
Still want the photo viewer back though.

Oh well I guess I'll have to stick to the other 8 or 9 devices I have in my house that connect to these services. Ridiculous to think the only thing I'll be able to do on my switch is play awesome games.

Meh. Give us a decent web browser and I'm set. Also I just ordered a 200Gb MicroSD card from Amazon so won't be needing any hard drives for a while...

I suspect this is just a question of money. Netflix et al aren't willing to pay to develop apps for a system with no user-base, and Nintendo aren't willing to subsidise or develop them themselves.

Personally this doesn't really bother me but I can totally understand why it is important to some people and is a turn off.

In 2017 it takes more than games to sell consoles to many people - excluding hardcore fans, apparently.
It's NOT just about games for Joe Public. That's why MS and Sony love to show off these other multimedia features on their consoles. Being multifunctional is the current state of things.

No one buys a phone ONLY to make calls only anymore.

It's also psychological and good marketing as people like to think they are getting more features for their money, whether they decide to use these features or not. At least they have control of that option.

This is kind of a disappointment but I prefer if our Wii U is a game console 1st and a streaming box last. We have a roku and a smart tv so really no point anyways.

Those who say it doesn't matter, really don't get it.

It doesn't bother me to be honest. But I think it will be an issue for a lot of people and it just adds to the negativity.

Honestly I never use streaming apps on my 3DS because the battery wouldnt last plus having a steady online connection was not always guaranteed everywhere I went...but on my Wi U I have the exact opposite reasons I listed for my 3DS...overall this doesnt affect me because I want to use the Switch primarily to play games especially on the go. I have my iphone, ipad, tv, laptop and computer...why would I want to use the Switch to stream when these devices do the same? I just want to play my Switch games which can't be played on the others...maybe thats their reasoning? It's mine.

Because I pay to have streaming services at home I like the ability to get the most for my money by having them on my other devices. It isn't a deal breaker but its nice to have the option and I'm sure companies like Sky, Netflix and Amazon would also like to have their products available wherever it is possible.

Wtf is this some sort of reverse psychology advertising, lets give public nothing and They'll flock to us in droves yeah we'll see nintendo we'll see.

Remember TVii? No?
Neither do I.

They shouldn't have it, we need at least one console where I can have a list of friends without one one of them being someone who is only on netflix.

They'll probably come after launch, I'll bet they are announced at E3. It doesn't make a big difference to me though - I have a Smart TV so if I want to watch Netflix, I'll just use that app.
If I want it on the go I have my iPad.

No 3-4 FREE new gen/last gen games every month like ps4/ps3 and xboone/360 that have, no video stream, no voice chat, bad online support, do you really expect people to pay money for such an bad and inferior internet sub system???

Doesn't sound like they're ready. Get your act together Nintendo. Another reason I'm glad that I'll probably be skipping the Switch's launch for the first time since all the way back to the SNES. I'm sure some of you remember the Wii U's launch and its insufferable OS and lack of features. I'm not going through that hell again.

OK I had time to think it over.
I have so much tech under and plugged into my TV it is becoming a nightmare. I don't have enough HDMI ports.
It takes up far too many seconds in my one and only life fiddling around the back of the TV trying to Switch cables (no pun intended) when necessary.
The Switch being able to stream Netflix will be beneficial to me. It's not THAT important, but it would help. My TV is capable of streaming Netflix but the experience is bad.

@chardir OK why does the Wii u have it?it has a low user base

@Fuz Well Nintendo's focus on games at launch involves porting a WiiU game over to Switch...and that's about it. The next big game is another WiiU port (MK8). And then we get Splatoon 2.....which digital foundry says isn't a proper sequel at this point. Mario looks to be the first game built for Switch.
Switch is all about portability. When docked, it's another WiiU situation.....some great first party titles but that's about it. So when they take that next plane trip, Netflix fans can't just take the Switch. They need to bring another device.

Not too bothered about the streaming services as I have a laptop and PS3 connected to my TV, but not supporting USB hard drives seems insane. I wasn't too bothered about limited on board storage as it is a portable and takes microSD cards, but I always assumed that the dock could have a USB hard drive connected to it and I would be able to move games back and forth depending on what I wanted to take out with me. Really disappointing.

I never used Streaming apps on my consoles. It's what I have my PC for whevever I want to a show or anime (Need more Blood Lad).

@ruinez ummm I have a ps4 and all the games they give you for free is junk inde games.and yes I have PlayStation plus.before making a comment like that people can look it up.here is this months free games.here they are.indi junk games.

Thanks to Cross-Buy support, PS4 and Vita owners will get more than just two games a piece. On PS4, there are a total of four games, including Day of the Tentacle Remastered, This War of Mine: The Little Ones, Titan Souls, and The Swindle. Vita owners also get Day of the Tentacle, Titan Souls, and The Swindle in addition to Azkend 2. PS3 receives just two games: The Swindle and Blazerush.

Who cares? Literally everything has streaming services. I have six devices within arms reach right this second that can stream. I only use one of them for this purpose.

A USB external defeats the purpose of the portability. Even if they add support I'm not going to take advantage of it. I'm not surprised this isn't supported yet. I'm not saying they shouldn't add it later for people who might use it, but it shouldn't have been an early priority due to system concept.

Very interesting choices. No idea what they were thinking.

Not bothered about the streaming devices as I wouldnt use them anyway.... I have an Amazon Fire stick with Kodi installed so can already stream everything for free via that

Just buy a chromecast

@Slim1999 Well the Wii U has 14m more users than the Switch! It's entirely possible that they know that very few of them are using streaming apps, which means it doesn't make business sense.

Couldn't care less about streaming. Would love external drive support but understand this complicates the message of it being portable.

I'm beginning to think that there will be no carry over from Wii U/3DS in terms of eShoo/VC

@geordie what don't we get?

@AlexSora89 It's not the same as TVii though, people just expect Netflix on anything with a WiFi connection these days. Ask @damo about all the blowback against PSTV b/c it still doesn't have Netfix. That was a major criticism about the device. Not the main one, that was not playing any good Vita games. But people were very vocal about the lack of streaming apps on a device with TV in it's name.

This is less about what people need, more about what people expect. Are people expected to carry around 2 big tablets in their pockets, 1 for games, 1 for Netflix, Amazon, Hulu etc? It's a big touchscreen tablet, it should have Netflix by default. People expect it. It's not necessary to have it, but it is necessary to not not have it. It's just something else for people to whine about.

This is dumb and I hope they fix it fast

I'm starting to think Nintendo should have just held the Switch until the Summer... when more games would be finished, they could have all the features finished & people were looking to buy things ready for the Summer holidays.

It's not like there's a historic line of consoles failing badly because they were launched before they were ready....

What? No video streaming? Now where will i watch Netflix? I mean, besides my phone, TVs, computer, tablet, other gaming systems, anywhere else?

Its a gaming console first. For the time being I will use my wii u for streaming until those servers are done. Then I will just get a video streaming stick problem solved.

I want The Switch to play games with not a media player. If they are able to have these services in a few months that is great. If not there is always another option for video streaming.

@Fuz why should people be quiet? Are you implying that only positive comments should be allowed? We're all on this website because we love Nintendo, it's painful to see them make so many mistakes. Why couldn't a Nintendo rep contact Netflix two months ago and ensure they have an app ready for launch?

And if it's all about ensuring it's an excellent game system, where are all the games? What have Nintendo been doing for the past two years? If they focused on making a amazing game machine, why are there only five games at launch?

You're right about one thing, history will tell us the mistakes that were made. And looking at other poor console launches tells us that history is going to repeat itself.

If external drives are brought back I can reuse my wii u he's. Or get an adapter for a special ssd I have throw it in a usb case and I'm good. I'd hIf yo be careful about which games on switch and which goes to the drive

I really liked Netflix on Wii U. Then I got a Chromecast, and suddenly I stopped using the app on Wii U.

@Fuz Backwards compatability was uncommon when the N64 launched and to a lot of consumers completely unheard of.

@Mogster
Absolutely. Most of us love Nintendo. I wish Nintendo would make the go to console. We get upset when Nintendo misses easy wins. The more consoles they sell the more games we get. Their R&D and staff expands.

@pennylessz That's why I supported Sega back in the day. My master system games worked on my Mega Drive and my Game Gear.

Switch will be integrated with smartphone.
I have feeling we can download Youtube apps from Google Play Store or Apps Store, installed on Switch, play the video. Just my thought...

Both of those things are a must in my opinion. But we can do without them . My guess is Nintendo thinks everyone has another form to watch online streaming.

I'm not angry that they don't have support for streaming apps, but that they are considering it and not saying it's coming soon, is baffling.

I don't want another piece of equipment taking up space on my shelf (I'm already annoyed that the Wii U can play DVD disks, my seven-year old daughter can't still wrap her head around it).

My tv can play Netflix and YouTube so I'm good

@Fuz In most cases its just people venting, people have been waiting ages to see what Nintendo will do next and it would never have lived up to anybody's expectations. It hasn't lived up to mine but it's the case with its rivals as well. You don't have to listen to the negatives just like some people don't have to listen to the positives, if you want to buy the Switch it isn't down to what other people think. I'm not getting a switch anytime soon because happy with current set up, my son on the other hand is getting one not long after launch. Whining is fine if you don't take it seriously.

I'd be hard pressed to find a device that can't run Netflix and Hulu in my house so not a big deal for me. If Crunchyroll would finally make a smart TV app I'd have no need for streaming through the Wii U or PS4 at all.

like with the WiiU , the switch feels like we r paying Nintendo to beta test there consoles. 6 months free online b4 going to paid . so we can test it , fix it b4 we get it right . then make u pay for it . really bummer deal NINTENDO .... WTF!!!

yes I have mine on order , yes I will pay to beta test your new machine. sad time to b a Nintendo fan boy

More interesting to know 'bout share button

@Sm0k No profanity, thanks.

A lot of people might be willing to take the plunge on a Switch if it could stream Netflix movies and such (on a bigger screen than a phone)... I know people that let kids watch Netflix stuff on the WiiU Gamepad.

While streaming services are of absolutely no interest to me, any additional Switch buyers equals a higher install base... higher install base equals more game support, especially from third party... so we should all be hoping that Switch gets all the popular apps.

It really doesn't bother me that much. I never use my WiiU for steaming, that's what my XBONE is for. My Nintendo hardware is for games!

I think a 64GB memory card will be plenty considering I'll be going back to physical for this system so no USB drive support is no biggie.

I had no interest in any of these apps and I never will. I never used anything like them for my Wii U (for about a week or two for my 3DS) and I haven't even thought about doing so for my PS4/PS3. Why would you use a Video Games console when you can just use your tv or computer/laptop to do so? Consoles are made to be played on - not for going the tv route.

It's not a major issue (the side apps) but they should still load it up. No reason not to.

They do need to add external HDD support though. Let the gamer manage their games between home and on the go

This is fine by me. I wish the streaming services were there for other people, but I have other devices for YouTube/Netflix/Hulu. I'm ready for the games.

I don't think people isre saying it's a deal breaker. It's just an easy win for Nintendo to include it.

External hard drives, eh? Wonder if it'll support video files. As for services Netflix would be nice. Surely we'll have at least YouTube/web browser at launch?

Nintendo: If you pay for our online services you will have access to Netflix and other streaming servicrs via an app on your phone

Researching the possibility? Surely there has to be something more to the dock other than conversion to HDMI and charging considering that huge price tag. Someone crack one open to see, will ya?

@StarDust4Ever

Lol, nice. How much it is cost?

Shame about netflix and Amazon kinda like just having all that in one device, I'd rather switch between games and netflix than switch between devices all the time. I'm not fussed on a hard drive really not a big deal for me as your supposed to be able to take things on the go and a hard drive would defeat the purpose. I guess it would be nice to have the option though .

Shrugs. You know they are coming. Netflix on the go? Yeah they won't pass that up. In the meantime I'll be playing GAMES.

Yeah, streaming is a trend and physical media is where it's at in 2017... with all seriousness though, somewhat of a disappointment but I'll hopefully live with my Wii U, Xbox One, PS4, 3DS (x2), Bluray player, laptop, phone, tablet, Wii, Xbox 360 (and Vita maybe?) all being able to run Netflix...

Nintendo truly are inept.

I really love the switch, i already didnt feel like buying it at launch. Not because of the presentation but more because i still have a lot of 3ds games to play and finish and also a few i finished but not at 100% so i still have a lot to do before buying the switch. And now after the reveal i am still excited for the switch but in no way has it replace my love for the 3ds.

No streaming services is kinda lame though. Especially if you look at the launch games. Having a few launch games isnt really that bad but if games is the only thing you can do at launch and there isnt really a packed in game either, then their isnt a great incentive to buy this thing at launch. Zelda is gonna be one of the greates games ever but i want the switch to be my ''new ish'' sorta speak no matter if i play games or do something else on it.

Love Nintendo but they mos def love taking risks and sinds the 3ds and wiiu im very carefull with that. It mightv worked with the 3ds but with the wii u i didnt

Nintendo hasn't explained yet about External Harddrive. Something about that...

I mainly use my PS3 or iPad for streaming so no problems there.

As for USB hard drive; does the Switch even have a standard USB slot? I'd imagine the best would be to have a USB slot built into the docking station.

@ThatNyteDaez
Um... sometimes I use my Wii U gamepad to display Youtube on HD TV. It's great because I still can use my Wii U gamepad for browsing something on internet while the video from Youtube is being played. Maybe for Switch case, something about Apps that we can download from Apps Store, installed onto Switch. Nintendo said Switch has some connection with smartphone.

@Savino Netflix is on the 3ds. 4G isn't a prerequisite.

I probably wouldn't use if for streaming anyway, but not having Netflix is an odd omission on launch day. Literally everything you buy comes with a Netflix app pre-installed.

Oh my Nintendo. Really? First the overly tech joy cons, the underpowered console and now some stupid decisions. I'll buy the Switch but I can understand why so many people were turned off.

For many families with kids, the Switch could be an iPad alternative the next time they are on the lookout for a new family gaming tablet.

This could be a really great market for the Switch, but then it needs all the basic media-content apps to succeed.
It's really a missed opportunity by Nintendo, if they are not trying to take a bite of the tablet market.

The Switch is the perfect device to challenge the iPad for some of it's audience. The PS4 and X1 can't do that. But Nintendo need to offer the right kind of content for this to succeed.

"Look mom, it plays Netflix too !!!"

@Grez You beat me to it. I actually heard about this a few days ago and my first thought was 'much like everything else they do online, Nintendo is years behind... and now they are going to pull a Microsoft XBOX Live'. Up until 3 years ago, you had to pay for XBOX Live if you wanted to use streaming apps like Netflix. Microsoft wised up and removed the pay wall, but I wouldn't be surprised if Nintendo made you stream from your phone and charged for that option as part of their online service.

The bottom line is, the value proposition of the Switch continues to drop. I'll use the PS4 as an example again.

So to break it down, I could buy a PS4 Slim Uncharted 500GB bundle for $318 right now, bundled with an extra Dual Shock 4 controller, and I could add a PSN subscription for $50 (with free games every month), and I'd only be spending just under $400 with tax. Add two more controllers and you're at $520. And you have DVD and Bluray playback AND streaming services.

To get the Switch with extra joy-con and 512GB of memory and one game (but no online subscription): $740.

USB harddrives would make zero sense though, right? Given the Switch's portable nature. Besides, with Micro SD card support of up to 2TB, why would anyone need them...?

As for streaming services... Weird. You'd think they'd have them. Even Wii had them. Just get Netflix at the very least Nintendo.

Not a biggy for me. I use my PS3 for Netflix or Youtube on my PC

@Slim1999 still far far far better and superior than a sh1tty 30 years old nintendo game for just 1 month..

I wouldn't really care. Most people already have a device for Netflix anyway. I just use my PS3. It would certainly be nice to have, though. Hope it makes it onto the system.

@Grawlog Yep. They will be likely more expensive than the Switch itself when they do come out. Even a good 256GB micros card is about 80 bucks.

They need both. I hate that I can't plug in a USB hard drive on my PS4. I have one for both the Xbone & Wii U. As far as streaming services, that's standard now a days and certainly expected in a modern console.

It would enable some to trade in their old consoles much easier and with less hesitation.

This is shocking but at the same time I don't care. I already have multiple Netflix capable devices.

This thing gets better and better, feels like Nintendo are doing the best they can to make this fail.
NINTENDO can you please listen to the gamers.

Who the hell wants to use a USB hard drive when you can use Micro SD cards?!? People are soooooo RIDICULOUS!!

What's ridiculous are the people that seem to think a bigger 2tb sd card is somehow a requirement for all Switch owners. The only reason to need more space on the Switch is if you plan on going all digital plain and simple

@Grawlog moving games between a harddrive and the (portable) system itself is the exact opposite of ideal, whatever your personal opinion may be. If it were a stationary home console, then you'd have a point.

And yes, 2TB cards will be very expensive, but they're overkill anyway, and the ones with less storage will be cheap. I have a 500 GB harddrive for my Wii U and I've downloaded tons of full retail and smaller eShop and indie games over the years and I still have tons of room to spare. Nobody will need 2TB of storage, it's just that the option is there.

Big deal. It really is nitpicking season isn't it?

I'm not really fussed by the apps but I did love watching YouTube using the web browser on Wii u. It doesn't look like there is a browser on the Switch but I'm still hoping

I wanted to replace the Wii U with the Switch but how am I supposed to do that when it removes things that I use it for? Just because you don't use a feature doesn't mean that it's unimportant to everybody.

I need a browser or at least YouTube..

As disappointing as this may be to some, which is understandable, as long as those video streaming features come within the first year of the Switch's lifecycle, I'll personally be fine.

Thanks for making my decision to not buy the Switch even easier Nintendo.

Guess I'm still going to use my Wii U for Youtube viewing on my TV while I work then.

I get it, dedicated videogame system and everything, but even the Wii U had Netflix, and more on day 1. Accessing those via Wi-Fi when you're out would have been a big selling point, but I guess we'll have to wait.

I'm feeling more and more they're rushing this system out. I just hope the thing actually works with no hardware problems on day one...

Umm... Sounds like they are doing a lot of research. They must have a much larger research department compared to their development department.

@jimi you tried to be smart, but you come across as being very dumb. With a console being one that you can take on the go, who do you think is about to carry a hard drive with them? Especially when it will drain your battery life, one that isn't that stellar to begin with. I can stand cheap people such as yourself.

@jimi obviously I know it's a "home console" but let's be honest here? How many hours do you work a week? I myself work 50+ hours a week. Most Americans don't have time to sit at home and play video games, because we are always on the GO. MOST aren't about to sit at home and play a console that you can take outside of the HOME. You're right! I LOVE to spend my hard earned money on WHATEVER I LIKE! (It pays to be educated with disposable cash). You seem like a Sony fanboy. I can't wait to add you as my friend on my DAY 1 SWITCH... I guess I'll have to wait to add a cheapskate like you. I'm sure you'll be waiting for a "bundled deal."

@Mellor2000 "Ridiculous to think the only thing I'll be able to do on my switch is play awesome games."

Now if only it actually had awesome games....

I mean, it'll have 1. But that will also be on the Wii U you already own.

What in the world is Nintendo actually doing? It's as if the industry has become too big for them to comprehensively handle.

Back when it was just a 16-bit Mario sprite hopping across the screen they were the kings of the market. Nowadays Nintendo just seems rather flustered and largely unprepared. Overwhelmed, even.

@gatorboi352 don't own a Wii U anymore. Traded it in to go towards the switch. And it might just be my opinion granted but Zelda, bomberman, arms, splatoon 2 and snipperclips look awesome. And I'll be able to play them anywhere I want! Cool.

@jimi create a wifi hotspot with my iPhone and use my unlimited data package. Stop raining on my parade.

@jimi plus I have friends. Bit of local multiplayer? Yes please.

@jimi I've never experienced lag using this method before but you seem to know better than me. I don't know I suppose I've always been a glass half full type of guy. Maybe I should follow your example and see the doom and gloom in every situation. Maybe the console that isn't even out yet won't but as good as I thought. Maybe I'm stupid for actually looking forward to getting my hands on this new piece of tech. Isn't everything rubbish nowadays.

@Mellor2000 @jimi I've played online games on my PC using a mobile connection. At least Minecraft and Dark Souls 2 were perfectly playable!
More fast paced shooters might suffer. But it depends completely on your connection and coverage.

@jimi I was looking forward to my holidays this summer but it'll probably rain.

It would be nice to have Netflix but it's not a deal breaker. The WiiU is hardly a media center.

USB HDD support is puzzling when the console has as much chance being used on the bus as the sofa. It would be like having external storage support for the 3DS 😂

I would hope some apps creep in. I used to love getting home from work and browsing the Wii news channel.

@jimi Valentines Day, that's just a big scam isn't it.

Can someone tell me how not having Netflix yet will massively disrupt my gaming experience despite having it built into my TV and readily available on numerous devices at home and at work? What boost does having Netflix bring to playing a videogame? Does it add levels or something? Answers on a postcard please.

@jimi "As I already said - I will never buy this POS"

Really? When did you post that?

@gatorboi352 #117 "It's as if the industry has become too big for them to comprehensively handle.
"Back when it was just a 16-bit Mario sprite hopping across the screen they were the kings of the market. Nowadays Nintendo just seems rather flustered and largely unprepared. Overwhelmed, even."

I guess you're kinda right. They just want to make games but people demand so much from them. But even the game industry and the way games are designed has changed dramatically in a very short time.

At heart, Nintendo still makes excellent games. They just try to service in every other way too, sometimes with results that are not on par.
Sometimes I think they should've gone the budget route, making simpler games, maybe on a micro-console, and pricing them lower. People are used to getting quality titles for very low prices, but Nintendo still tries to charge premium (and I don't fault them for that! Making games ain't cheap and they do make them at great quality).
In a way, the 3DS has been the ideal platform for them.

I am hopeful and optimistic about the Switch. I like the machine a lot, even if all things related to it aren't ideal.

@Mellor2000 Hey, I like rain.

@jimi The arrival of my first born? Probably end up being an imbecile.

@Mellor2000 Don't have kids. They'll eventually grow old and die. Same as pets. I'm sitting here waiting to die myself.

I'm going to the Dominican Republic in 2 weeks. It'll probably be too hot and the flight will most likely be uncomfortable. And there probably won't be Netflix on the plane, and the inflight games probably won't be high budget western AAA blockbusters and they definitely won't have a standard controller.

@WiltonRoots I feel your pain brother. I've just got back from New York and thought I'd had an amazing time but in retrospect it was probably too busy and expensive. If only I had @jimi to tell me what a terrible time I would have I could have saved so much money.

@Mellor2000 I was going to give you a witty sarcastic response but what's the point. We're supposed to be condemning some plastic because it doesn't have any grey shooters yet.

Bugger, was one of the few things I'd hope they'd have ready to go at launch. As someone who works overnight shifts, I take my tablet to work to watch shows in my downtime. I was really hoping that the Switch would be the all in games/media device for me on the go, so a bit of a disappointment. Even if it could run video files from the SD card I'd be happy.
But Nintendo gotta Nintendo I guess....

Not a deal breaker for me. I remember when the Switch was first revealed that people were saying they wished they had a pc made like this. Everybody wants everything, I guess. I'm sure Netflix and so on will come in time. I do think Nintendo is seeing this as home console first but also mobile device #2. That probably explains the delay.

@WiltonRoots You're right. I'm not buying no Nintendo BS until it can run the exact same games I can get on my PS4. I just can't live without my carbon copy FPS'. Come on Nintendo! You owe me that after I have personally supported you all my life. The years of entertainment you've given me don't enter into it. Sort yourself out!

Relax everybody. They'll be Netflix, they'll be Hulu, they'll be USB support for hardrives and the Switch will be compatible with Gamecube controllers (at least in home mode). They'll probably be Twitch too.

It's just gonna take a little bitta time...

@Turbo857 Careful there bud, we don't like positivity round these parts.

"researching the possibility of supporting External USB hard drives"? LOL! What's there to research? We're talking about a standardized protocol that is used throughout the whole industry!

And I definitely would've expected plans for streaming games to Youtube and STwitch since there's already a button to share screenshots and they mentioned they would add videos to that...

If it doesn't have KODI, I really couldn't care less. It kinda blows everything else out of the water.

@DanteSolablood They should have waited until Autumn when they will have many AAA games, packaged 1-2 Switch with the console, added more internal storage, lowered the price of controllers and hired a great PR team to get the message out.

Who cares? I and surely everyone else buying a switch has tens of streaming devices (phones, tablets, set top, consoles) already. I'm perfectly fine with this being a game only game console.

It's obvious that the true launch isn't until SMO releases later this year.

Nintendo is quite laughable on a lot of fronts these days.

The streaming services are not really needed. As it stands most current/new TV's already have it built in already. Why do we need ~another~ device to have it? You would be hard pressed to find it not on something that may already be connected to your current home setup. I personally think it is a waste of time and resources to add them.

As for the USB Hard drive support, that would be nice. Even if it uses an USB flash drive and/or USB adapters for SD cards. Those could be swapped on the go easily enough as you need the space, or have it with each one having specific games you could interchange. It does not necessarily need to be an actual Hard Drive itself.

@BiasedSonyFan not until at least Mario Odyssey, if not later. Was gonna get one at launch until the presentation back on the 12th. I still revisit that from time to time for a good laugh.

I liked streaming Netflix on the Wii U so it would nice if they could bring back these facilities for the Switch.

Umm this is kind of a big deal to a lot of people Nintendo!

I'm buying a Nintendo Switch for the games, not the movies, the music or the social media aspect. Those I could already do on my phone or PC.

I couldn't have Netflix on the switch even if I wanted it. I'm up to my 6 device limit!

@The-Chosen-one $69. Unfortunately Amazon just started adding state sales tax for LA so the total is more like $76-something. Funny they have 200Gb MicroSD cards now when historically flash chips have always been in binary denominations, ie 2^N Megabytes or Gigabytes. If you want a 256Gb Sandisk, it is well over twice as expensive!

My guess is Moore's Law as it relates to storage space is starting to break down because physics. You can only ever cram so many gates on a chip!

Anyway here's a link if you decide to get one:
https://www.amazon.com/SanDisk-Ultra-200GB-Micro-SDSDQUAN-200G-G4A/dp/B00V62XBQQ/

Funny because the "People who bought this also bought..." product links point to a bunch of Switch accessories, so I'm not the only one who wanted the extremely more storage option.

@MarinoKadame Considering the NX is 1.5X Leap don't be expecting much difference in Switch exclusives.

It's a Gamecube to Wii jump again.

these "it should only play games" comments are hilarious.

The cold hard FACT is, Nintendo WANTS you to use their devices for MORE than games. They WANT you to use it as your go to media hub. THey wouldn't have implemented all those features if they didn't want to

A streaming app so you can stream games from the console directly to Twitch and other platform would be great because not everyone has access to great PC that can handle a capture card.

For streaming services, I could care less as I have a 4K Smart TV that I've been using for Netflix, Amazon Video etc. as it's a lot easier to access then turning on a video game console to do so. It also has access to 4K content which I doubt Nintendo will make a priority.

On the storage front I just bought a 128gb SanDisk Extreme microsdxc for $56.99 on Walmart's website for my launch day Switch. Even though I'm mostly going to be gaming at home on the big screen I wouldn't want to have a hard drive that I could only access from the dock. When I game in bed or off the TV on the couch then I want easy access to all my data. 128gb should last me until the next console as I plan on buying mostly retail, but if I do need more space another 128gb should be even cheaper by the time I need it.

Also note: when buying micro SD cards pay attention to the WRITE speed because a lot of the cheaper ones only have 20mb write speeds. This is fine if your internet connection is below 20mb, but if you're like me who has a 30mb internet connection then it can be a problem for download speeds. The micro sd cards that support 4K video have anywhere from 60mb to 90mb write speeds which make them a little bit more future proof, especially in my case. Just wanted to share that little nugget of info with everyone.

This really increases my fear that they don't understand the internet still and they want us to pay for a service. They need to add these fast and the external hard drive would be great and actually allow digital purchases. However looks like there is no reason to go buy a switch for awhile as it is clearly being launched have finished.

It's a darn good thing we have a hundred other devices that can stream way more than the Switch ever will. Honestly, if the Switch never got Netflix I'd be perfectly happy either way.

Switch is starting to sound less appealing to me. I don't want to pay full price for games I've already bought on Wii U while still having it hooked up to the t.v. to watch netflix and surf the web. If I'm gonna pay $400.00 for a new system, it darn sure better replace my old one. Very disappointed.

once again proving that Nintendo is the only hardware company dedicated solely on the games. Simply the Best.

My reading of this is that they do have the potential for video capture already, but are still working out how it will be implemented... most likely to do with the sharing of captured footage, which they are probably in talks with potential partners about... using their own system would have a rather limited audience, so they really need to work with something like YouTube to expand upon the sort of upload functionality that MK8 has.

As for the external hard drives... if they do add them, then I would expect it to only provide a system backup function, which will likely only be available while docked... it would just be too impractical for constant use due to the need to change connections when switching between docked and undocked, as well as the need to keep it connected as long as the data on it is in use.

@Savino Sorry for the delayed response...just finished moving cross country. Your original comment was made as a general statement as to a requirement of the Switch. Instead you should have made your statement reflect as to why YOU in particular would not have bought the system due to the internet restrictions. However Wifi is pretty widespread in general for many developed countries so I believe that my point of Netflix already working quite well on a wifi only system still stands and thus does not require Nintendo to put cellular service on the system. I am not saying that they won't but it isn't a pressing feature, and after the Vita/3g flopped I doubt Nintendo will try to follow in Sony's footsteps.