The Nintendo Switch is just weeks away, and Nintendo is still keeping us waiting on some details such as the eShop, the Virtual Console (if it'll even be there at launch) and pinning down a finalised launch day line-up. The company is likely planning a Direct, information drop or new feature-driven videos to answer some questions prior to 3rd March.
We do know of some things that won't be there, however, which arguably represent a step back from the Wii U and - to an extent - the 3DS. At launch it seems the Nintendo Switch won't have a web browser or any of the big-hitting streaming apps such as Netflix or Amazon Prime. The standard line with these things is that they won't be there at launch but could potentially be considered in future updates, and that the company has been focused on making the system "an amazing dedicated video game platform".
The steady ruling out of such features has prompted mixed reactions. One perspective is to shrug the shoulders, as many have smart devices, tablets and / or smart TVs that deliver all of these apps with greater convenience. On the other hand some argue it's a big miss, and a squandered opportunity to promote the Switch console - particularly its Tablet form - as a handy multimedia device on-the-go or at home. Both sides have valid arguments.
This writer isn't convinced it matters, and that's not jumping into the 'Nintendo Defence Force'. I don't use the web browser or any streaming apps through my current consoles (Wii U / PS4) - I browse the web on my PC or phone, and my TV has its own apps for streaming that, frankly, are far better optimised than the console efforts. The more time game companies spend on games and the less on apps that have better versions elsewhere, the better - that's one side of the argument.
That said, for some gamers consoles are a convenient (and perhaps the only) way to access these kinds of apps. Not everyone has a Smart TV or another way to watch Netflix, so perhaps a console is supposed to fill that gap.
Well, we want your perspectives. Should Nintendo have pushed to ensure the Switch delivered various multimedia offerings at launch, or is it right to put those into the background and focus on releasing the best games console it can? Vote in the polls and share your comments below.
Comments 420
it dosent need it at launch, but it should have it since it is a tablet
I honestly feel like it doesn't NEED a web browser...but I would like Netflix, Hulu, etc. I mean it is a home console, and people do use those to watch programming. I would think they'll get these apps eventually though, if it sells well.
Frankly, people who realy want to stream stuff, surf the net and all that stuff already have a tablet to do that with, Nintendo is right to focus on gaming, better to try one thing and get it right than trying and half-assing a bunch of things...
Nintendo excels at stepping on their own toes like no other company. They gimp their own systems and call it a positive.
It's fine if an internet browser and Netflix/YouTube aren't there at launch, but they should be there eventually. It's not a huge deal, but you can't remove those things and pretend it's a good thing.
Its a bit annoying since I have to keep my Wii U hooked up to my tv...
Honestly it would affect the PC/Nintendo gamer who only needs his Nintendo and his PC but its not an immediate flaw.
Honestly Twitch is what I care about the most as far as streaming apps go. I don't watch TV much anymore but I watch a lot of Twitch streamers, so having a portable way of watching Twitch would be nice.
This is honestly the only acceptable answer: "Absolutely, it's bonkers. It's 2017, gaming systems should have multiple media apps"
I think the toaster oven I just bought at Wal-Mart has Netflix.
The fact of the matter is, there's no reason it shouldn't have them. Name a major piece of tech now that doesn't have these services available. It feels like you're buying a combo meal at a fast food joint and not getting fries (or chips for you brits).
Back in the Wii days, this would be a big miss but I don't think it matters too much anymore. We all have our phones in our pockets for youtube and browsing and everyone has a dozen devices in the house to stream with. No biggie. I buy Nintendo systems for Nintendo games.
It doesn't bother me now, but it absolutely should have the media apps by year 1. NERD are pretty good with the OS and Virtual console.
Why would it not have these things?
As it stands, the Wii U/3DS have more functionality than the Switch, and you're okay with that? lol
These things should have been there day 1, but I'm happy if they're not just so long as they're coming eventually.
If Nintendo are trying to compete with anyone or anything, be it PlayStation or iPad, these apps should be there.
Should Switch launch with less features and games then the previous system?
As somebody with many other ways of streaming Netflix, Crunchyroll and surfing the web, I don't necessarily need them on Switch. However, if even WiiU and 3DS could use these apps, why not Switch?
When they first revealed the Switch, one of my thoughts was that it looked like the best device to watch Netflix and other video platforms on. I hope they are released in the future!
Having media streaming apps even exist is because of the value of convenience. Likewise, the Switch not offering these apps, even though plenty of other devices already do, displays that the Switch isn't convenient when you want to use these apps.
If I want to look up a quick game guide on YouTube, or pause my game and watch Netflix, it's considerably less convenient to have to use another device to do that.
The browser doesn't matter. Seriously, that does. Not. Matter.
But the Netflix it should get. And it will. I mean, they don't really have to do anything. Netflix will want to put an app on their system once it's out.
I don't think it's a big issue, or an issue at all really due to everyone having multiple devices all loaded with alls. But it is an odd curiosity, simply because practically every device nowadays is loaded with apps. Think people are just puzzled like, why wouldn't they?
I don't think it's a big deal at all, as you can get these things on pretty much everything... but that fact is also what makes it kind of strange.
I think it should have apps to please the non-Nintendo fanboysandgirls. Doesn't really bother me as I have other options but for people that don't it may put them off buying. More uses for a product is usually a good selling point.
It's not an issue for me but I have used the web browser on my Wii U a lot over the years, so I would like it to have at least that. A web browser capable of reading videos like the Wii U's. In fact I have never used the Youtube app on Wii U, which I found cumbersome and a lot less useful than simply browsing videos on the website itself through the web browser (chiefly because I could show a video on the big screen while browsing for the next one on the gamepad itself at the same time which the YT app never supported).
@Moon Since many browser exploits have been found for 3DS and WiiU, I'm wondering if not having a browser is a way of patching that security vulnerability. A bit of a brutal solution. I'd like to see them at some point so I wouldn't need to carry a tablet as well when travelling.
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While I guess it would be nice to have a web browser I really don't think it's as big a deal as some are making out.
Pretty much everyone has a mobile phone these days that's more than capable of doing all those things.... I've heard people complaining about having to use more than one device and it being an inconvenience but I'll bet not one person complaining would actually leave the house without their mobile phone even if the switch did have a browser or streaming apps so I really don't see it as an issue
Maybe its just me but honestly you could count on the one hand the times I've used the wii u browser...... I'm buying a switch to play games not surf the world wide web
The only reason I keep my PS4 on so much is because, in a way, it turns my TV into a smart TV without me having to browse using a super slow remote control. I love watching Game Grumps on the TV. As much as I think the Switch will be a success, it should have media applications.
It absolutely needs Twitch integration.
Honestly it's unnecessary. A game system should just be that a game system. Plus with Smart TVs, Streaming devices like Roku, Fire Stick not to mention smartphones if someone feels the need to watch Youtube or Netflix they could use one of those devices.
People buy a Nintendo product to play games otherwise they would just buy one of the products mentioned above.
What on earth is Crunchyroll?
So do do i buy a switch to play games on the go or a tablet at fraction of the cost that lets me play games, surf the net and stream media or get both so I have to carry two tablets around with me, I wonder which option joe bloggs will choose, smell the coffee Nintendo.
I guess keep a couple things like streaming for let's players/perfect runners/reviewers etc. and of course something for eShop and online games.
I mean I don't care about most of it really, but if Nintendo is gonna charge people then there had better be something worth charging for. That's just my two cents.
I honestly couldn't care less about streaming services (I never use them) or a web browser (just pull out my phone for that). It's all about games for me.
Does it need these things?
No.
Should it have these things because it's convenient and every other gaming system offers them, and having them makes the Switch a better value?
Yes.
I think the Switch will get a web browser, and the owners of those various apps will get Switch apps to the system, by the holidays. Sure, it would be nice to have them at launch, but seeing as most of those apps work on Tegra processors anyway, it shouldn't be too hard to bring them to the Switch. I'm not worried. Since most people complaining about this weren't planning on getting a Switch in the first place, I don't think this will hurt the Switch at launch.
@Arehexes Well the Switch outputs to the TV, so that's not an issue. What is an issue though, is having to change inputs, or power on those other devices that have Netflix, when it would be so much less cumbersome to simply have it on the Switch in the first place.
It doesnt need it from day one, but in future updates add a browser, youtube and Netflix.
It doesn't need a web browser, but it would be nice.
It NEEDS Netflix and YouTube. Amazon, Hulu, and the other big names would help as well.
I use my TV for things like Netflix etc so its no loss for me.
In my opinion if a system in 2017 doesn't have a web browser or Youtube I really consider the system lacking basic features that every other system has. Being able to enjoy Youtube in the bed with a nice big screen like the Switch has would be killer and I am not sure if I am too interested in the system until it offers that. This "dedicated game system" talk just seems to be a way of explaining why features like these aren't available at launch. Hopefully they will be added in the future, preferably not more than a month after launch.
I was thinking about the mobile app that has voice chat and all that stuff on it, it obviously connects to the switch so it knows what you are playing etc, what if when it is connected to your phone you can use it like apple airplay sort of and the app will be able to stream from your phone to the switch, so you could load up netflix or whatever on your phone then send it to your switch to watch on the tablet or tv if docked. That way you wouldn't need the apps directly on the switch.
The only reason I think Switch needs a web browser is for free Wi-Fi that requires signing in, like at Starbucks. I don't think it needs one for browsing.
Netflix is a nice-to-have, other than that, couldn't care less
Are they needed?: Eh, not a huge "selling point" for me since I have them on 50 bajillion other devices.
Is not having them (as well as many other features until the fall) potentially indicative that their online services are just not ready for the console's release?: .......😭
Nah don't bother, it's a video game console and nothing else lol everyone has phones/tablets/laptops or other consoles lol ... Just focus on games only
No. It doesn't bother me at all. My PC is connected to my TV, so I watch Netflix and browse the web on the big screen all the time. I don't need another device that does the same thing.
Netflix and YouTube should be standard on any device that has a screen and can connect to the internet. Yes, that means electronic thermostats too!
In all seriousness though, when the Switch is undocked and the joy cons are removed it looks an awful lot like a tablet. It may help to convince some people to jump in if the Switch can actually act like a tablet sometimes (surf the web, watch Netflix etc). I am sure Nintendo is concerned about confusing the public at launch. After the PR fiasco of the Wii U unveil they want to be sure that people are 100% clear on the idea that Switch is a dedicated game machine and not an Android tablet. However, I hope they will bring in some apps down the line.
I'm sure Netflix and Crunchroll will release their own apps down the line
I don't think it's a big deal at launch as it's the hardcore buying it at that point. However to sell it to the mass market multimedia apps are a big plus. They need to be in place by Autumn.
I think Nintendo is stealthily lining up the Switch to be a companion to our smart phones. A majority of buyers will own a one which can run countless apps and the users choice of favourite web browser.
The upcoming voice app is for phones, the parental control app is on your phone, if you can't find local WiFi you might even use your phone as a hot spot for the Switch.
Maybe the secrecy of the online features is heavily tied with DeNA involvement and their mobile expertise, or conspiracy theory mode on here, the rumour that it will run android apps?
The web browser doesn't bother me at all. I primarily play games on game consoles. A YouTube app would be logical since the Left Joy-Con has a capture button.
I can understand the web browser, but why am I supposed to have Netflix and stuff on a gaming console? Besides, it's partially a handheld, so having Netflix in it would be kind of pointless.
I bet that if the rival consoles offer a free yearly supply of tampons, the next generation would see Nintendo's detractors whining about Nintendo not doing the same because every Xbox Two and PlayStation 5 user receives tampons every month. You say this is a ridiculous comparison? So is everyone wanting non-gaming apps on a game console.
I'm more worried about the third-party support! It started off promising on Wii U and we all know how that one went! Can we please focus on legitimate concerns before talking about how we can use our gaming console to not play video games?
Jeez!
A web browser on a console these days is pointless so if Switch never gets one, I don't think it'll be missed.
However, at some point in the future Switch should at least get Twitch, Hulu, and Netflix.
HBOgo, YouTube, and Crunchyroll would be appreciated but aren't mandatory imo. And I definitely do not think the Switch should've delayed launching until streaming apps were available on the system.
All it needs is a fast web browser and youtube...
This was the deal breaker for me, to be honest. First the high price of the unit and the JoyCon/chargers thing, no built-in chat, and now this? So in other words I'll need to have my phone, my tablet, my laptop, my dog, my wallet, my fridge and my lawyer next to me, because Switch literally can't do anything other than games? What is this? 1990? Nintendo Game Boy HD? Hell, at this rate you might as well remove the games from the system, because "I have other devices to play on."
Okay, rude jokes aside, Switch costs 1400 PLN here. I can get a decent laptop for work, or a nice set of PS4, two joypads and three games. I am definitely not going to spend THIS much on a toy just for games, Nintendo or not. Sorry, I tried to stay positive about this, but the recent news pretty much drove me away from the Switch right now. Maybe I'll pick it up, after a huge (and I mean really huge) price slash.
Of course I respect the opinion of others about the "it's a game console!" thing. I just personally would like to do a little bit more with a device I spent so much money on. But again, remember, that's just my opinion, you don't have to agree with it.
Personally, I think at $300 if it could have a full suite of apps (preferable if it could somehow get the Google Play Store operational) it would instantly be the MOST COMPELLING tablet on the market.
However, as of right now they can't make them fast enough anyway so I don't think it matters yet, and for people like me that have pre-ordered it I'd guess most of us have plenty of devices for all these things. However, assuming they can pump them out fast enough to keep up with demand in the next few month, it will probably sell better if they have things like that on it.
Honestly if a !portable! tablet doesn't have Netflix in 2017 then it will not be taken seriously. It kills me that Nintendo hasn't already done the necessary...
Considering that I have probably a dozen devices that can browse the web and stream video, I honestly don't care if Switch is capable of doing those things. Would it be nice? Sure, I suppose. But it's a sad state of affairs for gaming if "gamers" think a gaming system isn't worth purchasing just because it doesn't do what a $20 streaming stick, or the smartphones most people have in their pockets at all times, can do.
I love Nintendo Life, but this poll... Kinda pointless. Of course the Switch needs those things. Does a cell phone need anything other than make phone calls?
This is 2017, Nintendo is a huge company. It's just unbelievably insulting for a costumer to buy a video game to only play games when it can give so much more. Web browser and streaming apps are such basic and mandatory features that I'd be truly insulted as a costumer if they don't come in a later date. And even more insulted if Reggie comes with that "we're focusing on games" speech. How dumb do we look?
We're paying a lot and we deserve the BASIC.
I am in the minority but I buy game systems to play games and I've been kicking and screaming (figuratively of course) about entertainment boxes since ps2. I have several perfectly great computers for my media consumption. Give me games.
@gatorboi352 So then why do you need another device that does the same thing that half the devices and appliances in your house can already do?
Ughh... "because current year"...
This could go either way. Many people have many or one or two other ways of using all of these steaming functions. How many households will only have the Switch as the only option for viewing this content? Probably ... close to 0%?
Insert "Just because all of your friends jump off a bridge..." argument here. It's not needed. Nothing but games are needed to work on this gaming console.
@Ryu_Niiyama I don't think you're in the minority. 10 years ago this would have been a big deal, but these days everyone has at least a couple of phones or tablets or smart tv's or laptops et al lying around, and this type of added secondary functionality on consoles goes unused by the vast majority of people.
People love to complain when this sort of thing gets left out, but I would be willing to bet that 90% of those people haven't used the browser or streaming apps on their game consoles more than once or twice.
In 2017 there's no reason not to have these. Won't stop me from buying the system if it has enough games I want, but these are still features that should be there, especially on a device meant to be taken with you when traveling.
Here we go again...
"HD rumble is a gimmick, Nintendo has shot themselves in the foot and I'm not buying Switch...Hold on, Zelda doesn't have HD rumble? What are Nintendo playing at? I'm not gonna buy Switch now."
"Switch isn't powerful enough, where are the AAA games? Nintendo has shot themselves in the foot and I'm not buying Switch... Hold on, where's Virtual Console so I can play outdated, graphically unimpressive games? What are Nintendo playing at? I'm not gonna buy Switch now.'
I dunno. I just want to play a lot of the announced games for this year and just enjoy it for what it is, not moan because it also doesn't do the job of my toaster.
@Sakura Bingo. That's the real reason NS won't have a web browser at launch: less chances to find exploits.
Considering the horsepower in this thing, if they had those apps it could still stand to almost be the best tablet on the market, and among the best in its price class. From what I've seen of Chrome OS devices using the K1, it makes for an insanely high quality computing experience for mobile devices, positioning it to be among the best tablets out there.
THAT is why they should add these features (and frankly, why they should have them at launch); it'll make the Switch appealing to anyone considering a tablet for basic media consumption as well. Why settle for a tablet that can play a smattering of old ports and f2p garbage when the Switch could have all the media apps consumers expect, blazing fast internet, and plays real full-on console games, both on the TV and on the go? The Switch could easily be the best tablet out there not made by Apple if they did that, so I think it's a HUGE missed opportunity. I suspect the reason is to rush it out for launch day in March, but who's to say.
That said, I don't care PERSONALLY, and I don't think I'd ever really use the browser, but I'm not naive enough to think I represent the majority of the buying public.
Would like an internet browser so I don't have to pick up another gadget (nintendo should want to discourage that too.)
Not too fussed re the rest. Assume they'll come in time.
@Sakura I wouldn't be surprised if that were the reason. Pulling the browser entirely is a big mistake in my opinion. They should just patch out any exploits if and when they take place, similar to how they've handled it with the 3DS.
I'd be willing to bet it won't be long till hackers find a way to install homebrew even without a browser, though...
I, personally, don't care at all about a web browser for streaming apps. I do think they need to be included, though; these days, people use their game consoles for streaming as much as they do gaming (if not more). I'm glad that Nintendo is sticking to their guns on the "This is for games" thing, but I do think it's a bad business move.
I don't like apps in consoles, I hate them in fact. I hate how they bloat the UI and possible the OS as well.
I use consoles for games, and nothing else.
The thing is a lot of people use those apps and they are expecting them, like youtube app a web browser or netflix etc. so not having a web browser or apps is a big miss from Nintendo.
I'm pretty sure I read a comment here where someone stated not having a web browser was a deal breaker for them, which to me sounds insane but it shows there's certainly demand for those apps.
Maybe the Switch was rushed and for that reason Zelda doesn't have HD rumble and switch doesn't have a web browser. And we probably haven't heard anything about the virtual console because they are still working on it, just a guess I'm probably wrong though.
I don't entirely believe browser exploits are the reason for not having it on switch, there's a browser in xbox one and ps4 and they are still not cracked I think, if they can make a secure browser then Nintendo can do it as well
This kind of upset me at first, until
I realized I never use the streaming apps on the Wii U. The steaming apps on Apple TV are far easier to navigate using a tiny remote instead of a clunky GamePad, anyway. That said, I don't see any reason why the Switch shouldn't get them down the line. Literally EVERYTHING runs Netflix at this point and this just feels like a glaring omission.
I guess it's down to personal preference - I watch Crunchyroll only (lol ) and to use a TV for browsing using a game controller is a bit rubbish ( I hate not having a Wii U gamepad for typing when I'm on PS4 /XBone)
I think it's really easy to add the streaming apps though so I do expect them to appear later - and remember we will be able to post directly to Social apps like Facebook etc so the functionality must be there.
@Waninoko Wait... You have your own Pocket Lawyer (PokéLawyer)!? MILES EDGEWORTH, I CHOOSE YOU! Use Objection on the wild Nintendo Lawyer, so we can get an NS browser mod!
The fact the Switch is so bare-bones with few launch titles makes it a virtually pointless purchase for me so yes, it harms the appeal. I had 3DS on launch day and Wii U a week later.
People who say it needs all these things, don't you have a smartphone?
For a second I thought the guy playing Switch had a ponytail 😁
I don't really care much for many of these apps since I can just watch them on the computer, but the free (but understandably ad-heavy) Crunchyroll app on the Wii U was nice for me to finally see all of the YuGiOh series since (as far as I'm aware) that never happened over here in the NL. But I wouldn't miss it if it was gone.
Aside from that, a streaming feature to stream your gameplay would be nice to have, but I wouldn't really miss that too much either if it wasn't implemented. Since it's so much like a tablet though, I can't help but wonder if people might get disappointed by purchasing the Switch and find out it can't even browse the web.
I think it needs a web browser or some kind of work around for logging into certain wi fi services like hotels where you have to register before you get access. Other than that I just want it to play games, I don't see the need for another device that has all these apps on them.
The Wii U`s internet browser was amazingly high quality, probably one of the best ways to watch Youtube videos on a television without resorting to HDMI cables.
Although the Wii`s internet browser was a little... shaky, I will always have nostalgic memories about it`s weirdness.
The 3DS`s internet browser, however was so slow that it even existing was futile.
@Mii_duck Excuses, excuses. The Nintendo Sandwitch should at least have a toaster function. Nintendo is just lazy to not include it. I mean, come on, there's even a Netflix toaster with HDMI now!
Let's be clear, the lack of a web-browser or streaming apps won't be a deal breaker if people have already decided to buy the console. However, it feels like a step back from WiiU, which allowed you to surf the web or stream videos mid-game by simply pausing it.
I use the WiiU web browser a lot - sometimes to search for tips or maps, other times simply to check the newspaper or the forums while I take a break from a game. With the Switch, I would need to pull out another electronic device to do something as simple as checking the online newspaper if I want to take a 60 second break from a game.
It's just impractical, especially when you're "on the go" (a big Switch selling point) or in public, where maybe you don't want - and shouldn't - pull £1000 worth of electronic devices out of your backpack. And yeah, most of us have a smartphone, but the Switch is a portable console that you can take anywhere and can plug to the telly - wouldn't it be nice to watch Netflix or Youtube on an hotel TV rather than on a smartphone?!
To me it just shows that the Switch was rushed out to meet the release of Zelda, so they could launch it with a system seller. Lack of games at launch, lack of basic features at launch, lack of details for online services etc - sounds like a product that was literally kicked out of the factory before it was completed.
Don't be shocked if the console has a first day system update bigger than that of WiiU.
@zip Consider this: what if you had needed a cell phone for a DS, and a cell phone or smartphone for a 3DS, to connect at WiFi hotspots and use various online functions? Almost everyone has had some kind of cell phone since 10 years ago, at least. So why not, right?
I'm personally fine with the Switch not having those non-gaming features at launch, but it should absolutely have many/most of those features by the time the paid online service becomes mandatory.
I, personally, don't care all that much. But I do know that some other people will. So I think it'd just be smarter, business wise, for Nintendo to implement all the basic media apps soonish. The only thing that I'd really want as soon as possible is a Twitch app. I want the Switch to be able to live stream the same way the Xbox one and PS4 does.
Streaming apps? Definitely, face it, people use gaming consoles to watch shows on services like Netflix. Heck, if they are trying to sell this to young adults (especially those who aren't all about hardcore gaming), it needs to be multipurpose. I know plenty of people my age who still have a Wii because it's more convenient than buying a second box just to watch shows on their TV. I mean, no one will buy the Switch for the purpose of Netflix but every little thing helps, people might think, "hey I could just get rid of my Wii now if I get this, as it can do Netflix in addition to the games!"
Because, let's be honest, this is a tablet that can easily connect to your TV. $300 is a little easier for people to swallow if this can be used the same way their tablet can (watching shows and even browsing the web fall into this category) with the extra feature of connecting to the TV. Plus games you can take to parties that don't even need a TV, take it outside and set it up on a table and you have an instant party game...
In other words, this doesn't NEED these features but, if they're targeting young adults, these features can help. Marketing it as a gaming tablet will only broaden the appeal. Yes, focus on the games, but that doesn't mean they shouldn't cut out anything that isn't a game.
If you have money for the switch but you want a multimedia device instead, get that instead. I think the average household nowadays has more youtube and netflix streaming devices than it has people to watch them. If I want a Nintendo, it's to play games. I'll continue using my ps4 for netflix (and barely for games...)
Good poll guys. It seems I have a minority opinion.
At least, among the ones that bother to vote lol:)
BUT a web browser and youtube IS handy when you're really stuck in a game.
It's 2017 Nintendo, these things should automatically be there, and since this is being boasted as a portable/ home console, having things like Netflix on this would make a lot of sense. And why isn't Twitch on this thing?!? Seriously, this consoles concept is interesting, but like normal Nintendo just doesn't know how to fully realize it's hardwares potential.
Just because you've got a smartphone that can browse the internet, doesn't mean your console shouldn't be able to as well.
I personally want these apps because then I don't have to bother with my current Netflix machine (Xbox One). I want to use the Switch for everything.
I don't want to pull out another device to search the internet. On 3DS, for example, if I'm stuck on a game, all I need to do is press HOME - Browser, then check a guide or whatever.
I don't want to use my phone for matchmaking, or party chat either, for the record. Everything should be possible with the console.
Imagine a new phone is coming out. iPhone 10 (or whatever they're on now), but shock horror - it has no browser! Doesn't matter though, right? Because you've got other devices that can do it. Right? Obviously this is wrong, and this should just be a standard feature by now.
Oh, and just because you've personally got multiple devices that can reach the internet, doesn't mean everybody does.
@PlywoodStick What's your point? It doesn't make any sense.
Honestly, there are better devices that are more optimized for web browsing and the various "hot" apps. Having those apps on the Switch wouldn't hurt, but I'd rather resources be invested on providing quality games for the system.
The extras are fine, but I buy gaming devices for their primary function - the games.
@memoryman3 I absolutely LOVE how the name of that particular department of Nintendo spells out NERD. The little things like that in life are amazing. xD
Imo the most important thing would be a good browser, it's just really convenient. With a browser u have Youtube and Twitch, no need for those to have a separate app.
Not having them at launch is perfectly fine. I personally don't care about those features as I can just use my smartphone, and personally prefer to use my smartphone. I imagine Nintendo is operating under the assumption that everyone has a smartphone and would prefer to use that smartphone for those features.
Don't know about the web browser, but I can GUARANTEE that Netflix, Youtube, Crunchyroll, etc apps will be released by the respective companies at some point after launch. Remember, those are 3rd party apps.
I'm not too broken up if it doesn't have a web browser. Though someone made the point about connecting to Wi-Fi spots that require confirmation through a browser being problematic. Hopefully, Nintendo has thought about that.
As for streaming apps, I am not too concerned or would be in need. In my household, between me and my wife (and 3 year old because of grandma), we have a Wii U, a 3DS XL, a Roku, Fire Stick, two Kindle Fires, an iPad, three iPhones and an XBox 360. So I wouldn't be too hurt if it didn't have any of those apps right away
More features/apps = Broader market = Higher install base = More games
Games first and first by a long shot. I don't think the other things are necessary. Are they nice to have? Sure. But if you have an internet connection you (should) already have a way to browse the internet and watch YouTube. If you have a Netflix subscription you already have a way to watch Netflix. Using two devices setup simultaneously is hardly an inconvenience.
@BAN because there's other people that don't have devices that can do these things?
@Moon boom.
@zip Exactly. It's not supposed to make sense. Yet that is the same concept we're being expected to accept about the NS.
@holygeez03 Well said.
From what I'm gathering from various sources is that lots of things we used to do on the console will be handed off to your phone. So like the share button will capture pics that then appear in the app. From the app you can then share on your social media app of choice. I'm not sure if this will work well but it seems to be a concerted effort by Nintendo to do what they do best: make games. Thus leaving social media and online streaming and all that to do on your phone/ tablet.
I'd prefer they concentrate on games. I have never streamed movies or YouTube on consoles. There is faster cheaper options
Chromecast.
Amazon firebox
Any dongle really. It's quicker
yeah, l have a laptop that has two or three web browsers, that means that smartphones should stop coming with web browsers, its such a waste of space.
/s
If they honestly expect Switch players to have a smart device for voice chat, then they would also think they could do web browsing and other media watching on the same.
It's amazing what a 10 pounds USB dongle can do nowadays
@Mii_duck Post of the day!
Nailed it.
I wouldn't call the Switch a tablet. Only it's appearence resembles one but that's all. Tablets are multi purpose devices. Smart phones without the phone function or laptops without keyboards. Switch is a dedicated games console.
I think the web browser is worth it for looking up tips on games and youtube could come in handy for watching walkthrough videos. I don't think any apps are needed beyond that.
I would like to have at least one streaming app like YouTube or twitch but not a deal breaker. I have way too many devices that have one if not all those apps. In reality I would like to kill the battery with just gaming than browsing the web for questionable content.
Having streaming apps almost undoes the key selling point of the console. If I'm playing Breath Of The Wild, and my wife and kids decide they're kicking me off the TV to watch a movie, I want to continue using the system in handheld mode, not shut down the game so they can run Netflix on it. For that reason alone, I would never set up my entertainment system with my Wii U or Switch as the Netflix / streaming solution. It's really not an ideal device for it.
@Moon @PlywoodStick I wonder what the true cost of all these exploits is. On the one hand it's a little disappointing that the apps won't be there (yet, at least). On the other hand, I can understand why they wouldn't want to start a new generation with an easy target. Can't balme them for that.
@PlywoodStick No it's not. Wifi and internet access are mandatory features for any modern systems to work. A web browser and streaming apps are just unnecessary extras.
It needs a browser so Molecule software can create a jailbreak exploit for it (Hack) I couldn't care less what happens to the SwitchTwitch just Hack the thing already. That's all I ever want when I own a handheld is a bloody big Exploit hack for them
FFS people it should at the very least have a browser. Come on.
I'm a Nintendo fanboy and have had all consoles bar the NES on launch - I can also honestly say that apart from an initial go for the sake of it I have never used a browser on a Nintendo console or Netflix or any of these apps. It's a games machine. Yes maybe people haven't got multiple devices to do this but then they don't know any better and shouldn't expect the Switch to be their gateway into surfing the net and watching Netflix - cos that's not what it's for - waste of precious memory is all it is .
@MysticX
"Frankly, people who realy want to stream stuff, surf the net and all that stuff already have a tablet to do that with"
Yeah, let's walk around and carry as many devices as possible, sure let's do that!
Like I said, it doesn't. DSI and PSP had this sort of thing last decade, 3DS and Vita had them by what I suspect to be market inertia (although 3DS at least offered 3D to go with that), but nowadays, I don't understand how handhelds are deemed to face hopeless rivalry from smartphones in the realm of games where smartphones remain inferior by design yet demanded to have video services and browsers that smartphones actually nail nowadays. It feels progressively redundant even on home consoles like PS4 because more and more carpet-sized TVs you're supposed to enjoy them in tandem with have either all those apps built-in or compatibility with dirt-cheap "smart add-ons". So Switch doesn't look like it's in dire need of such stuff in either of its hybrid aspects.
The only media apps I personally welcome on consoles are screenshot and video saving - not for sharing so much as for just stashing away favourite moments without needing to take photos of the screen. And that's what Switch is slated to have anyway.
@JaxonH
"The browser doesn't matter. Seriously, that does. Not. Matter.
But the Netflix it should get. And it will. I mean, they don't really have to do anything. Netflix will want to put an app on their system once it's out."
Holy sh*t is this a misguided statement right here. Let me get this straight, you want to watch movies on it — but not have access to game guides and/or video walkthroughs...???? You know... the internet????
That's a no-brainer for me! Of course it has to offer a powerful browser (like the Wii U did), Youtube, Netflix, Amazon Video and definitely Twitch, too.
Rolling out the Switch without these apps is really embarassing for Nintendo - creating these apps takes almost no work/effort at all (because apps are basically just websites and besides there are tons of these apps out there on multiple platforms) but the benefit is huge. I can't believe they are shipping out a tablet without these crucial apps and what's even more unbelievable, the Switch is supposed to be a gaming device but it doesn't even have a browser, Youtube and Switch. These things are essential for gaming nowadays.
I pre-ordered the Switch on Amazon on January 13th, basically just in case I might actually want it (back then I was extremely critical of the platform). In recent weeks I found a few things about the device that actually interest me.
But now I'm thinking of actually cancelling my order. Because the Switch launches with almost no games - especially no games that I would buy - so what am I supposed to do with a tablet without apps, without even a browser? That makes it a really useless device.
Web browsing? Nah. But YouTube, Netflix, Hulu, Spotify... that would be nice. Let's hope they happen eventually.
@shani "These things are essential for gaming nowadays."
LOL. No... They really aren't.
@shani
Incorrect. The only thing essential to gaming is a console, video games and a controller. Everything else is a luxury, not a necessity. You're thinking like a casual.
@Waninoko
Well said mate you nailed it.
This is not a deal breaker for me,but all these things should be standard. Duh and Duh. Look at the commercials and the demographic Nintendo is appealing to. I believe it will get them in the future. I don't know about Spotify being there, but the web Browser and Apps are a must. It is gaming Device, but your going to try and sell a tablet with no web browser or apps. What dimension are you living in Nintendo? They better fix this and quick. Don't give me that crap about it is a dedicated gaming device, dot your I s and cross your Ts Ninty. For heaven's sake. Please and spare the details.
@PlywoodStick Preach it!!!
How is this machine gonna login into public hotspots without a web browser?
@BigWhoady @daveh30 LOL are you living in the stone age or what?
Where do you get your info about games?
The internet.
Where can you watch gameplay videos (or even Let's plays)?
Youtube.
Where can you get help or read/watch a walkthrough when you're stuck for the umpteenth time?
The internet. Especially Youtube.
Where can you watch the pro's playing games?
Twitch and Youtube.
Where are you posting this right now?
Nintendo Life. Which is... part of the Internet.
But even if this was 1990, you'd still be wrong. Because even then people used walkthroughs, only they existed in printed form and not online.
You can't be serious about this. I've used the Wii U's browser so many times while I was playing a game!
Why should the player be forced to get up and go to their PC (or switch the input on their TV/projector) and interrupt their gaming session if they just want to look up something quickly (like where can I find this ressource in Xenoblade Chronicles X or where do I have to go from here in [insert Zelda game] or when they want to find out something about Splatoon while they're ingame)?
What's even worse: at least the Wii U had a second screen. When you would switch your TV/projector to the PC, you could still play on the Gamepad. But that's not possible with the Switch now, is it?
I can't believe Nintendo are missing so many chances without no reason. First they ditch consoles and try to sell us a tablet as a replacement. They even include a capacitive touchscreen, only for the touchscreen to be locked away in that ridiculous HDMI-dock (where a simple HDMI-cable would've been suffice). And then they don't even include a browser or other apps in their tablet. It's like they want the Switch to fail badly.
Oh and what does that have to do with casual? Are you saying anyone who's using a web browser is a casual? Are you a casual then too or how are you posting here? Come on!
And besides, you're also wrong about about the necessities of playing a video game.
You don't need a console, a PC will do just fine. Equally, you can play them without a controller or have you never heard of mouse & keyboard?
Finally, the things you listed aren't suffice even for console gaming. You still need hands and functioning brain to control those hands.
@Randomlight
Yeah you can definitely play a game like breath of the wild on a tablet. Sheesh, what's wrong with people.
@shani
Oh I'm sorry, I didn't realize you were a casual. Using walkthroughs and having to watch "pros" play a video game are evident of that. I see why you would need a Web browser then.
Only really interested in a gaming console, but for the current price it probably ought to have more.
@shani And where do the vast majority of people do these things? THEIR SMARTPHONE.
If you don't know that one simple, crucial fact, then you're the one living in the stone age.
1) Vote Other: WWE Network
2) Definitely a miss.
@IceClimbers Yeah but why use the smartphone when you already have a tablet that you're playing on? Why switch devices when there is no need?
It's someone's selling you a car that you can sit in and watch movies with, but you can't use it to drive. No sir, you have to purchase a separate car that's only used for driving.
Switch needs something to stream games
@shani
Uhhhh, because it's not a tablet, it's a video game console.
All well and good for Nintendo fans and dedicated gamers to express their opinion here but the broader market will want these apps accessible on switch. Especially as it can be used like a tablet - it's nonsensical not to include a few.
Great Father Ted reference there
I'd kind of like to have Netflix. I don't think I'm as alone here as many would prefer to suggest.
Also, regardless of whether or not this is important, Nintendo shouldn't be providing any extra ammo for the anti- Nintendo brigade.
@BigWhoady Lol, I didn't realize that you're a condescending gamer that calls anyone 'casual' that he doesn't agree with. You obviously don't know what the term 'casual gamer' means.
But for your information: Casuals don't use walkthroughs, because not only do they not know that they exist, they don't even play those games that need a walkthrough. That would be too complicated for them. A casual gamer plays candy crush, not Legend of Zelda. And people get stuck on every single LoZ game. It's no coincidence, they're actually designed that way as Aonuma just recently revealed himself.
Similarly, I don't think you know what a pro gamer is either. Have you ever heard of the term esports? A pro gamer is no different from a pro in other sports, like football etc. They exercise every day, they actually win competitions and they make money with it.
Since you don't know any of these gaming-related terms, I'll just assume you're a casual then. Because casual gamers don't know any of this.
Oh and how can you say it's not a tablet? Have you even looked at the Switch? Do you know what hardware it's running on? Yeah it's a tablet. You can say it's not, just as you can claim that the world is flat. But that doesn't change the facts.
Or maybe you just don't know what a tablet is either. Here's a definition for you:
"A tablet computer, commonly shortened to tablet, is a thin, flat mobile computer with a touchscreen display, which is usually in color, processing circuitry, and a rechargeable battery in a single device. Tablets often come equipped with sensors, including digital cameras, a microphone, and an accelerometer, so that images on screens are always displayed upright. The touchscreen display uses the recognition of finger or stylus gestures to replace the mouse, trackpad and keyboard used in laptops."
By the way, it's taken from a website called 'Wikipedia'. I'm assuming you don't know that one either, but it's widely recognized as a source of viable information.
I already have 5 consoles, 3 handhelds, two tablets, 3 PC's, and 4 cellphones that can do all that. No problem at all!
"I don't want internet on my portable game device, I just want to press pause and then grab my phone or look for my tablet and then log into that and go online etc etc..."
Do you people not realize how convenient it is to have a browser on a portable — PORTABLE — gaming device??? HOLY F, WHAT IS THE MATTER WITH YOU PEOPLE??????????
@shani lol, "watch the pros play" FFS.
No, I don't "watch the pros play". I play video games, I don't watch them. It's not a spectator sport.
That has gotta be the most entitled ramble of BS I've seen since... My last visit to IGN, probably.
And if you're relying on walkthroughs so much that you need them that readily available... Sheesh bud, can't help ya there.... Back in my day (the stone age), you had to call a friend or wait for the magazine to come out. Forgive for not feeling inconvenienced to have to gasp pull my phone out of my pocket....
Fill your stupid backpacks with all your devices and your phone, yeah, carry a tablet around too - - because the PORTABLE GAMING DEVICE YOU ARE USING DOESN'T INCLUDE A BASIC WEB BROWSER FUNCTION. WOW.
I don't think that those apps need to be locked into the OS, but it would be nice to be able to pick and choose what we want from the eShop though.
I use my WiiU browser alot, so I definitly would appreciate having a browser on the Switch
@Rotgut
Yahhhhh.... I'm gonna have to disagree with you on that. 99% of gamers will use their phone or iPad/tablet for a browser if they want to look at a guide. I'm aware there are a few select people out there in the world that use console browsers, but it's so negligible that, like I said, it just doesn't matter.
Netflix is a different story. Well, not that I think it's a big deal, but that people actually use.
@shani
I didn't know all tablets also came with controllers attached to them. Man I must have missed that. And the term casual can refer to many different types of gamers, not just those who play mobile games. Maybe calling you a casual is giving you too much credit. And why in the world would I want to watch someone else play a video game? That doesn't make any sense. If I want to get good at a game, I'll just play the game. I know that seems outlandish to you, but then again it would to most casuals.
@Rotgut
It's ok. I'll be playing breath of the wild on it. So, why would I need a browser?
Web browser, please. As long as that can play Youtube, and possibly at some point Netflix and Hulu I don't see any need for other, separate apps.
@Rotgut
Is it more convenient using the Google icon on my phone? If so please explain how.
Of course it's not a deal breaker, but shouldn't electronics companies want their customers to interact with their products as much as possible? Given the Switch's portable nature and touch screen, having additional functionality only makes sense.
For crying out loud, Netflix, YouTube, and web browsing are on the 3DS. I don't have a smart TV, so I use my Wii U and Xbox One to stream content from Hulu and Netflix almost every day. I don't need a blu ray or dvd player precisely because the gaming devices i own perform that function.
Imagine if a phone manufacturer made a smart phone that could only make calls and couldn't access the internet or uses apps of any kind. Then they charged full market price. Do you think that would be a successful company?
Nintendo is basically forcing their customers to buy other devices made by other companies to do basic things the Switch ought to be able to do. Don't be surprised if/when customers actually take you up on that, Nintendo and skip the Switch altogether.
This is the Gamecube all over again.
Everyone:
"Cool, I can play DVDs on my PS2 and Xbox!"
Nintendo fanboys:
"Want to watch a DVD? Get a DVD player, idiot! Mini discs are the future! Less is more!"
The lack of apps is an oversight. A family has £300 to spend on a portable device for a holiday.
Do you buy the £280 Switch with maybe MK8DX?
Or do you buy an iPad Mini 2 for £239?
The Switch has 2-player which is useful. The iPad has 2-player software, all the apps you'll need for streaming and travelling as well as a selection of really good games*
Like it or not this is Nintendo's competition, not PS4/X1. They need all the leverage they can get. Nintendo's first party releases alone don't cut it when you could spend a week playing Crashlands.
*Its 2017. Mobile gaming is home to some terrific titles.
@RadioHedgeFund I agree with most of this, but the Switch's competition is mobile AND PS4/XB1. They took that upon themselves with this hybrid business.
I think Nintendo really just helped alot of people in deciding to not get the console it's already known it's weaker than PS4 and Xbox 1 and now this big head scratcher, ok they say they are focused on games well were are the games there is nothing for the Switch at launch only old games revamps and the Zelda that was supposed to be on Wii U two years ago I mean really ?? I am canceling my preorder not for me maybe later maybe not most likely not .
@BigWhoady Hey, I don't like watching others play games either - I actually hate Let's Plays - but many people like that and for them it's an integral part of gaming. Sure, they're not playing themselves, but they're experiencing the game (that they might not even have bought) that way.
A friend of mine is a total DOTA freak and his rank is almost high enough to be considered a pro (but not quite enough) and sometimes I see him watch more matches than actually play himself.
Again, that's not my kind of thing; I don't enjoy watching others, I want to play myself. Or as you put it: "If I want to get good at a game, I'll just play the game." And that's what I did with Splatoon, for example. I got up to S rank, but not S+. That's why I'm not a pro. But I hardly count as a casual either after playing it for 630+ hours in little over a year.
FYI: There are attachable controllers for tablets and they're also Nvidia Shield. But as mentioned before, the controllers don't define a tablet. And the Switch's controllers are detachable as well, they're not a fixed part of the device.
@daveh30 Well I don't know what kind of games you play, maybe you just play the easy ones. But in every Zelda game comes a moment when one doesn't know where to go or what to do. Or maybe I know where to go next, but the perfectionist in me wants to improve my gear up to the highest level and after searching for a long time, I haven't found all the items that are necessary for that (like in Skyward Sword with all the bugs and plants).
Or take Xenoblade Chronicles X, a game that was even too complicated for some seasoned gamers. For me, it was never complicated. It's complex and has a lot of depth, but I never felt overburdened.
Still, sometimes I had to complete specific affinity missions to progress in the story or I had to gather specific collectibles for a certain skell upgrade or a side mission. These things tend to be rare and the game is huge. So yes, sometimes I had to look up in which area I could find them. I still had to search them there for myself though, the wiki just pointed me to the general area.
In these kind of games, depending on how you play them (sure, you can just ignore all the side stuff and only play the main story, but I prefer to enjoy the whole game, not just parts of it), these things happen a lot. Sure, sometimes I would take my phone out, but at some point it gets annoying to put away the Gamepad every few minutes, just to look something up for a few seconds.
Oh and btw, this is not IGN.
And I agree, this discussion is pointless.
@SharkAttackU Was it a good idea to take the fight to the entire games industry at once one wonders? 🤔
For me, Netflix and a web browser is an absolute must. If I am playing a game, I don't like having to switch to a different device to do everything I want.
I can say I have been a Nintendo fan since NES and I really like the design of Switch but the more and more that gets revealed about what Nintendo is doing makes me think they are going backward and that can't be good I really don't think the console is gonna do that good with what they are offering.
While I personally don't use any of the internet functions and apps of the 3DS and Wii U (other than system/software updates and e-shop), I can see why such apps can be immensely useful. There will be people that want to use their Switch to watch videos, browse websites, and other stuff. This article (you will need to scroll down a bit on the article to see the relevant part) shows one of the reasons why there should be such apps on the Switch. The Switch being a portable device will also allow it to bring in people who are looking into getting a tablet if it has the apps and other functions tablets do. Good tablets today run at around $240-$320. The Switch is in that price range. Remember that Nintendo is hoping to bring in mobile gamers and others that don't often buy gaming consoles. Also remember that no one person is the same. Everyone likes different things and just because I or you or someone else does not use apps on gaming consoles, doesn't mean no one else does.
http://www.nintendo.co.uk/News/2012/Christmas-greetings-from-Satoru-Shibata--698454.html
@RadioHedgeFund
Not a horrible idea by itself, but you had better come correct.
Want some video viewing apps and I don't only want Twitch, but I want full Twitch support, same for Youtube.
Don't care at all about a browser.
@shani "FYI: There are attachable controllers for tablets and they're also Nvidia Shield. But as mentioned before, the controllers don't define a tablet. And the Switch's controllers are detachable as well, they're not a fixed part of the device."
And that's where my point is made. A tablet can be played on with nothing else but the tablet itself with controllers(if there are any) being completely optional. So far everything shown about the switch indicates that the controller is essential, whether that's joy-cons or a pro controller. Therefore it's not simply a tablet. It emulates the look of a tablet, but just calling it tablet is incorrect.
I see all these comments about people will just use there phone for the Web and for Chat and the so on and so forth., People will also use their phone to play games hence who needs a Switch? Come on Nintendo.
@gatorboi352 let me fix that for you:
To me and my use case This is honestly the only acceptable answer: "Absolutely, it's bonkers. It's 2017, gaming systems should have multiple media apps"
I think the toaster oven I just bought at Wal-Mart has Netflix.
Oh Nintendo how the mighty have fallen. What have u done the beautiful Swan u once was hangs it's head like the ugly duckling you have become. Graceful in defeat as the light drains from your lack of sight. Sleep tight my friend of old your golden days won't be forgotten but a new Dawn approaches with out you
I'd like to see it have VUDU since theres no DVD or Blu-ray option. I'm okay with it being game only. But on Wii U, I found the web browser to be handy a couple of times while I was playing a bigger game. However once you have a laptop or tablet handy, you never need it anymore. If they did include these features, it would just eliminate the need to hook up multiple systems. Everybody with a Wii U that I know, including myself, uses the video apps. So it couldn't hurt, especially for those getting rid of other systems.
Does it need them? No, not really. I'm sure a lot of people would like them (I think the Crucnhyroll app on Wii U had a surprisingly high number of users), but it's not the focus of the system. It's a games machine and everyone has a device that can do everything else anyway. The only real issue is not being able to connect to public Wi-Fi networks that require a login (like hotels for example which use Arqiva). Twitch would be nice if they were serious about entering the eSports arena though.
To be honest I have a greater issue in the disposal of the Nintendo app infrastructure they had with the 3DS, particualrly shoving Mii Maker into the settings and disposing Miiverse.
A web browser is essential for public wifi connections in order to play online multiplayer at airports, hotels, etc.
They said it themselves that this console was supposed to bridge the gap between handhelds and the smartphone players...to do that you need to have other features aside from just games.
There are other devices that do it a lot better and Nintendo's systems I feel like might be wasting precious resources that can go into making better games.
I buy Nintendo consoles to play games, not be a half-baked iPad.
I'm a student living by myself currently. If i watch anything it's on my computer. If for some reason I was ever compelled to stream in public I would use my phone. If I was compelled to stream away from home but in private.. then I would look to the Switch
@MrWarner14 if the couple hundred megabytes a web browser would take is holding Nintendo games back, they have some serious problems.
They're hyping this so much as a home console, and these are things home consoles have. Not the web browser so much, but the streaming apps are vital. Otherwise they're accepting that they're an additional box for most people.
It's pretty mind blowing to me that they've included a share button so you can share to social media but can't access social media from the console. If 3DS and Wii and WiiU can access the web and Netflix then the Switch should too.
Honestly the more apps the better for sure. It should literally have everything possible: twitch, netflix, hulu, youtube—there's no reason not to and I want more reasons to use the switch instead of my phone not less.
@NintySnesMan That is a bit harsh. They are going to update it later.
Leaving out features that all the other consoles have isn't a good thing. Less isn't more in this case despite Nintendo's spin. You want to attract as many potential customers as possible. That, in turn, will bring more games.
Nintendo makes a console that can be played anywhere but leaves out web browser and app functionality, which is necessary to login to 90% of public wifi hotspots. I'm at the airport on a two hour layover with Mario kart Deluxe in my switch, but I can only play against the CPU because airports require a browser (or something similar). How did they miss this? Am I wrong? The only places that I can think of without this restriction are local shops and smaller malls.
@Paddle1 I'm one of those customers. I've been wanting an ipad type device for e-books and watching videos, but I find the prices too high for something that I would only be using on the 20 minute commute to work. I would believe all this talk about selling more than the Wii if the Switch had has much functionality as a standard tablet on top of next gen Nintendo gaming.
The only one I semi use lately on my Wii u is the YouTube app. I know the interface sucks but since I can control it using my phone. Up until a couple months ago i was using the Netflix app but I haven't since my cable box supports it now.
Jeez, why is it much worse here than it was in the Project Cars 2 article? More apps definitely mean a better value. I think no one can deny that. Can they be added later? Sure. Will they? Who knows. Does it bother me? No, it does not, but I definitely understand why people are annoyed. I just really don't see how some people are really angry about this. I get that (as far as I know as well) you need a browser to log into certain Wi-Fi spots. That sucks and it's very confusing if Nintendo didn't think of that.
But if the device doesn't do what you want it to do, don't buy it. This anger and arguing back and forth between people is kind of pointless. I get people want Nintendo to do well and, to them, this hurts their chances, but let's be civil.
@DarkKirby
Totally agree with your answer. Pure common sense.
No, it doesn't need them. Of course not.
BUT...
Yes, having these features would add value to the console for many potential buyers.
Some fanboys would say "Everything else has these features so why should the Switch?"
Some General consumers will say "Everything else has these features, why doesn't the Switch?"
Personally I couldn't care less if the Switch have these features or not but to appeal to the widest possible market it would make sense to have these features.
We are all have different circumstances all over the world. Just because I don't care about internet or Netflix on the Switch doesn't mean others don't.
@BigWhoady
What's wrong is the switch looks like tablet so the non gamer or those without their fingers on the pulse of technology are going to expect it do what a tablet can, when they find it cannot meet their expctations they'll look for something else that can. Having an all in one package is a no brainer and Nintendo need to see this fast, if the could also get android support in some way the switch could achieve sales figures in the wii range if not more.
@Randomlight Microsoft was smart enough to change up the Xbone functionality after online backlash. Hopefully, Nintendo listens and finds some way to implement tablet features at, or soon after, launch.
It is obvious that Nintendo will update later. Duh and Duh. I just think that they should've done this at launch. Anyone that says they are not going update it or they're not going to have it are fooling themselves.
I'm rockin out to Believer by Imagine Dragons. And I think it needs it. I'm getting hyper by the day. Video games are my sugar.
It wouldn't hurt. Honestly get some internet surfing going. Put apps. !! Apps Nintendo! We need apps!!!pppssssss! (Said like Daffy Duck)
@MysticX True, but I'd rather have one tablet that two to carry around.
Aw.... too bad.
...
But, I suspect Parental Control Apps from Apps Store.
If that Apps can be downloaded from Apps Store and installed into Switch, so I think.... another apps from Apps Store like Youtube / Google / Mozilla Fox, etc can be downloaded too and installed into Switch as well.
And Nintendo said there will be no internet browser or Youtube inside Switch........ by default.
So, I think we can add that apps from Apps store and we can browsing Google / Youtube / Hulu / Netflix, etc.
Once again, this is my theory about lack of internet browser inside Switch.
@gatorboi352 No, there's really not. Not enough of them to make an impact on sales, anyway. If you made a Venn diagram of the demographics "current non-web browser/video streaming-service users" and "prospective Switch owners", the two segments would probably barely even touch, let alone overlap. And if they did, do you honestly believe that the people inside that overlap would choose to not buy a Switch specifically because it doesn't do those banal functions? And if so, do you truly believe that there's enough of those people that it would have a negative impact on Nintendo's bottom line? I guarantee you it wouldn't, at least not beyond a statistically insignificant margin.
But hey, you're apparently the in-house sourpuss/troll, so don't let me interfere with your efforts to ceaselessly complain about Nintendo for any and all reasons on a site that's all about Nintendo lol. Winning.
Here's a different take:
It should have them even if no one ever uses them once. Why? Marketing.
People are saying "why have it when people just use their phone". But every simple feature removed makes people less impressed. Put them all in and it feels like "wow what a machine that can do it all!" Personally, I voted for like 6 of the apps even though I wouldn't use a single one besides Twitch. But to get people to buy the system, they need people to think it's awesome. Removing simple stuff is not awesome to other people.
(Twitch and Youtube for gamers should be no brainers. Embrace the community and they will spread the word. I can't tell you how many games i bought because I saw someone streaming it on twitch).
@zip A phone will apparently be needed for online matchmaking and voice chat when in portable mode. Neither the DS nor 3DS needed a separate mobile device to use the basic online service under any circumstances.
I can wait Nintendo needs to focus on games. I browse the net on my phone and all my TVs and other game systems have the streaming apps. Games Nintendo games!!
Is it the end of the world? No
Is it absolutely imperative it has those things? also no
Is it ridiculous that they couldn't get such simple things onto their console that every other piece of tech under the sun has? Absolutely
Part pf me thinks it's a step backwards. But at the same time, our house rules is that the wii u is for games and Roku or smart tv is for apps/tv. I barely use the 3ds apps either.
I'm loving the argument that all these other devices have these things so this should too, surely it would mean the opposite. I don't think I could sign Netflix onto another device if I wanted to, I've already got many ways of watching these or browsing the Internet. So no the Switch doesn't need any of them and I would be more than happy if it never had them as it would get no use. Also can we stop saying Nintendo are removing these features, they were never there so nothing was removed.
I have a PS4 and the amount of times I've used it to watch Netflix, browse the Internet, go on Facebook or other such sites you could count on one hand because for most I use my phone, or Netflix I just use the TV itself.
Nintendo at this point just needs to worry about making games for it because this is the area where Switch looks to be weak for some time to come
It's a tablet. (Granted a beefy, peripheral enhanced, instantly HDMI compatible, gaming tablet; but still a tablet)
It should have media apps. (But maybe not every single media app you'd find on say the Google Play Store)
Let's not forget the "Switch on the toilet" advert. Before standing up, there's some work to be done, y'know? A Youtube video or TV show playing as I finish up, pull up my trousers and wash my hands surely would be better than some pause screen's music.
Netflix I could understand, but the lack of a web browser and html5 video like Youtube is a huge bummer
While I would really like to have the internet browser at day for the Switch like when I feel like I have got my gaming fill for a bit and check Nintendo Life/Nintendoeverything, go to Youtube on the handheld Switch and watch some videos before going back to gaming again, as that would be my sort of habit :+).
course I am fine with there not being a internet browser specifically at launch as long as it comes out within the first year and hopefully E3.
I think the fact that the Switch not having at least a internet browser at launch might affect or confuse non-gaming people/mobile/tablet only gamers, as in that Nintendo losing sales potentially as the perception of the Switch as well has Nintendo.
Still, as long as Nintendo add a internet browser in not too long and hopefully before E3 this year if not before :+).
Personally I feel like all these answers are a cover up for a rushed product. I do have one on pre order and am going to get it launch day. It will get a browser for sure in an update.
I've got like 4 devices that can browse and stream video, i don't think its necessary for the switch to. The more about games it is the better!
I enjoyed being able to pause midgame on Wii U, check a FAQ, and then. return to the game. That was handy as hell. The web browser is less required for me, but it seems like a step back. I think updating it 6 months in is...fair? I'd really like to see Netflix, and I never thought of Spotify, but that'd be great. All of those would be HUGE sellers for consumers, ESPECIALLY those who're semi-casual gamers, or those who don't want/have a tablet...I do, but it'd be great to be able to swap from movies to games when traveling. Not a total dealbreaker, but I mean....let's keep it modern Nintendo, my love.
I'm also biased, I don't have a smartTV, roku, cable or anything like that. Only things hooked up to my samsung TV is my Wii U, my computer via HDMI, and a PS2 ahahah.
iPad for bedroom movies lol
@moon and @holygeez03. Awesome discussion guys! I want to provide my counter points because I feel you two have had the most compelling arguments for including apps on the Switch.
Increase the install base - Unless Nintendo can stream better than other portable streaming devices, I doubt the install base will increase by much. If you have multiple streaming devices most people would choose a phone or tablet because of superior portability, functionality and most likely battery life. If you don't have a streaming device, I feel most would choose to purchase a phone or tablet over the switch. This leaves you with only a few who would choose a switch based on apps. An increase in the install base for sure, but probably by a negligible number.
So then you might argue, "An increase in the install base is an increase, why not just go for it?" To that, I have the two following arguments.
1. Apps are not free for Nintendo - I'm not certain but I would think that Nintendo pays Netflix to have its app on the Switch. Even if this isn't the case there are support costs and opportunity costs of having this app take up screen space in the eshop and disk space on the internal storage. Real costs are passed on to the customer. The Wii U gamepad and 3d functionality on the 3DS were two features that in the end may not have brought much added value, but were still included in the cost at the end.
2. Apps fragment Nintendo's focused marketing message. Up to this point, Nintendo has been very focused on showing what the Switch is. It is a home console first, that can be used as a portable to play high-quality games. Throwing in apps and advertising those apps dilutes this message.
Just my two cents.
Well, granted I don't use the web browsers on any of my systems, some people would prefer to have it available...especially for when you take it on the go, and most games use digital instruction booklets anymore, making you connect to a website to see them...don't know if that would matter or not there though. Other than that, if people were in a long car ride or waiting for a plane, why not have a few apps to keep them entertained?
WHAT?!...now how am I gonna trade in my old devices for five dollars towards the Switch?..
it absolutely needs apps, i think the only reason it hasn't been big news or no announcements have been made so that they can make people feel like it's all about gaming first, then introduce the non-priority aspects.
Seriously nintendo. Do you know how great it would be to be running one of these apps (netflix, NHL.TV, hulu, etc) watching on a tv in your family room then when you start getting tired or if you decide want to go lay in your bed you can just pick up the switch and put it on a secondary base already hooked up to another tv? This would help promote sales of a secondary base as well.
@Brachabre : Excellent point. Especially when we consider that the Switch is effectively a portable device.
I did not think much of the exclusion of a web browser, but this encapsulates one of the reasons why the Switch must have one, and the sooner the better (preferably incorporated into the system OS/GUI, a la 3DS and Wii U).
I'm not fussed about any of it, my phone and lap top are better web browsers, and I can watch any app at both of those options. With that said, I hope they update with apps at least, because to the public I think having the option to use these apps are a requirement.
I also think that with apps and a browser they can go after some people that aren't even big gamers. For me personally though it's no big deal. I'm concerned about the Eshop and big third party support.
My house has a TV and 5 consoles and 2 PCs and 6 smart devices and 5 3DSs that have YouTube and Netflix. Crunchyroll is on 3 and Playstations similar Anime streaming app on 2.
@KirbyTheVampire How many other devices do you have that have these same things? I would rather the Switch forgo these for better OS and game performance.
For me, I use streaming service and web browser sometimes on Wii U (game pad). Compared to phone, it's larger, and compared to smart TV, typing and navigation is much easier. I can keep the TV on for the sports live while watching video on the Wii U, or check some news, etc.. However, I don't know if Switch could act the same way as Wii U game pad (I just put the game pad on sofa all the time, while probably need to dock Switch near TV most of the time). It's really hard to say, but I just want to point out that they are not totally useless, even if they are already available on several other devices.
However, if Switch could support Android apps later, maybe that will be when such services will be available.
No one should defend a console that doesn't at least offer the bare minimum that other consoles offer. There are standards in the current industry, not meeting those standards makes a console a lot more worthless to the average consumer.
Also, don't go saying that extra media entertainment features get in the way of a console's potential when it comes to hardware. The PS4 has everything outlined in this article AND a bluray player for movies. It's also the same price as the Switch. Despite all of that, it's still vastly more powerful. If I'm the average consumer that works a middle class job and can only afford one console a generation, I'm picking the PS4 over the Nintendo Switch. It offers a whole lot more bang for my buck. These are the consumers that make up the majority of the gaming market, the group you need to buy a system to get it to be a success.
You may not need these things, you may just care about games. Thing is, your purchase won't be what makes or breaks the Switch. If the system is unsuccessful, it'll also come back to bite you. An unsuccessful system means a lot less games. So in a way, you do still need features that you call superfluous.
Not having them at launch won't hurt it much but in the future it doesn't needs them. These systems are all in one media devices today. And it doesn't want to look weaker then the Wii, 3ds, or Wii U that would some of the apps.
Well, the SWITCH shouldn't offer anything less than the previous Nintendo console, but it already does. For the first time ever, a Nintendo console does a few steps back instead of building upon the previous generation. So anything more left out is making it feel even more lacking. I hope the system has superstrong game support to balance out the lack of great features and important options.
@BAN "And if so, do you truly believe that there's enough of those people that it would have a negative impact on Nintendo's bottom line?"
No i do not, I believe Nintendo already has plenty of other reasons going on at the moment negatively impacting their bottom line.
Love the "troll" comment though. I always do. Remember kids, a difference of opinion does not = troll.
You should learn to take things online said about a faceless corporation a little less personal.
@Tarvaax Sluggish OS and game performance as a result of not focusing on games (ie Xbox One) isn't a good selling point for a games console. After the Xbox One trailing the PS4 because of this, having a games console focused on being a games console is a selling point, especially when there might be 5 people would would go out and buy a Switch because of these things.
@Randomlight
I really doubt that. Nowhere in all the marketing of the switch have they conveyed the idea that the switch is a tablet-like device. It's always referred to as a home/portable console that strictly plays video games. Their 1st reveal trailer made that clear right from the beginning and it was only 3 minutes long. And every bit of advertising after that stayed with that same message.
@Tarvaax The PS4 has more power than the Switch. It also has a bluray player. Many bluray players will also have he same features.
To have the features of a PS4 in the Swith would make the Switch cost more than it does now. Are these features worth the extra costs?
@Tarvaax "No one should defend a console that doesn't at least offer the bare minimum that other consoles offer."
Your comments on here never cease to amaze me. Better watch out, your fanboy is starting to show.
Nintendo's web browsers have never been very impressive for me so this doesn't bother me in the slightest.
@BigWhoady Nintendo can claim all they want that the Nintendo Sandwitch is delicious on the go, and even more delicious when placed into the toaster dock. It still doesn't change the fact that the tech inside the core device clearly marks it as a mobile device.
Boy the comment count on this poll is astounding
@Tarvaax
The PS4 and Xbox One aren't portable. Is that "undefendable"??
@MadAdam81 Do you have any proof that having Netflix, YouTube, and maybe a web browser would have any significant impact on game performance?
@gatorboi352 Don't worry, I don't take it personally
I do think it's kind of funny though, after skimming through a bunch of your comments, that you devote so much time to going on a site with the word "Nintendo" in the name for the sole purpose of telling Nintendo fans how awful Nintendo is. Like, that's literally all of your comments. Kind of funny, bro.
Difference of opinion lol. It's a site specifically catering to the notion that Nintendo is great, and to people who agree with that notion, so your entire existence on this site is just one big difference of opinion. It's cool though, everyone needs a hobby. I guess this is yours.
Considering a lot of people use gaming consoles to stream online content (Netflix, YouTube, et cetera), it couldn't hurt the Switch to at least have these options available.
Of course we need a web browser!
It's always the homebrew entry point.
I mean, at least no one will ask you to use it in the middle of a game
game
It's pretty funny watching some posters squirm around like politicians trying to justify what is pretty basic functionality missing (I especially like when people start listing what devices they have with Netflix on as if that's relevant). These are things that don't impact gaming performance, don't take much effort to do and are potentially good selling points. They're no-brainers. They really need to be in place by Autumn or it may cost Nintendo.
Honestly, I'm much less likely to buy the Switch if it doesn't have Netflix and Prime. My family uses both services through the Wii U and I don't want two systems hooked up.
Of course is better have them, why would I use another device to see a guide in youtube or watch netflix, come on nintendo is 2017!
@brutalpanda I just think Nintendo are trying to establish the Switch as a game console that you can take with you if you want, rather than a tablet that you can connect to your TV if you want...
Either that, or they're out of touch with what their consumers want, 50/50 chance... :3
@BigWhoady Fanboy? Hardly. I'm fairly open-minded, and I play all genres across all consoles and PC.
I'm just smart enough to know that the people who buy the Switch for games and games alone won't be enough to make the console a success. At the most, you'd see it perform maybe a little better than the Wii U. It's important to offer choice and options to the consumer. The more ways you can use something, the more valuable it will be to families. Those are the consumers that matter. What gamers like all of us would be okay with doing without is completely irrelevant, and isn't something Nintendo should even think about in regards to making the Switch a success.
@Xaessya I couldn't care less about virtual console. I don't want to play some old games again that I played 10 years ago.
I honestly wouldn't use much else apart from Netflix, but I have a million other devices that can do that so it's not essential. Gaming first for me.
I do believe that they should and will come though, it just doesn't make any sense to presume they won't. I do find people fussing over this to be highly amusing.
The fact that the Switch is a hybrid console, makes is even more wired that it doesn't have a browser and media apps.
The Switch has the potential to be an real iPad/(Smart TV/TV-box) competitor due to its hybrid functionality.
All those different use scenarios of the Switch could make it a perfect media device as well, and open up a whole new market for Nintendo. It's a missed opportunity
Nintendo has a long history in making great family consoles and games. Therefore the main competitors in the last 8-5 years has been Apple/Google just as much as it has been Sony/MS. This is the reason why Nintendo shouldn't underestimate the smart-device business, and they should offer similar functionality and apps on the Switch.
Nintendo is managed by complete morons! Let's bring out a portable tablet like gaming device to compete with things like the apple ipad 👍🏻 Sounds like a great idea but in the hands of these guys they'll find anyway possible to make it irrelevant. If you could browse the Internet and play aaa games all on one device joe public might actually buy a switch instead of an iPad for their kids.
Imagine going on holiday and having to take your switch and iPad with you 😂😩 crazy
I would miss both YouTube and BBC iPlayer, since I used them for hundreds of hours on the Wii U (and the BBC is discontinuing the Wii U app this month).
Why has Nintendo got to engineer the Web Browser? Let Google/Apple/Mozilla program the thing. I'm sure if the system takes off that this will happen anyway.
@NintySnesMan if your statement is genuine, then all apologies, but you are a scumbag and part of the problem.
@Iggy-Koopa
Lol very intelligent of you. Low life neolithic worm. Lol lol lmao. A good hack will give more functions than what Ninty are offering which is peanuts. Ninty r pretty much irrelevant they still make hardware but they have become 3rd party software publisher's. As time passes by over the many years to come Ninty hardware will become more irrelevant . Oh yeah if I am called a scumbag because I don't mind having a hacked machine's like many others that own them then I will be proud to wear the Scumbag tag with Honour
This reminds me of when Nintendo sites tried to argue that the Wii U didn't need a dvd/blu ray player or gold/plus equivalent. Bottom line: Nintendo needs to be unique, but also competitive. On the other hand, I daresay that these days everyone who plans to spend £300 on a new console likely already has at least one way of accessing all the above apps. It's all about perception though, and lack of these apps along with lack of decent built-in storage could make this look very primitive in 2017.
@ThomasBW84 TOTAL GAMECHANGER ANOUNCED 8 xLAN players PLUS 2 x SPECTATOR SWITCHes ! http://www.japanesenintendo.com/post/157092070189
One of the reasons my PS4 is my go-to console is it's the one that has all the streaming services like Netflix, Amazon, Now TV, iPlayer, All 4 etc. (My TV doesn't have them built in) And while I'm on there watching that I usually stay in there to play, or even buy, some games after. Really hope they come to Switch too.
Music ones less so but there's no harm in having them.
A web browser I don't personally care about. All console web browsers have been kind of awful.
Nintendo should also think about next time "Soccer-mom" is looking for a new tablet device for her kids. If the Switch offered similar functionality and apps like an iPad, then it could be a real alternative. This is not the case right now.
And it is very important for Nintendo to influence the new young generation of gamers. It's how we all became fans in the first place. Right now, Apple and Google are the company's that is influencing young gamers. This is not good for Nintendo in the long run.
Yet another reason for me to still use my Wii U.
I'd like to at least see youtube and netflix? My computer tends to take a long time to load stuff, and I don't have a new enough tv to have apps on it (or, when I'm at college, a tv at all) so using a game system is the only way I can watch stuff on a screen bigger than my phone without a ton of hassle...
Switch is a fantastic idea, But for the price Nintendo MUST deliver multimedia entertainment.
@MysticX Sorry, head on the sand fanboy comment.
Wii U already provides multimedia content and did from Day 0. Netflix take care of Netflix - not Nintendo. Switch is a fantastic concept but at the price, it needs to deliver a more rounded and holistic approach. I would like to be able to take the Switch, and Switch only with me, but if it's gaming only it would spend most of the time docked.
It would be nice to be able to watch the Gyakuten Saiban anime on my Nintendo Switch.
@MysticX I don't have a tablet.
@invictus4000 I don't have a phone in my pocket.
Just a decent web browser that can handle youtube videos, soundcloud and the like would do it for me.
While I personally wouldn't use them, the Switch really needs this kind of stuff. A console that just plays games has much less of a purpose nowadays.
The idea that they would launch a system that has the form factor of a tablet without a web browser and streaming apps is insane. Hopefully the modding community can work out dual booting with in the weeks of launch to fix these issues.
Without these things how does the capture button serve any use?
@Tempestryke maybe you should google it = anime
I don't think it matters too much as people who want these will have already on another device. But having them would have done no harm at all.
so my thoughts are in time they will be there, but they probably looked at ms revealing the xbox one and well... "tv, sports, sports, tv... tv. yeah it didn't go over so well for them in the end there, many jumped ship to ps4 after that disastrous reveal. a lot of my 360 friends got a ps4 who was hardcore ms in the 360 gen was how bad it was. (i own most systems myself but end up more playing on nintendo systems ironically)
I've never used a console for browsing or streaming, so I don't really see the need for it.
@gatorboi352 honestly in this day and age most people have a dozen products capable of streaming, i dont think people will buy a switch for its streaming capabilities.
That said anyone whos played with nvidia shield knows the hardware is brilliantly capable of streaming so it is a missed opportunity but again most people will stream on another device like the shield.
Switch is a games console thats all it needs to be. Would have made the console if they had included gamestreaming like nvidias geforce now though.
Don't think it really matters. Probably never really used a single ap in any of my previous consoles. Think this guys says it pretty well also.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHBGroopfYc
Don't care about it, 'cos I'd never use any of such apps. A browser would be redundant imo, I don't believe anyone who says they'd miss one and claim they make great use of it on current systems. XD
Netflix and such I'm not bothered about since I have a smart TV, but before I owned it I would use my Wii U to watch Netflix, and I know people who do so with their systems currently. Same goes for YouTube I guess.
@MysticX Well, i don't have a tablet no and I really do hope the Switch will have its web browser eventually. I often travel for work and to bring one gizmo to play and surf the web would be much conveninent.
I have my TV for Netflix if I want to. but I have to use my PS3 to watch Crunchyroll. Make it happen(someday), Nintendo!
I think people like the idea of playing downloaded movies on the go, but I suspect this idea dies due to licensing issues. At this point it simply becomes a streaming machine and I already have many of these.
True gamers don't need the Apps but they should put it in there for the casual buyers. They need any help in pushing the system and those apps add value to it. More people adopting the system is always a good thing.
A casual consumer looking to pick up a tablet would consider the switch if it had comparable features to an iPad! Crazy decision to make not having a web browser!!! The executives at Nintendo are completely delusional as to what people want.
I laugh every single time I see 'I wouldn't use it so it doesn't need it'. Try widening that worldview just a tiny bit.
@Nareva Your comment is pretty much exactly the use case i was speaking against in my comment (#114), and i was wondering your opinion. Don't you feel that setting up an entertainment system with a Switch as your streaming solution basically undoes it's, arguably, key selling point? (being the hybrid/portable aspect). Why would you want to set it up in a manner where you can't use the handheld mode to continue playing if someone else wants to watch netflix? Or leaving the rest of the family unable to watch Netflix if someone leaves the house with it?
I really don't see why those things aren't included, seems like a no-brainer to add least add Netflix, Crunchyroll, and basic web browser.
>Games console for gaming only
>Will most likely have massive game droughts
lol
Hoping I'll still be able to log into web verification WiFi hotspots without a browser, otherwise my dream of using this at work (a university) or on fieldwork (usuallys staying in a premier inn) will be flushed down the toilet. Other than that, a web browser in general would be nice and Netflix too but not something that would stop my from buying one
The issue is, TVs only have so many ports. To even hook up the Switch, something else will have to go, so it needs to cover the functions of whatever it replaces. It's the same reason the lack of backwards compatibility is such a dealbreaker for me.
I currently use my Wii U for YouTube and Crunchyroll viewing (and BBC iPlayer before) on the big screen. My brother uses it for Netflix, too. I think the Switch not having these would be a shame for me, as I don't have a smart TV. But I'm not buying a Switch anyway, so it doesn't really matter.
So basically Nintendo believe that their fans will buy anything from them!. It doesn't need to have a browser, youtube, facebook,twitch, twitter or any of that because it's a "gaming dedicated system" even though it's only launching with 4 games!, one of whom is a shallow tech demo that should've been bundled with the system and only one awsome game worth getting that is also going to be released on a 4 year old system simultaneously!!, unbelievable..
I should say that i'm a huge fan of their games though but this is just too much, the reason the switch is not launching with a browser or even with Android(when it really should!!) is not because the switch is a gaming dedicated system as they claim, it's basically because they want to prevent people from hacking their system which is completely absurd because hackers want to hack everything!!, they did that with Sony and Microsoft but these companies were always ahead of hackers and were fast to patch their software, Nintendo on the other hand are basically just take away features and punish their customers instead of improving their software and making it more usable!!, what's the use of having a huge touch screen if the device itself cannot be used as multimedia device!!!...
Despite all that i still believe the Switch will do better than the Wii U, first of all the hardware itself is cool despite the relatively high price, a huge number of gamers will eventually buy the system(when prices drop) to get their nintendo fix, since the switch is going to be the only nintendo platform available with the 3DS phasing out..
It's still too bad though, Nintendo are half-arsing this awsome hardware and shooting themselves in the foot with these stupid lazy decisions!, it's been said the japanese can be very stubborn and no more has this been demonstrated than by Nintendo in recent years, a compnay that is being run by old dinosaurs who have lost touch with reality, their only concern now is milking their fans and customers, the're living in their own bubble, they still think we're living in the mid 90s ...
@dres
I understand your concern about lack of internet browser / video streaming.
But... I have theory about Parental Control apps for Switch.
Did you still remember Switch's Parental Control commercial with Bowser as guest star ? My theory is like this...
If that Apps can be downloaded straightly from Smartphone and installed into Switch, that means... not just only that apps that can be downloaded, but also... Youtube / Google / Instagram Apps can be downloaded too and installed into Switch. Nintendo said there won't be any internet browsing inside Switch.... by default and we can add in from Smartphone Apps Store to expand Nintendo Switch apps.
Once again, still my theory.
@NintySnesMan Thank you for proving my point
@Fadi299
I still questioning about Parental Control Apps for Nintendo Switch if you remember the Bowser & Bowser Jr commercial. There is something between Nintendo Switch and Smartphone apps store...
@Tarvaax
I'm sure that's how you see it but anyone with just a little bit of sense can tell that what you said is complete BS. And I can prove it. When a new report comes out about the switch that is generally negative, you're front and center ridiculing nintendo for it and blasting anyone who tries to defend them. But when there's a positive report about nintendo you're either nowhere to be seen or your comments are extremely neutered. Why is that? Why only show up for the negative but then completely ignore all the positive? It's almost like you need others to dislike nintendo to somehow validate your dislike of them. You can deny all you want but that's how it looks, and that's just sad.
I think the multimedia apps will come at some point. Besides how many of us actually use the PS4 or Xbone's web browsers? I would argue less then 1%. The Wii U had a slick browser, but that did not sell the system and caused confusion for the average consumer. If the Switch takes off there will be little reason for apps like Netflix to not show up, but at launch it is best to keep the message simple.
No one is against the switch, i really want it to succeed but it seems that nintendo deliberately want to destroy it's chances before it even launches!!, they could've made the greatest launch ever had they launched with slightly better price, had a mario game for launch, i don't get that, nintendo are in charge of both software and hardware they could've easily done that, and in the following months maybe release HD remasters of their past system, like super mario galaxy HD collection, Metroid HD collection, Zelda HD collection and so on...it's just frustrating..
@PlywoodStick
You're right it is a mobile device, one that is dedicated to playing video games, thus it's a video game console. In marketing so far the message has never been that the switch is a tablet or even a tablet-like device. The wording is always "home gaming console you can take anywhere". It doesn't matter what it looks like, what matters is what it's core function is. And that's playing video games, not being a multimedia device. Oh and by the way, you spelled "sandwich" incorrectly. Nice try on being clever though.
Take the joycons off and what do you have? A Nintendo tablet.
They'd be daft not to offer an easy way to port mobile games over from iOS and Android.
I don't want downgraded ports of PS4 games; I want Crashlands and Horizon Chase.
I love using the web Browser on my Wii U to watch YouTube videos.
Also, sometimes if I get stuck in a game I can search for hints on the web, so if they add a Web Browser to the Nintendo Switch it won't be a bad thing
I think is a big, big miss for Nintendo. So, I can't watch movies since it doesn't come with a blue ray (not even a DVD), but I can't also connect to any online service?
Isn't it better for Nintendo to have these apps and start selling their own content online?
Also, people saying that "I have my phone for web browsing", either have a 20/20 perfect vision or surf in short bursts the web. It is not kid friendly and no old-guy-like-myself friendly!
Back to the roots.
We do not need these apps. I want only a machina that run games.
The DS, the best and most successful console ever, only had an optional browser.
@NintySnesMan wow love that comment. Poetry.
I'll join you. I'm a scumbag too
@Anti-Matter there will only be a app for parental control on apples App Store and googles store. That's it.
Yes, I do have a smart tv and a samsung galaxy s6 smartphone, smart tv and chromecast on it and an Xbox One... but it would be nice to use the switch for youtube because its 6.2 inch screen is bigger than my s6's 5.1 inch screen.
I think Nintendo should work on getting typical streaming apps like youtube and Netflix on the system quickly. They aren't dealbreakers (everyone has something to stream from already anyway, and this is a game system first and foremost), but they are pretty standard for any internet connected device at this point.
That said, I think such apps, as well as other apps more typical for tablets, are especially important for the Switch. Even though the Switch is a game system, it's also a tablet. Nobody wants to bring 2 (fairly) large tablets with them on a long trip so they can read their Kindle books, stream media, and play games. If people are going to choose just one, Nintendo wants it to be the Switch, and more functionality will help that choice.
@invictus4000 exactly what I was thinking! If I want to watch Netflix or something on the go I'll just use my phone. And when I'm home I got 3 other devices that stream all the things listed in this survey (Apple TV, Wii U, and my PS4). When I play the switch I intend to play it as a dedicated gaming device. That being said; it don't think it would hurt to have those apps on it at some point, but I wouldn't want them personally.
@BigWhoady That would kill the joke, its Switch + and.
@Lina-MG The DS also didn't need a phone to process matchmaking for online games at wifi hotspots.
@Anti-Matter you're very confused. Nothing will be able to be downloaded on a smartphone and installed on the Switch. There is no "connection" between the Switch and any app store. The parental control app will be able to communicate with the switch from a smartphone. That's it.
I was hoping to test out my HTML5 games, but .. Nope..
I couldnt care less.....my smart tv isnt connected to the internet, either is my smart bluray player. I've got a phone and computer, none of this stuff appeals to me.......but it is bonkers not to have some or all of this at launch or at least a plan in place that can be shared with the public. Means nothing to me but is a miss for a lot of people.....even though most never use it, they like seeing features and options.
@daveh30
Long time ago (When still being called NX) I heard Nintendo Switch can integrating with Smartphone. Also, I still questioning about Capture button on Left Joycon. How do we upload screenshots onto social media if there is no internet browser or Miiverse or any kind of social media apps inside Switch ?
@PlywoodStick
Hm...old recipe from NDS for Switch about streaming apps.
Well... even Switch lack of streaming apps, at least I have a smartphone and I can paired my Switch with my smartphone for internet browsing / Youtube / Instagram, etc. In my country, the cheapest smartphone is just around $100. Mine is Vivo V3.
@RainbowGazelle
Same mate. There is no way I would spend money on this faceless irrelevant hardware. It's the bare bones that will probably do better than wii u but still struggle against superior hardware. It's a shame because I have always supported Ninty from NES days but it's time to move on and leave them behind just like they have left themselves behind. Thing is many people r feeling same way when u read many comments on lots of forums
@Anti-Matter You're talking about rumours from 2 years ago that we now know are false. And it'll upload screenshots to social media the same way PS4 does it... through its own interface that will allow you to connect to Facebook/ Twitter expressly for the purpose of uploading screenshots.
and your comment after that to plywoodstick about pairing your switch with your phone for internet browsing.... no, you can't, unless/ until nintendo put a browser on the switch. you could use the phone as a mobile hotspot, but that only allows you to use the features of the switch not magically stream android or ios apps / browsers to the switch. You're in a fantasy world, dude.
@daveh30 Those are fair points and I'll admit I'm probably not the typical user. I pretty much never play video games while my wife and daughter are home unless they're sleeping and I would probably only take it out of the house when we go on a family trip.
@UK-Nintendo
Yep scumbags United. Names calling don't bother me all it does is show what little intelligence they have. It's not even a debate just a nobody fool trying to character assassinate but I am happy for them if that's what makes them tick
@daveh30 @BigWhoady The simple fact that a sizable percentage of people interested in the Switch want features like a web browser and streaming apps means it should have them. End of story.
If you don't want them then you don't have to use them. It won't hurt you to have them there, but many people want them for the convenience of not having to carry around other devices. What's so hard to understand about that?
Also, for your own good, please lose the smugness and condescension.
@NintySnesMan best to ignore and don't go on there level.
I love Nintendo games and buy there systems doesn't mean i agree with everything they do. And you have to agree it does seem like a big joke
I don't need them, but they may be appealing to some.
@kenrulei Okay. Thanks.
@MysticX Or both.
@BigWhoady I criticize them because a lot of their decisions hurt the Switch's likelihood to succeed. If I didn't like Nintendo, I simply wouldn't care. It's because I want to see them stick around that I'm so critical of their missteps. I don't say anything when they're not doing anything wrong because there's nothing TO say. Of course my responses are going to be shorter and to the point.
@UK-Nintendo
That's why I come on here to listen to fanboys and haters there's much fun to be had. I like some Ninty games but not all of them. A good example would be metroid prime I like but any mario platformers 2d and 3d I dislike. It's the same with Sony some good some bad. For sure I won't buy SwitchTwich unless it gets a good Hack then I will be all over it. I have always bought Ninty machines from day 1 but this Twichswitch doesn't do it for me
@Nareva Fair 'nuff.
I buy game consoles for the games. But I do use Netflix, Hulu, and WWE Network a lot though. So if I ever get a Switch(eventually) I would love to have those apps on there. Sure, I already have other game consoles that's do all that stuff but I would like for the Switch to have it as well.
@daveh30
Um... I mean I will use my smartphone and Switch separately (But I will bring both of them on the go). When I want to play Nintendo Switch games, I will turn on Switch, but when I want to find out some information in the middle of gaming, I will use my smartphone straightly and then continue my gaming after reading from my smartphone. Sorry for made you misunderstood.
@Anti-Matter understood... my bad.
I'm curious to see how you can share screenshots and video(soon) without a browser or YouTube app.
@NintySnesMan your right about the fanboys. I do love reading the comments. I only buy Nintendo only for first party Mario games so the opposite. Other than that it's street fighter 5 on PS4 exclusively
@iammikegaines You hit it right on the head! Well said.
My PS4 has basically become a 400 dollar Netflix machine. That's all it gets used for. But seeing as the Switch will not have Netflix, it seems like the PS4 will still be vital in my life, for tv and movies. It's a shame Nintendo didn't get these aps on their new system because people will be asking for them when they buy a Switch and turn it on for the first time. They are pretty much standard on every other piece of tech that releases these days.
Although having some apps would be nice, it's absolutely not essential and if Nintendo wants to make the Switch a pure gaming machine, then that's fine by me. So sad that people who think that this is "bonkers" are getting so much support.
What actually IS bonkers, is people thinking that certain things not related to gaming at all are obligatory items for a game console...
Just because Microsoft and Sony jump into the river, doesn't mean Nintendo has to as well.
Some game-related stuff would be fine by me, though. So think YouTube and Twitch so it would work more seamlessly with uploading stuff by means of that capture button, and of course also to be able to watch what you've uploaded and playthroughs and such. Other than that, I couldn't care less.
I hardly ever use any of these apps on my other consoles too, so I wouldn't miss it for a single second.
@PlywoodStick
" The DS also didn't need a phone to process matchmaking for online games"
Switch don't need it either. Reggie was stupid to said something about this.
Visit the Switch official page or this new here and you will saw that you are wrong: http://gematsu.com/2017/01/ultra-street-fighter-ii-details-network-battles
My Wii U is my living room Netflix/Prime so I'd like to replace that with Switch.
Initially I thought it should be for convenience, but personally I want the Switch to be my device and I don't want my wife to use it to watch Housewives of Whatever or have it playing Kate and Mimim for my kid for a quarter of it's life. This is a device for the gaming community, not the family community. I am ok with that.
I'm not annoyed, because I already have a bunch of devices for CrunchyRoll/Netflix/Funimation/Hulu/whatever.....but having everything on every device is pretty nice, haha.
It definitely doesn't bother me though. I'm in no need for a new streaming device....I just want to play Nintendo games.
If I'm playing Switch and need to look something up, I'm just gonna take out my iPhone anyway.
Well since this thing looks like a tablet with controllers snapped on, it's actually hilarious that they want to keep it free of apps and web browsing. Not sure what they are doing here (and I'm positive they have no clue either).
@ThanosReXXX Yeah, it doesn't technically NEED these things, but why would Nintendo intentionally making their system not be able to do things that literally every other gaming platform can be a good thing? Having these things is especially important on a device like the Switch, rather than the Wii U. It could potentially become one of the most versatile entertainment devices on the market, and not even just for gaming.
I'm not saying it would fail if it didn't have these things, but why gimp themselves for no reason? By no means would it be a big deal, but if Nintendo doesn't put these on their system because it's a "dedicated gaming device", that is the most ridiculous logic ever, and should not be defended. Stupid is still stupid, even if it doesn't have a huge impact on the success of the system. Being quirky for the sake of being quirky/being the hipster of the gaming industry isn't cute. Some stuff is just common sense, even if it means doing the unspeakable evil that is copying some things that Sony and Microsoft do.
@tedko "It won't hurt you to have them there, but many people want them for the convenience of not having to carry around other devices. What's so hard to understand about that?"
So you'd leave your phone at home and take only the switch with you if it included a Web browser? Think carefully about how you respond because your credibility could drop all the way zero.
@darth2d2 "Initially I thought it should be for convenience, but personally I want the Switch to be my device and I don't want my wife to use it to watch Housewives of Whatever or have it playing Kate and Mimim for my kid for a quarter of it's life. This is a device for the gaming community, not the family community. I am ok with that."
This.
I can see why some people would want those things on the Switch but I personally don't care. When I got a WiiU I thought it was great that I could watch youtube, Netflix, and so forth but it wasn't long before I got a long enough cable to connect my Smart TV to my router. I enjoy the off TV play aspect and I wasn't able to use it because when others in my family wanted to watch T.V. they typically did so through the WiiU. In my case I need less reasons for the rest of my family to use my consoles, not
more.
I think wwe network should have been an option in the poll.
To be honest I'm surprised that these apps arent on the switch, unless nintendo has some serious concerns about system security, I can't see any reason why they wouldnt include them
It'd be dumb if they don't have it, let's put it that way.
@BigWhoady I was talking about not having to carry around another tablet. But in my case specifically, yes I'd leave my phone at home because I much prefer messaging. I almost never use my phone for calls and frankly don't need it.
@BigWhoady Anyway, why are you so against it having these things if other people want them? That's the question you have no answer for. You want it to be only for games. Why? why is that so important to you? What's bad about having more features? Why do you want to limit the Switch's appeal? You want it to be for some class of elite, hardcore gamers only? Why? So it sells less?
Think carefully about your responses because your credibility could drop to zero.
@BigWhoady
Thats a silly question. Why have you only referred to @tedko's phone when they clearly refer to 'other devices'. Think carefully about how you respond because your credibility could drop all the way zero.
@Lina-MG The article you linked states one can "use the hardware’s wireless feature to fight against nearby players." However, nothing in that article confirms one way or the other whether the NS's wireless band can actually process the matchmaking function when online.
As for the official page:
https://www.nintendo.com/switch/online-service/
"This service lets Nintendo Switch owners enjoy online multiplayer gaming as well as a dedicated smartphone app that connects to your Nintendo Switch system and helps you connect with friends for online play sessions."
"Our new dedicated smart device app will connect to Nintendo Switch and let you invite friends to play online, set play appointments, and chat with friends during online matches in compatible games─all from your smart device."
According to the official site, it only states that you do indeed need a smartphone for matchmaking when the core device is undocked, particularly when connecting to wifi hotspots in public. You did visit the official page and see that, right?
The Wii U web browser was one of the best things about any console I own, it's a huge setback for the switch. The wii u didn't even need the horrendous youtube app that sony consoles do because the sony browers are trash.
Since I got my Wii U 95% of my browsing is done on the system. I only use my pc when I have to download/upload something.
Maybe I just got unlucky but the web browing capabilities of the sony blu ray/media center I have is garbage(just like their game systems how odd).
Anothet advantage was you didn't have to worry about viruses on streaming site pop ups. I pay for Netflix but I have no issue with wafching streaming videos of shows that are on US Netflix but not the version butchered by the crtc in Canada.
@tedko
That's easy. It's a video game console. Therefore it's necessary for it to play video games. Anything else is a luxury, therefore, not needed. It's that simple.
@electrolite77
How many devices does one need to browse the Web or steam videos? A smartphone will get the job done. So by my count that's 2 devices, a phone and the switch. But this whole argument is ridiculous because right now people carry around a phone and a tablet and both are possible devices that can access the Internet so why would that stop happening just because a dedicated video game console has a Web browser?
Use my AppleTV & Smart TV for all that sort of stuff so really don't care about a console having it.
@KirbyTheVampire You're missing my point entirely. And it's not gimping a console, that's only the view of the sheeple that have come to expect being catered to for their every whim.
If Nintendo wants the Switch to be a dedicated gaming system instead of a portable media box, then the decision to not include these apps is understandable. Seen from that point of view, that's not even an opinion, but a fact. It has nothing to do with being quirky or a hipster.
That is also why I said that Nintendo doesn't have to follow the other two's every move just because of it. Next thing you know, they're gonna add all kinds of other stuff and then Nintendo will once again be "behind the times" in the eyes of the average "unable to think for himself" Joe.
But a lot of "gamers" these days can't seem to get past their own point of view and wants/needs, and start acting like spoiled little brats that aren't getting exactly what they want and are in desperate need of a good old-fashioned smack in the head.
Don't like it, don't buy it, simple. If you don't like a car that doesn't have stick shift, you don't complain about it, you buy another one that does...
All these apps are luxury items and not needed to make a game console a good game console. A game console needs to play games. Luckily, there are also a couple of people in this thread that actually DO understand that.
@ThanosReXXX Perhaps gimping is too strong of a word, but it's still a downgrade, considering the Wii U and even the 3DS had them, not to mention all the other platforms out there.
They don't need to copy their every move, but you could argue that not doing something that's a good idea just because Sony and Microsoft are doing it, and avoiding it altogether, would also cause people to view the Switch as behind the times. After all, putting a browser, Netflix, and YouTube on a system is pretty hard to mess up or do a worse job of than the other companies, especially since the Wii U browser is viewed as arguably the best console browser. Clearly the last thing they're doing is following their every move anyway, judging by the system's hybrid nature and controllers, among other things.
It's not needed to make it a good system, true, but if you gave people two buttons to press, with one giving them no Netflix, browser, YouTube, Twitch etc, and the other button giving them all of those things, you can bet that the vast majority of people would pick the one that gives them those things. The Switch will do fine either way, though. Still, when you're the underdog of the gaming industry, maybe you should give people a few luxuries to make your system more attractive, even if they're not totally necessary. Portable Netflix, YouTube etc would still be a leg up over the other systems, which are totally stationary, albeit a small one.
@3MonthBeef
"However, if you want people to use your device solely or one purpose, one of the things you don't want to do is muddle the message".
Ok, but what about people who would consider buying one if they could use it 75% as a gaming device and 25% for other things? Or even 99% and 1%? Or those who think they will use the other non-gaming apps even if they actually won't? They're less likely to buy one.
@KirbyTheVampire Well, no. Still not entirely getting me. Maybe I should have added this before: the Switch is supposed to be the result of Nintendo paving a new path for itself, a reboot of their console (& handheld) division, so it's not about ALL the things that their predecessors did.
And the majority of those people pressing that one button, are exactly the type of people that I mentioned earlier, so I couldn't care less which button THEY want to press.
I only care about people that at are at least willing to try and grasp/understand, and more importantly: ACCEPT what it is that Nintendo is trying to offer them instead of bemoaning every little thing that is supposedly "wrong" with it.
I have very little, if any, patience for individuals like that...
@KirbyTheVampire Having said that, I did say in my original comment, that I would welcome game-related apps, such as YouTube and Twitch, for obvious reasons, amongst others that capture button...
@BigWhoady
Not everybody owns a tablet. Not everybody owns a smartphone in fact. Those that do might not want to carry around all 3. Being too lazy to put standard media capabilities on Switch forces upon people an unnecessary choice as to what device to buy, forces upon people an unnecessary choice as to what devices to carry around and misses a mass market selling point.
It's clear from this comments thread alone that a browser and media apps would be useful to some. Why deny Switch that selling point?
@3MonthBeef Your comment #338 should have been the one getting those 40+ likes that someone else wrongfully got. You actually show understanding and acceptance of what the Switch is and what Nintendo wants to offer. Hats off to you.
But alas, we're living in an anything BUT perfect world, and there are still WAY too many people not understanding why not everything or everyone caters to their every whim all the time...
@electrolite77
So you're saying people are waiting for the switch to come out before deciding which phone and/or tablet to get? Do you realize how ridiculous that sounds?
@KirbyTheVampire @electrolite77 Isn't it odd how these people apparently defending Nintendo are telling people to NOT buy their products? Isn't it odd how they keep insisting rather vociferously that Nintendo should NOT cater to the desires of a large number of potential customers, even when all that's being asked for are simple features that could very easily be implemented without in any way detracting from other aspects of what the Switch is? I find that odd.
So I guess their sales pitch is, "Here's our product! It doesn't have a lot features many people would consider standard in this type of device! If you don't like that don't buy it! Screw you, you entitled little brat! Stop supporting Nintendo! We don't want you!"
Go to the Twitch homepage. It says "top games currently streaming from PS4" and "top games currently streaming from XBox One". Apparently Switch won't be in on that party.
So if this is REALLY about games then reaching "real" gamers might mean including the apps they use constantly... Youtube and Twitch for streaming and watching games. Of the two, I would push for Twitch integration. Can't tell you how many games I've bought after watching someone twitch them.
@tedko
Exactly. That's why I said even if I don't care about a browser etc. (i do care about twitch) just add the simple ones for marketing purposes! Reduce the # of reasons whiners can say "it doesn't even have...."
I bought a Gamecube day 1. but since then I waited like a year for Wii. Figured I would get it for Smash and other Nintendo games eventually but the excitement for motion control? bleh. I got Wii U eventually. Figured I would again for Nintendo exclusives, but only because I traded a 3ds for it straight up on craigslist. sweet deal.
I feel the same about Switch. It's not bad, it's just not blowing me away and with the cost of gaming these days it kinda needs to for me to buy it. (don't have XB1 or PS4 either at this point. content with SNES.) lol
@ThanosReXXX I feel like it's sort of a given for gaming systems to have Netflix and a browser since they've been on systems for like 10 years now (consoles, anyway), so I don't know how necessary keeping those things off the system is, but I guess they just would rather not have anything at all that could slightly muddle the message in any way. I still feel it's a bit of a missed opportunity, but maybe I'm just disappointed because I personally would have used them.
I don't exactly appreciate the insinuation that I'm a part of the sheeple. When a company releases a gaming system and expects people to want to pay hundreds of dollars for it, the fact that they're offering less than the competition in certain areas is a perfectly valid thing to mention. It's not a flaw exactly, but it is an absence of a luxury that every other gaming system happens to have. Of course, someone who doesn't buy a Switch just because it doesn't have Netflix probably didn't care much at all for the games in the first place.
Again, it's not a big deal by any means, and Nintendo can do whatever they want with their system, especially if adding Netflix and a browser will somehow completely shatter their vision for their system and prevent them from marketing it as a gaming system and not a portable media box.
I'm perfectly fine without most of the apps as I have other devices, but I think the Switch would benefit from YT and Twitch, due to there being competitive game streams and future Nintendo Directs / Presentations. Kinda mends well with the whole focus on being a gaming platform.
@BigWhoady So what your saying is people should buy a smartphone or tablet instead of buying a Switch? I mean I understand that the Switch is a gaming device first, but it's more convenient to have online features on the Switch instead of dealing with two devices at once. It just seems more reasonable since it's a gaming device on the go and it would an easy selling point if it had online features at the ready.
@BinaryFragger @speedracer216 Yes! Well said. It's also funny to me how some here act like being a Nintendo fan means you have to love and defend every decision they make. I'm pretty sure almost everyone who comes to this site are big Nintendo fans. I certainly am, but that doesn't mean I can't be critical of them.
Why in the world does this question even need to be asked? It's like saying "Do you want extra features that literally won't hurt anyone, or do you want to take away the extra features that have become industry standard just because?"
Extra features are always for the better. You may not care for the extra options but others might, so let them do their thing.
All I know is that basically the only thing I use my Wii for now is Netflix, but I DO use if for that. So, this kind of stuff is important in the grander scheme of things on modern consoles imo; it gives you a reason to pick and use the system more often than if it just does one thing only.
@3MonthBeef
Well yes. Tablets are multi purpose devices, that can do alot of things. But most people does only use their tablets for browsing, media streaming, gaming and social networking. Not many people are using their tablets for much else. Serious work and other stuff is mostly still done on PC.
Switch could easily provide the core tablet use scenarios with a few great media apps and a competent browser. This would make it a great tablet alternative, and make Switch relevant for other kind of customers.
Nintendo sold many more hand-held devices before smartphones and tablets hit the market.
An iPad is the biggest thread for a Nintendo device, when it comes down to attract families with younger kids. This has always been one of the core audiences for Nintendo, and a group of customers that have helped Nintendo sell more than 100 millions of hand-held devices before.
Switch simply needs to offer the most used tablet apps, to provide a real alternative for those families. And influencing young gamers is important for Nintendos future as well.
The hybrid concept of the Switch opens up new and exciting ways to enjoy gaming on a console, appealing to many different audiences and markets. The whole concept could also make the Switch a very exciting media device for a lot of people, competing both with iPads and Smart TV's / casting devices. It's a missed opportunity for Nintendo.
I am pretty sure, that media content apps will come down the road. Netflix and others are probably just waiting to see how well the Switch will sell. And that is understandable after the Wii U disaster. It's not all up to Nintendo.
@TreasureFan
No what I'm saying is that people already have a phone and tablet. Plus when tablets starting coming out and we're online capable, there wasn't a huge decrease in phone sales or a trend of people leaving their phones at home and opting to just take the tablet with them. So why would that change if the switch had a Web browser and could stream videos? It wouldn't and if it did have those features, people would still being other devices with them. This is a non issue.
What some people can't seem to grasp is that Nintendo have almost placed themselves perfectly to compete with the tablet market!! They could easily compete with apple iPad with this product if marketed and serviced correctly. If Nintendo ever hope to have Wii like success with a tablet computer shouldn't they at least offer comparable features??? I'm a Nintendo guy from 8 to 38!! But they've lost the plot many years ago unfortunately
For 300 bucks Nintendo is already putting themselves at a precarious position and offering less features than their cheaper competition isn't a wise business move. Hopefully Nintendo adds things like Netflix and such later as they are very important in this tech-focused world we live in. Dedicated gaming consoles are nice but people have been convenienced with do-it-all devices for quite some time and not having apps is a huge misfire given the premium price.
You know I voted mostly that I didn't really care either way, but now that I think about it, having the ability to watch Netflix and YouTube on my Switch anywhere in the house would be way better than on my iPod Touch because the Switch has such a large screen! It wouldn't be quite as high resolution, but I think the larger size would make up for that. I definitely want an internet browser as well. The Wii U has a very good one and I've used it quite a lot. So, Netflix and a good browser would be awesome, and a YouTube app wouldn't be necessary if the browser plays YouTube videos well enough.
@ThanosReXXX
The sheeple are those who believe anything companies/marketing firms tell them and this is basically what you're doing here. You believe that Nintendo are throwing away all those features that have been available on their past home consoles and handhelds because they want to make a gaming dedicated system even though it will only have 4 games at launch of which only one is considered a hardcore game that will also be available on a 4 year old system, and if you look at the games announced for the switch in the following months most of them are either remasters or rereleases of older games rather than brand new titles!. Stop parroting what Nintendo are saying!. The reason they're not including these vital apps is because they don't want to invest money to develop these apps for the switch and to stop people from hacking it rather than trying to make the software more secure and usable!. A gaming tablet released in 2017 doesn't have a browser, youtube, Facebook etc when the wii, an underpowered home console released back in 2006 which was supposed to be used by grandma had those features!!!, can't you see the ridiculousness of that statement?
Stop calling reasonable people sheeple when you are basically the real definition of the word.....
So Nintendo plan to charge for online that you can only use at home? Without a web browser I couldn't connect to the internet and play any games online while I'm out. I've used my 3DS a lot when I'm out, playing Monster Hunter or watching Netflix or accessing the eShop or just browsing the web. To not be able to do any of that seriously impacts the portable part of the system.
@3MonthBeef
This is exactly the point I'm trying to make!, that would have been with me had Nintendo launched with more first and third party titles so we would have known that their focus is on games rather than media consumption features but with that slim and average launch lineup and games that have been announced so far this whole "gaming dedicated system" has fell flat as they basically have nothing to show for!..
Mario Odyssey is the only game I'm excited about so far and we'll have to wait atleast 8 or 9 months before it comes out!. I think this is one of the worst planned game console launches ever especially coming from Nintendo a company that is in charge of both software and hardware.
@JpGamerGuy90
Exactly!, to make matters worse nvidia just launched a slimmer nvidia shield tv which has the exact same chip the switch has and comes with a controller and a remote for 200 dollars!!!, go figure...
@kamikazilucas "it dosent need it at launch, but it should have it since it is a tablet"
Please don't call it that. It's tablet-like, but it wasn't designed to be used without the Joy-Con attached. It wasn't meant to be an iPad killer or something like that. It's a gaming console first and last, and that's all it should need to be.
Careful now.
@CircuitWrangler3
But Nintendo should really consider making the Switch an iPad killer for its core audience. Why not?
Finally Nintendo has made a device that actually can compete with the iPad on a technological level. So why not try to win back some of the lost customer segments Nintendo had in the pre smart-device era?
Back in 2006 every little kid had a DS and played Mario and Pokémon games. Nintendo sold around 150 million DS units back then, and families with younger children where a big and important customer segment for Nintendo, and one of the main reasons why DS sold so well.
3DS has "only" sold around 60 million units in comparison. Smart-devices took a big chunk of Nintendos core market.
Today younger children are mostly playing Goat Simulator, Minecraft, Angry birds and Lego games on their tablets. And they are also enjoying Netflix and YouTube on these devices, as well as fun playful leaning and drawing apps.
I really can't see why Nintendo couldn't provide similar experiences with the Switch, now when they have a device with matching functionalities and qualities like an iPad?
Why should Nintendo not try to win those customers back, and provide a real iPad alternative for them? For that to happen, they need media apps and a competent browser on the Switch.
I am not saying, that the Switch should be a fully multi purpose device like a normal tablet, offering office / productivity apps and so on. It is mainly a gaming console after all, and should stay that way. But Nintendo still needs to provide the most used core apps of a tablet, to satisfy the most important user demands for such a device.
@3MonthBeef
"All tablets can play games but not all tablets are literally built with gaming in mind."
Exactly. Switch could be the "gaming" oriented tablet, while the others are more multi purpose oriented, and also provide productivity apps.
"Gaming" could be Nintendo's little niche in the tablet market, but they still need the most important core apps of a tablet, to make this happen.
It's simple. I have an iPhone, a PS4, and a Wii U.
I use Netflix A LOT. My phone screen is too small, I never use it on there. My PS4 is perfect for when I use my TV which is fairly often, but not as often as I want to watch Netflix in bed, in which case I currently ise my Wii U gamepad. I prop it up on my desk as well when I'm working. I rarely use my Macbook as I find the weight too much when I'm lying down and I can't get into a comfortable position.
The Switch NEEDS Netflix. I plan to disconnect my Wii U by the end of the year and I don't want to be carryig my Macbook, Phone, AND Switch around.
So as far as I'm concerned, Netflix, YouTube, and InstantVideo are a must. DisneyLife would also be great as I've just gotten that recently as well.
Spotify would be cool if they added the function for background music like on the PS4. But in no way is this a neccessity as I'd just use my phone in this case.
@tedko
Bigwhoady is against having these features because he is a fanboy and if Ninty don't want them in then he hangs on there every word they can't do no wrong in his eyes. Also he is always rude to ppl that don't agree with everything Ninty do. Tbh mate he is the only person on here I completely dislike. I will repeat a comment he said to a user and that's His opinion counts for nothing. Read his back comments to see what I mean. Just not a nice person at all.
Edit I made a mistake it was Donkeykongbigboy that made the Your opinion don't count but my own opinion does comment. Don't get me wrong these 2 guys are like 2 peas in a pod.both not pleasant guys.
I think nintendo's real competition comes from the apple/android segment rather than ps4/xbox home console market!, nintendo could've posed real threat to apple's dominance on mobile market by just capitilizing on the same type of light gaming experience available on mobile platforms plus reinforcing it with their own game library, they would acheive more success by doing so, many people would jump on the switch wagon, especially younger generation to get a piece of the action but in order to pull that off they also need to make their device convenient for everyday use by making it an awesome device for multimedia consumption, nintendo are wasting a huge opportunity here to go head-to-head against the top dog rather than competing in what seems to be an exhausted home console market where graphics, big budget games seem to be the order of the day, IMO it's a losing battle against Sony.
Nintendo should find their own niche, mobile gaming is what they do so well, they should stick to that and make a platform that people of all ages can jump in and use not only for their gaming needs but also for their multimedia consumption as well..
It doesn't NEED a web browser, no. Because people will obviously just use their phones. But when you say "it doesn't have this" where other systems do, it immediately looks inferior and that damages the image of the machine to potential fence sitters. I do however think it needs the streaming apps. Normally you'd say meh, people have smart TVs and Apple TVs and other such devices to watch these at home. But it's a portable. Being able to play games on it, then watch a movie, would be brilliant. Alright, so people who watch Netflix outside of the home (on a decent size screen) use an iPad or something. But if you want to play Switch on your long train journey as well, that's two devices you need to stuff into your bag. Put all the apps on the Switch, and it reduces the need to have that iPad close to hand for when Zelda starts to get tiresome. It's that simple.
@BigWhoady
No. I'm not saying that. That's the second time now I've seen you (I presume deliberately) ignore the point of the post you're replying to. Please try not to do that.
I'm saying there may be people who, when the time comes for them to consider purchasing a Switch at an undetermined point, may be put off purchasing the device that just plays games and instead purchase another device that plays games and does a lot more.
There's nothing amazing about that. The only ridiculous thing in this Comments thread are people supporting the absence of functionality, the presence of which makes no difference to them, simply because the infallible Nintendo have said it won't be there.
@electrolite77 "and instead purchase another device that plays games and does a lot more."
The only devices that play games and do a lot more are the ps4/xbone. Because you're not going to get console quality games out of the tablets that are available today. Unless you count clash of clans and candy crush as viable options but then that would make you a casual and your opinion moot.
@Barbiegurl777
"I could care less if the Nintendo Switch has the web browser or any of those other apps like youtube, netflix, etc. Apps I never used on my game systems to begin with.
Game Systems are meant for gaming. If I buy a game system I buy it purely for the games.
We already have a computer at our house. The web browser on both my wii u & 3DS I don't even use.
Glad Nintendo is making the Nintendo Switch like the older system's were there getting back to actual gaming. How it use to be. Like NES, SNES, N64, etc.
We didn't need the web browser & other apps on the older game systems. I don't understand why its a big deal now...
Happy Gaming! (^_^)"
This guy gets it. +1
Relax guys, just because it's not all there at launch doesn't mean it's not coming. It WILL get these apps at some point, in this day and age it is literally inevitable. So just chill.
I personally won't use these services, but having fewer apps and features makes Nintendo look out of touch and arrogant. It was an indefensible point when the Gamecube launched without a DVD player, and it's just a joke now. They might not want to make set-top boxes, and fair play to them for that, but some basic universal functionality is just expected at this point.
@BAN lol hardly my hobby at all.
Also, "It's a site specifically catering to the notion that Nintendo is great, and to people who agree with that notion," could not be further from the truth.
Stay mad, brah.
@BigWhoady
except Nintendo WANTS their systems to be more than gaming. people like you are funny.
I have yet to ever use the browser on my Wii U. Before I got my smart DVD player, the only thing I used it for was Prime since the Prime app won't easily chromecast. I tried using Crunchyroll on the Wii U but noticed it works better on my phone. Most things work better on my phone.
I see both sides. For people that want to consider this being a new tablet, it should have those things. For people like me that just want to play games, it doesn't need it. Although I have thought all along it should have a forked version of android baked into it with an app store that is cultivated to only have the best games (none of the crapware you find in the android market). They could cherry pick the best games and allow them to be played on the system, and take a small cut of the revenue. That's what I would like to see.
@business-scrub The whole not available at launch bit seems to be completely lost on people here. Either that or they just wanted another excuse to spit their dummy out of the pram.
Video streaming is also not available at launch but nobody's gone nuts over that yet. I'm waiting for the article about the Switch not having a camera for it to really go off. "But but in 2017 all tablets have a camera! That's it! Preorder cancelled!"
https://youtu.be/qqjK6EZPFZc
This is nothing new. It's just like the debate over whether the GameCube or Wii required a DVD player.
@NintySnesMan Yeah, bigwhoady is a waste of time. I won't make the mistake of interacting with him again. I wonder if he doesn't secretly hate Nintendo and is playing the part of an over the top fanboy just for a laugh.
We have some serious fanboys on this website! Seriously you guys are defending Nintendo for not having any media apps on the Switch!? No Amazon Video, Netflix, and Web browser will seriously damage the reputation of the Switch with the causals gamers, Nintendo better be fixing this problem fast.
Come on we finally have a Nintendo system with a multi-touchscreen and you guys don't want an internet browser WTF!!
@business-scrub "Relax guys, just because it's not all there at launch doesn't mean it's not coming. It WILL get these apps at some point, in this day and age it is literally inevitable. So just chill." This is probably the most sensible comment. My theory is that Nintendo timed the release of the Switch with Breath of the Wild, (which they didn't want to delay any further), even though many things still weren't in place for the Switch. They expect there are enough people that will buy it at launch no matter what. I still think they haven't handled the launch very well. I went from super excited for the Switch because it could be everything I want in a portable system, to now waiting to see what other games and features are coming before I decide to buy one, especially since where I live the price is pretty steep.
@BigWhoady
Sigh. I didn't say I was making that choice but some people might. That was fairly clear. You can be as flailingly insulting as you like about casuals but Nintendo want their money.
That's why it's ludicrous to actually want multimedia facilities not to be there. If you don't use them they don't affect you. If you do, they're a selling point. After that the only reason for not wanting them is either spite or unthinking zealotry. And neither of those should be taken seriously.
Personally I think they'll be in.place by Autumn and then everybody defending Nintendo over this can 180 and cheer them.
I never, ever use the browser on my smart-TV. It feels so fiddly typing 1 word a minute. The only thing that would be nice is Twitch support. Because the Switch is a gaming system in the first place and that's all it need to be. A lot of people have multiple TV's, PC's and Tablet's these days, if you want to watch Netflix or Youtube, use one of those.
YouTube and Crunchyroll would be nice to have on it, along with a browser.
@electrolite77 "I didn't say I was making that choice but some people might."
No one's making that choice. Keep grasping at straws though. It's amusing.
My problem is, even if SWITCH has a web browser and tons of apps, you couldn't use the touchscreen to navigate it when playing stuff on TV. Touchscreen is so much better than pointer controls or, god forbid, Pro/Classic controls. I guess my Wii U will share the place under my TV with the SWITCH for a long time.
My guess is, Nintendo is going to make mobile apps compatible with SWITCH, ditching the conveniences and usability of their previous system to phase them out to another piece of hardware (your smartphone).
@tedko
Says the guy/girl wasting their time complainin about nintendo on a nintendo website. You make great life choices and are an inspiration to all.
@IrateGamer
Yeah that's why they call it a dedicated gaming console instead of a multimedia device. Go figure.
@NintySnesMan
Crying to your girlfriend about random comments on a nintendo website? Well then I guess my mission is complete. Have a good day ma'am.
@Meaty-cheeky
Hm... I think Internet Browser, Youtube, Hulu, Netflix, etc will be available from Eshop, same way with 3DS or Wii U.
Well, Nintendo better prepare to add those apps if Switch sales disturbed due to lack of those important apps.
Just give me Twitch, Crunchyroll, Netflix, and maybe a decent browser
@KirbyTheVampire To clarify: I never said that I also saw you as a part of the larger mob, but it IS that larger, less informed mob that seems to think they can dictate what a company should do to keep them happy, and to me, that's ridiculous.
And it's not so much that it's necessary to leave these apps out, but the other side is also true: it's also not necessary to have them, because it doesn't have any effect whatsoever on its ability to be a wonderful gaming device. The different functionalities aren't that intertwined that a video gaming console couldn't exist without them, and just because it is by and large available on other systems, doesn't mean that it's a fixed item on the "how to make a games console" list, and it's also not going to make the gaming experience itself better.
It's just going to make it a more versatile, or, if you will: multi-media device, which could indeed muddy the waters of the message that Nintendo is trying to get across, like others such as @3MonthBeef have already said, and in general, most people already have portable devices that have all these functions, yet another reason why they aren't necessary on the Switch.
That has been my whole point since the beginning, and besides: if you want to play online, you're going to need your smart phone anyways...
@Fadi299 No offense, but you have no idea who I am or what I think, so you are welcome to have your own opinion, but you couldn't be more wrong. I'm an individualist and have never been nor will I ever be, part of the flocking masses.
If you'd have taken the time to actually read and understand the message I'm trying to convey, then you'd see that above all, I'm advocating for people to think for themselves and to not simply follow the majority or to think that things should be a certain way just because, and the just because in this case for reasons of the other parties also having these apps or because of Nintendo previously having (some of) these apps on their own devices as well.
Honestly though, those really aren't good reasons. We can argue about that for decades, but that's not going to change anything. The only "good" reason is because people want/demand their all-in-one devices, but like I already stated in the comment above this one, it doesn't make the Switch a better gaming device if you add these apps or leave them out, just a more versatile one.
And what if Nintendo doesn't want to pay for these services or if they have specific reasons such as you suggested for not including them? It doesn't even matter if I agree with that or not. It's their console, their choice. Don't like it, don't buy it, simple.
And the most ridiculous thing about it all is that we don't even know if they aren't simply going to add these apps later on, like a few others have also already said, so maybe, just maybe people are getting all worked up about "yet another mistake Nintendo is making" when that isn't even sure yet.
@3MonthBeef Exactly, might all blow over again once these apps are announced later on, much like has already happened before.
Probably much ado about nothing...
Media apps I'm okay with. A web browser, no thanks. It opens up a lot of opportunities for hacks and exploits. Better to have a sandboxed app than a pretty open coded app like a browser.
@gatorboi352 "nintendo life" lmao
I guess my thought would be that I don't think streaming apps are really necessary.
I mean, I don't think it would hurt anything to have them, but if the system doesn't have a cellular connection anyway I don't know what purpose it would serve to have a Netflix app that only works when you're at home (where you almost certainly already have a means of watching Netflix if you're a subscriber).
I suppose you could always tether to your phone to get access while on the go, but that seems like a hassle compared to just using the web browser/streaming app that's already on your phone.
@NintySnesMan @BigWhoady "Well then I guess my mission is complete." I'm sorry. Could you explain to us exactly what your "mission" is? Please elaborate on that.
I think all of it becomes necessary. Like the Wii for instance. I began to use it for everything. I havent touched our home PC in about 3 years. I watch Netflix and Prime Video quite often. To me it would be a huge miss if the Switch skips these things. If there was an announcement these things were not coming I would cancel my order in a heartbeat.
@tedko
I have no idea what his mission is or was I don't know the guy. All I know he is a rude obnoxious worm he is rude to everybody all the time and he has big issues in that tiny mind of his. I know he is married and I wonder if he is disrespectful to her aswell. I think he probably is and if he isn't then she must be as bad as him cause who would put up with is arrogance unless they were just like him. I feel sorry for any children they have or might have who would want a parent like him. He had a plan well that says everything about him as a person really. Like I said not a nice person
I don't understand why people are still saying these things are unnecessary. If the Switch is unable to connect to wi-fi hotspots then it isn't much good as a portable system, so i'll just use it around the house which then makes it practically no different to the Wii U.
Not everyone has a smart phone to use instead or connect to, I know 3 people who don't (plus countless kids). My phone is old and probably unable to run the new apps; so if I have to buy a new one to be able to use the Switch properly then it makes it all the more expensive.
Nintendo is making decisions that seem focused on smart phones. Their loyalty rewards are mostly for smart phones and MyNintendo can't even be accessed from Nintendo systems, suggesting PC or smart phone access (ironically I have to use my Xbox for it). Switch continues this with parental controls and voice chat apps. With all the focus on smart phones maybe Nintendo should be releasing their own phone/3DS style combo.
The only positives about the Switch for me so far are the Joy-cons and the cartridge format. The games will no doubt be great though, with Mario Odyssey, Arms and 1 2 Switch all looking good, so I'll still buy one but it'll be later in the year instead of at launch. I'm getting Zelda on the Wii U.
I definitely think having multimedia apps is a huge plus, if not essential. If you have everything in one go (games you love, access to videos and music, etc.) then you're less likely to switch your systems.
All I can hope is that the YouTube app is better than the one on Wii U. You know you screwed up when the basic internet browser works better for YouTube than the designated app does.
@BigWhoady, post 413
"No one's making that choice"
Post 428
"If there was an announcement these things were not coming I would cancel my order in a heartbeat"
Oh, Whoady. It's a bit of a disaster for you this isn't it?
@MysticX
Firstly, the vast majority of people in the world want to "surf the web and do all that stuff" so Nintendo's market PROBABLY includes a fair number of people in that demographic. Like it or not, Nintendo IS competing for backpack real estate.
@BigWhoady I understand your point that people can go on the internet and stream videos with their phones. But what i'm trying to say is, in this day and age people want more from their devices, that includes gaming devices. Watching youtube or netflix and browsing the web on a bigger screen can be another benefit that the Switch could have, especially since it's a portable console. (Being a dedicated gaming console and having internet functionalities on the go can be very good in terms of marketing for the Switch) But regardless whether that feature gets released now or later, it needs it for consumers who would like to have the option.
(Response #398) What about Nintendo choosing to make games on Mobile or ambiguous emulation on Tablets or Smartphones?
@electrolite77 "Back in the Wii days, this would be a big miss but I don't think it matters too much anymore. We all have our phones in our pockets for youtube and browsing and everyone has a dozen devices in the house to stream with. No biggie. I buy Nintendo systems for Nintendo games." Post #9
Reposting is fun.
@NintySnesMan @tedko
I really got under your skin didn't I? Crying about it to each other won't help, though I understand why weak-willed individuals need support groups. Do this instead. Go get a room and massage each others ovaries until you feel like big girls again then spoon each other for the remainder of the night. Pathetic.
@BigWhoady Hey! Bigwhoady's back! Still on that mission of yours. Tell me again about my poor life choices!
@tedko
No, the mission is complete. I own you now and will keep owning you until you make me stop. But seeing how every time I respond to your weak comments you and ninty have to go and change each others tampons, I don't see that happening anytime soon. Pathetic.
Yay....
Already 440th post and the debates still goes on...
@BigWhoady Well done! You have much to proud of.
@tedko "You have much to proud of."
Having trouble speaking? Might wanna hit that edit button.
I can play games on the go anyways. I already have other portable means to access Netflix, Amazon, Web browser etc.
I don't use apps or multimedia features on my xbox or ps4, as my desktop PC is attached to my TV, but I could definitely see myself using them on the go when I've grown tired of gaming during a long commute. Something as simple as an ebook reader would be awesome. Tablets and the like are a waste of money because they don't offer enough bang for my buck, but next gen gaming + ebooks, videos and music would get a purchase from me. As it stands, the Switchs' game offerings are slim, with Zelda being the only title worthy of its high price tag. I was going to grab one sometime around launch but the lack of high quality games and missing portable features is a major turn off.
If Switch was looking like an otherwise good system, but didn't have these apps, it might be a problem. But Switch is looking bad and I'm not getting it, so whether it has these apps or not is not a problem for me.
I'm very happy that they're focusing their efforts and the machine's hardware capabilities.
Wii U had a full GB of memory set aside for the OS because Nintendo felt you should be able to use the browser, the store, and Miiverse, all while a game was suspended.
Ultimately, the Wii U became my remote controle, my training video player and my tv-browser more than it played games, which is not the identity they want for their systems.
With the lean OS we've seen on Switch, I'd be suprised if that much RAM was off limits to developers this time around. For a small system like Switch, optimal performance is key.
I think the main issue is though it doesn't need any apps it is a bit naïve of Nintendo to not expect demand for them, given that it's kind of the standard for modern tech. Yes you could easily get away with not using them but just as importantly it wouldn't hurt if they were all on there from launch.
I have a Wii, Wii U, Xbox 360, and PS4 attached to my TV, and I solely use the PS4 for any media apps. I don't see that changing when I eventually pick up a Switch if they do decide to add media apps. However, since the Switch is portable (like a tablet), I say give it a browser so people can log onto public Wi-Fi and media apps so they can choose to either game or watch their media apps while in Starbucks or vacationing elsewhere. I depend on my tablet for Netflix when I'm on vacation.
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