One of the Switch's greatest strengths is that it knows exactly what it is. You've got a small handful of streaming apps, sure, but there's no denying that Nintendo Switch is a game console, through and through. Could its eventual successor be more, though?
Back in 2013 when Microsoft revealed the Xbox One, the company was widely ridiculed for its focus on delivering an 'all in one' device; a console that could not only play the latest games, but could stream movies, broadcast live TV, and let you control everything with gestures or your voice. Microsoft's desire for an always-online Xbox One to be the only piece of tech you'll ever need in your living room didn't sit well with gamers, not least because games seemed to be an afterthought, with the firm more concerned about ensuring you were connected to its entertainment ecosystem at all times. 10 years on, however, the landscape for gaming and other media is somewhat different. While Microsoft undoubtedly botched the messaging a decade ago, was it really such a bad idea?
Ignoring the DRM (digital rights management) practices that Microsoft tried to peddle, which were and still are terrible, there's no denying that video streaming has come on leaps and bounds since that fateful E3 presentation in 2013. Services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, Peacock, Max, Apple TV+, and Paramount+ have all managed to attract tens of millions of subscribers thanks in large part to their dedication to original, exclusive content. But what do all of these services have in common? None of them are on Switch.
It's not like Nintendo has taken a strict "no streaming apps allowed" approach either, because there are several available that can be downloaded right now. In North America, you've got Hulu, Crunchyroll, YouTube, Funimation, Pokémon TV, and Twitch. Why other services haven't appeared on the hybrid console seven years down the line is up for speculation, but given that former Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aimé once said that "conversations [with other services] are ongoing", we'd wager that it would take a lot more than just flipping a switch and releasing an app.
Although Nintendo itself would hardly admit it, the Switch is now in its twilight years, with many eyes now looking to whatever's next in the hardware pipeline. With this in mind, if they haven't done so already, we can't imagine the streaming giants rushing to get their respective apps on Switch, despite the 130 million+ install base.
With the eventual successor, however, we reckon it would represent a perfect opportunity to bring more streaming services to Nintendo fans. There's absolutely no doubt that Nintendo's 'games-only' approach with the Switch has worked wonders for both fans and the firm itself (especially in contrast to Microsoft's confusing approach with the Xbox One), but the humble hybrid console has more than proven its worth since 2017, and we're personally ready for a bit more multimedia to be integrated into the ecosystem (that's assuming Nintendo doesn't ditch the Switch concept for something completely new, and really, who knows).
Streaming is in a much different place today than it was back in 2013. Was Microsoft simply ahead of its time with its presentation of the Xbox One? Maybe, but there's no denying that its overall approach was messy at best. If Nintendo keeps the hybrid approach with its Switch successor, however, the ability to stream media would frankly be amazing; we don't know about you, but we love cracking out a bit of The X-Files on Disney+ while cooking up our evening meals, so to be able to do that on the next Nintendo console instead of our measly phones would be pretty darn cool. But that's just us.
Would you want more streaming apps on the 'Switch 2'? (1,976 votes)
- Heck yeah, give us an 'all in one' Super Switch!
- I'd love the option, but it's not essential
- I guess, but I mostly stream elsewhere
- I'm not opposed, but I'm not thrilled by the idea
- No way, keep it as gaming-focused as possible
So, what do you think? Leave a comment down below with your thoughts on whether Nintendo should embrace streaming media with its next console, or whether it should just focus on gaming... and maybe some StreetPass.
And themes. We all want themes.
Comments 154
For me i dont really care, use it only for gaming. But if they bring it on switch 2, i think it will be a good selling point, to have the option available.
Nah. Wouldn't use them at all when I already have half a dozen other devices I could use that are more convenient.
I wouldn’t mind. I might not use it but the option just being here for people who would is pretty nice.
I most use my Laptop for that bit I guess it wouldn't hurt
Wii, 3DS, and Wii U all had Netflix. And then for some reason, Switch doesn't.
I don't know if Switch 2 will have Twitch (due to Twitch's removal on Switch), but the other Switch streaming apps seem like a good fit.
Add in Netflix, Disney+, Max, Paramount+, and maybe a few others (Amazon Prime, Apple TV) and you're golden.
They also need to be better at getting them at launch. Hulu didn't arrive until November 2017, and YouTube took until November 2018.
Personally I don't really care, I don't have any streaming subscriptions because I simply don't like that practice. Plus there's way too many subscription services these days. When I watch something on my Switch, I use the YouTube app, and I'm content enough with that.
But I'm not the only owner of these systems. Other people have these systems, and other people have subscription services. If having these services on Nintendo platforms, then by all means, make it available! I don't see the harm really.
Yes. I have other devices for streaming services but it’s always nice to have options (especially for stuff like Crunchyroll which my upstairs TV doesn’t have an app for), and I’ve wished the Switch did have stuff like Netflix when I’ve been to hotels and had my Switch dock with me but no streaming options on the TVs they have.
It’s not 100% necessary but having them available isn’t going to hurt anyone either. I can’t think of a single reason why anyone would object to them being on a console
Not really, I have a bunch of other (and better) ways to use those services. I don't mind having the option, though, as long as they're optional and not integrated to the OS or something.
No. If anything add an UHD blu ray drive. Physical media for life.
Eh, I'd be fine with it, but I probably wouldn't care. I thought the lack of most streaming services on the Switch was a bit weird, but I already can stream every streaming service under the sun on my phone/laptop so there's no use complaining.
Okay maybe aside YouTube, I sunk 1,600 hours into it apparently so I seem to mostly use my Switch for YouTube viewing.
Also didn't Disney say Disney+ was coming to the Switch at one point?
It would mean less having to switch inputs so I'd definitely be fine with more streaming apps on Switch.
Tbh, I'm more curious as to what the reason is for why there are so few on the system atm. Disney+ was at least teased via promo art before the service launched but it never came. What kept so many of the heavy hitters from getting released and why were YouTube, Hulu, Crunchyroll and Funimation the exceptions?
Couldn't care less. My phone has a higher resolution screen than the Switch and very likely the Switch 2 as well (even if the rumor of it having a 1080p screen pans out), so that's where I use my streaming apps.
@TheExile285 Well, it's a portable device that requires wi-fi connection to use these services, so maybe they figured Switch just wasn't a good fit for streaming services when compared to smart phones etc. Also being limited to Full HD without HDR is kind of doing a disservice to the content (although that also applies to many smart phones as well).
I use my switch for streaming to make up for the fact that I have a smart TV in the living room, but not the bedroom.
Absolutely. They're features of convenience and it's annoying that the current Switch is missing many of them.
I've almost never used the YouTube or Hulu apps on Switch now, but I do see the appeal of having decent, modern streaming apps on there, especially when I take the Switch with me on a trip and hook it up to a hotel/airbnb TV.
Crunchyroll is all we need
I still haven't forgiven them for Princess Connect, though.
Wii U had Amazon Prime, Hulu, and Netflix.
So did the Wii. It perplexes me why the Switch wouldn't.
That said, I don't really use streaming services, so I don't care.
Streaming services are going downhill, so I really couldn’t care less.
It seems baffling that Netflix isn’t on there, given how much Pokémon they have on the service. And they are both red. And they both start with the letter “N.”
I personally wouldn't mind more, though I don't really need them. I already have a million other devices that have that capability, and those will always be my first pick over a new console for streaming apps. I guess I shouldn't say always though, life events could sway me in one way or the other.
I want them to let us use harddrives for home play. The micro sd cards are too small…
Yes of course, I used the Wii U's netflix app for over a thousand hours apparently.
Youtube gets used on the switch a fair amount and the switch is the only device I'd usually take on holiday that connects to TVs reliably.
Would I like to see more services? Well it’s not like you could really want less.😂
Not sure if it needs all of the streaming services but I feel like TikTok would be a big get. I don’t use it myself but it seems pretty popular. Twitter/X is going downhill so probably can skip that.😝
Disney+ would be the main one I’d expect, seems a good fit, but who knows. If the next gen console is a beefier Switch it’s gonna sell regardless.🤷🏻♂️
I'd like to see it added, but it's not essential for me this only really comes up when travelling, I take the switch for gaming and a tablet for TV, so if the switch successor had the apps it would eliminate the need for the tablet. But it's not much of an inconvenience
@KoopaTheGamer I don't think that's it. Previous generation portables (Vita and 3DS) had access to more streaming apps than the Switch.
I also don't think that the lack of HD/HDR matter since (like you said) so many people just watch content on their smartphone. The Wi-Fi requirement when portable shouldn't impact it either since you could use a public/guest Wi-Fi or download the content ahead of time if the app supports it like the Crunchyroll switch app does.
If anything, the streaming providers benefit from having their apps available on as many devices as possible.
The thing here is. Last week I actually tried YouTube for the first time. And it blew my mind. I was always watching YouTube from my phone, but the bigger size of my good old switch really did something for me! 💯
@KoopaTheGamer
you just reminded me that there are actually people out there who GAF about HDR. in fact i honestly forgot it was even a thing.
no need, Chromecasts are practically free on sale, and they go on sale constantly. and, i have my phone so im good. just give me a super solid gaming platform with bossa nova please. ✌️
oh, and dont integrate them into the interface in some way so i cant remove them. that, i will have a problem with.
@Princess_Lilly They really fumbled Princess Connect EN 😭
I won’t be streaming on my Switch. However, if there’s a Shield-TV only box that will be added to the family in the next generation of hardware, then I would probably skip buying a new Apple TV 4K in the future. Barely stream on my iPhone or iPad, also stopped using my Xbox Series X and use the ATV and Roku boxes. Not a fan of Smart TV services.
@TheExile285 yeah. I was so sad. Put in some cash in there too, but I don't mind, I was so happy when I got Neneka, Luna and New Year Kyaru.
I tried playing JP and I know Japanese a little bit, but it's not the same. I don't know half of the characters, and I can't bring myself to grind all the way back up.
I kinda regret that I didn't log in on the last day as I forgot the date. Didn't have a chance to say goodbye to guys from my clan. Maple Tree guys, if you're out there, I still believe in 6* Lou supremacy!
My Switch is for gaming first, but I frequently use the YouTube app to watch videos on my TV and it works really well.
I wouldn't mind having more streaming apps, that doesn't hurt anyone since you don't have to download and use them, but then the Switch would really benefit from the kind of feature you find on the Xbox that allows you to have multiple suspended apps at the same time. Sometimes I would like to use the YouTube app but I don't because I would have to quit my suspended game.
No way it happens.
More time spent streaming Friends & the Office for the 100th time is less time playing games and then buying new ones.
Plus Nintendo likes to keep it "family friendly", so appart from YT and their crazy policy about any piece of flesh being exposed, every streaming service is a problem.
@-wc- HDR is a huge thing when done right. And, well, when viewed on a decent display.
Unless it's the goddamn Disney+ that won't even sideload on Android without some shamanic dances, no. I'm one of the proverbial "guys who have phones" and streaming apps on mine mostly allow for 480p. On Switch, even eShop trailers seemingly won't. Maybe ask again around 2053 when Minsk gets 5G.
Adding streaming apps is possible, but only if created by the providers that offer streaming. Nintendo shouldn't be involved / tasked with creating them. At all.
Seeing as everything is on a streaming app these days, yes. Love using my Funimation, YouTube, and Hulu app. Wouldn't mind seeing a Paramount or HBC Max app.
I use YouTube on my phone most, then my computer, then my Switch...so not essential, I suppose, but I really do enjoy watching some Pokémon VGC matches on a bigger screen in bed or at the table every once in a while. I'd love for Disney+ to come too.
I guess I'm just assuming Nintendo goes for another hybrid console next - it feels like a given but hasn't actually been confirmed, and if it's not, I doubt I'll see a need for streaming apps on it.
I had Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, HBO Max, Netflix, SkyShowtime, Spotify, Youtube Premium, Hulu, Apple TV....and I cancelled all but HBO and Netflix.
TLDR....of course I would love having those on the new Nintendo console.
So I am keeping my fingers crossed for it to happen
I used to watch Netflix on my 3DS all the time, and that was in 2012.
It's up to Nintendo if they want to be more current with streaming services in their next console, but it's admittedly a strange thing to hope for in 2023/2024.
If we're going to bring back classic Nintendo features, I'd rather shoot for a new implementation of Streetpass or even a Music Player with a Visualizer. So many fond features that didn't make it to Switch.
Sure, I would love to have more streaming apps. No big deal if it doesn’t happen though.
Nope. I just wanna play games and see nintendo directs. There are millions of other ways to stream. I want a clean snappy UI that gets me to games asap. I hate both the xbox and PS 4/5 GUIs for that reason.
See more streaming apps on Switch 2? You mean any at all? The Switch didn't even have Netflix lol.
No, but thank you.
I thought I would with the Switch 1, but nah, I'm good. I have all the streaming options I need on my TV already.
Seeing you can watch all this stuff on most tellys, phones, or tablets, I don’t really see why you need the Switch doing the same thing worse.
@KoopaTheGamer
i am sure it is. im a bit out of touch as i mostly play switch, retro games (on my CRT,) watch dvds, and mostly 90s shows on streaming 😅
as such my LCD tv is a budget model, and though it has HDR and 4k, its rarely used and nothing to write home about anyway.
im way more into the audio side of things, with vintage Klipsch Forte towers powering the soundtracks of everything i watch or play 😆🤘
to each, their own! ✌️
I mostly stream on my tv and phone. Occassionally on a "laptop". I have barely ever used streaming app on the Switch. I thought I would moreso, but I just haven't
Don't care either way. I just use the Switch as a gaming device, as intended.
Whether or not they add these apps or not, I really hope the Switch 2's UI is simplistic like the Switch's. I know people make fun on the Switch's UI all the time, but give me something like that over an unnecessarily busy UI any day.
I used to stream Crunchyroll on my Wii U, but that's because it was the most portable screen we owned.
Now I'm in a much smaller apartment and never stream anything anyway (you win, price hikes). Doesn't make a difference to me, but somehow media crap always makes my dashboards on other consoles feel so much like advertising.
@-wc- Yeah, a good audio setup can really elevate the experience. I wish I had a good surround speakers, but I suppose soundbar is better than nothing.
I don't need it, but I can see why other people may want it.
It wouldn't interest me at all to be honest, our TV has built Netflix, Amazon and Disney plus apps, as do all 3 of the Sky Q / Mini boxes in the bedrooms
My phone has them as well so that covers the portability options.
I don't need another Streaming device, I just want it to play video games
I don't use them on my PS4, Series X or 3DS/WiiU/Wii so I vote no!
Keep gaming consoles as gaming machines!
Trying to cram too much into them ruins the gaming aspect!
Back when TVs didn't have streaming services built it, I could understand consoles having them, but now, no need!
Discord please
@KoopaTheGamer
a soundbar is far better than tv speakers!
im more of a "2ch hifi" kind of guy, because to me its all about the music 👍👍 ive thought about adding some sats but thats really for sound fx. and, "immersion" to me is more about gameplay and writing 👍
@-wc-
I hate sound bars.
I love my 25 speaker set-up!
23 speakers, 2 subwoofers and a whole lot of movies!
@Yosher i only really use YouTube on my Switch as my TV no longer supports it. At the same time I don’t watch enough TV to warrant a fire stick either.
As long as the home screen is still speedy, whay should it matter, plus you can choose what apps to put on your home screen.
@WiltonRoots,
You will get yourself down to Amazon right now, and buy a 4K Firestick...... I will not take no for an answer.
@-wc- if you had a (don't take this the wrong way) good TV and calibrate it decently, HDR, HDR 10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision and even SDR 4k would WOW! you!
@-wc-,
Some soundbars are very good, although the sound on my LG C2 OLED is awesome, it uses the bottom of the TV to house some pretty decent speakers, pretty impressed to be honest.
@Spider-Kev,
I have just added a JVC DLA-NP5 4K projector to my cinema room, it's been calibrated (after 100 hours of use), and the results are just amazing, the most cinematic images I have ever seen. Even more impressive is the way it upscales my existing 1080p Blu-Ray collection.
https://www.blu-ray.com/community/gallery.php?member=jonmoz
Why wear out an expensive Switch when you can just use a $20 Roku or something
Would be Nice to have apps.
@johnvboy
After my TV dies (75" HDR10+ & Dolby Vision) I'll be upgrading to a Formovie Dolby Vision Projector.
Removed - off-topic
Removed - off-topic
@stevep,
Good point, i will just keep on using my firestick.
Maybe? Watching Netflix on my 3DS was pretty cool back in the day, but I just ended up using my PS3 for that eventually anyways. More options are always nice, but I can’t help but feel that streaming availability has become extremely redundant.
It'd be handy, I wouldn't say no to it
@Spider-Kev No it doesn't. Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and every other streaming app under the sun does nothing to ruin my playing a game on a console.
I actually prefer using my smart TV for the streaming platforms. It also saves me storage on my consoles since I'd rather use the storage for games rather than media apps. Sure they don't take much space, but I'd still rather use the storage for games as much as possible.
Switch however is the only exception and I do download the very few media apps it has. It is the system I bring around the most, so it's nice for the convenience to just dock it to any TV that isn't a smart TV or the media app isn't available in said TV. I especially love it when I spend nights at hotels and just putting my Switch on the hotel TV and watch my content there after a few games. Really such an amazing feeling!
Hopefully Nintendo will prioritize more media apps on the next gen Switch.
I love how they assume everyone has abundant and readily available internet access. Screw the poor, I guess.
There really is no need.
I’m fine with my switch for gaming and my iPhone/pad for everything else. Still going to have both devices, why waste resources on the apps for switch. But that’s me, until my switch is really an iPhone but Nintendo branded, I’ll need both devices since I don’t game on smartphones.
That being said, I am happy my Xbox play dvds since it’s used more for that then gaming. I guess if my tv wasn’t a smart one, I’d need the apps on my Xbox but even before that, I always had a Roku player.
If its there, great. No complaints from me but I'm doubtful I'd ever use a switch for streaming.
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Yeah of course. More options are always good.
If battery life wasn't an issue, id say go for it
I find the value of access to basically all multimedia apps on the Steam Deck to be quite handy, which as a gaming device is functionally identical to the Switch in many ways. If I can only take one of these two devices with me on a trip, it's leaning far more in favor of the Steam Deck due to having additional perks like those these days.
So, yeah, seeing more of that on the Switch as an option would be good for competition.
That being said, whether it's a console, a phone, a Roku, or something similar (which is to say, a closed ecosystem), anything short of a PC usually has some amount of weird, annoying restrictions on their multimedia apps, assuming they have the specific one you're looking for in the first place. For example, I can't view my purchased Funimation content on the Switch's Funimation app.
So even if more of such apps were added to the Switch, it would be hard to beat the versatility that the Steam Deck offers in comparison for media (that has the advantage of being a fully fledged Linux PC).
Id be for it if i can suspend games watch something and hop back in like on PlayStation
I don't care, I don't use them.
What I want is My Nintendo Store available right on my Switch. Boot up my console, check the news page, and go straight to ordering games and merchandise. No other device needed!
Prime with Twitch integrated, that’ll do me.
Game devices are for gaming , tablets / phones are for streaming movies , youtube and all else media .
definitely not. Nintendo systems are always going to be a little lacking in horsepower — I don't want one byte wasted on storing or running TikTok (for example).
Sure, why not? I personally would have no need for streaming on Switch NG when I'm content with my OLED smart TV but I love using YouTube on Switch and more options should always be welcome. It IS a little annoying that apps like Disney+ were teased if not confirmed at one time but just silently got cancelled. It seems Nintendo has taken a more gaming-first mentality this time around. That's perfectly okay but it doesn't mean streaming apps can't ever happen again. Guess we'll just have to see.
According to my Switch my most played "game" is YouTube, so definitely yes
I use streaming apps almost exclusively in docked mode. The Switch boots much faster and runs better than my FireTV stick. I also like using a controller better than the remote. For other streaming services not on the Switch I use a Chromecast. That works well, too, but it's the version without a remote so I need to use my phone which can be a bit annoying sometimes.
I would love to have the option of more streaming apps on switch and would deffintley use them. I don't own a laptop/tablet like most people so my switch oled screen would be a huge upgrade over my phone for watching movies from my favourite streaming services. It's not a huge deal that netflix and the rest are not supported on switch but at the same time it's also ridiculously frustrating that they are not .
@Spider-Kev
"if you had a (don't take this the wrong way) good TV and calibrate it decently, HDR, HDR 10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision and even SDR 4k would WOW! you!"
haha! i dont take offense at all, i am the one who brought up my cheap tv 😂 and, i dont doubt that i would be happy with the results!
what i want is a tv that is FAST! like my crts, or at least maybe splits the difference between the virtually instant response of a crt, and my lcd which is noticeably slow even on "game mode."
though, maybe its the switch? hard for me to say without another tv around to a/b it.
since i mostly view older media, and dont have any 4k game consoles, the speed thing is more important to me than hi res or contrast. it is, afterall, another form of fidelity. (in the audio world, they would call this kind if thing "temporal distortion")
any thoughts on this?
✌️wc
I wouldn't mind a couple of the more popular apps; I use my Switch for watching movies/streams when I travel because it's better than my phone.
Not the end of the world either way. Although I do have fond memories of when my Wii was the only way I could watch Netflix. 😆 There are soooo many streaming services nowadays though that I wouldn't fault Nintendo if they choose to avoid the whole mess or keep it very limited like currently.
@johnvboy
thats cool! definitely not a hard and fast rule, of course, but most tvs really do have very poor sound, and people literally dont know what they are missing. specifically, half the instruments and drums of any soundtrack or music. ✌️
@Spider-Kev
"I hate sound bars."
you and I have our opinions about sound bars vs real, separate speakers placed carefully in a room, but theres no denying that for many people, a soundbar might be the best audio upgrade for their tv they've ever made in their life! and, those same people dont want to FFFF with speakers the we we like to 😆
"I love my 25 speaker set-up!
23 speakers, 2 subwoofers and a whole lot of movies!"
holy hell 25 speakers?! are they arranged in clusters, multiples per channel? what kind of processing and amps do you have going on to drive all that?
i think my vintage Klipsch towers sound fantastic in stereo! but im sure your system would give me a whole new perspective haha ✌️
@-wc-
120hz tv refresh rate is what you want.
Look into the 5,6 or 8 series TCL TVs.
@Tibob Nintendo doesn't care at all about the stuff on the Switch being "family friendly". Not even talking about gory and brutal games there are a large variety of games with a lot and even full nudity.
@-wc-
Four overhead,
Two center
Two left front
Two right front
Two mid left
Two mid right
Two rear left
Two rear left
Two subs
Wait... Something doesn't add up.
LoL
I'll check when I'm back home
Nope that's what my phone is for
If those options are there for Switch I have no problem with it. Depending on what device I am using to watch what, the mileage will vary.
Clearly most people here don’t have children.
Yes, Netflix and Disney+ would be very welcome.
There are many children who are old enough to have a Switch but too young to have a phone (mine included) and them having access to streaming apps other than YouTube would be a big bonus.
I think having all streaming apps available on the NSW can potentially have people use the NSW more…keeping them on the device for longer periods. If I were Nintendo, that’s a good thing.
Personally, I find quite easy to setup the NSW to another TV when traveling. To be able to access my streaming subscriptions on the TV via the NSW is a win for me.
The Switch is what I play while streaming things on another device, so definitely don't care.
Still can’t believe I used to binge Netflix on my 3DS lol
@Kienda, and I also find that parental controls are straightforward and easy to setup on the NSW…having streaming platforms on the NSW, parents can bundle all the screen time a kid needs in one device and manage one parental control setting.
Star+……..NFL on Switch 2 baby
Personally I prefer fewer extra apps. It's purely a gaming device for me. But overall I think I vote yes just so we can hopefully avoid a bunch of articles called "Why does the Switch STILL not have _____?!?!?"
I would think it's not a huge ask for Nintendo, but they're so weird about online services it might actually take significant resources from other development for them.
Don't care either way. Even on my Xbox One I use Soundcloud alongside games (as I also can't alter audio settings in Project Cars 3 which is baffling) or I have YouTube on my PS4/Xbox One/Wii U.
Not accessed any apps on Switch only games and the OS level stuff.
I don't care for apps/streaming options really.
If it had music apps/drawing apps/piano (I know some exist) I'd say sure but I doubt it for some. I couldn't care less for streaming apps honestly.
@Kienda
I have three.
I don't want them watching the drivel and "P.C. agenda pushing" that disney, netflix, you tube is pushing!
Why should be care? They did not care.
They came late or never and are gone early. So they clearly don´t care about us.
It kind of irks me when I think about choosing between deleting a streaming service app or an actual game to make room on my console storage. By principal, I will always delete “the fluff” and try to keep as many games as possible at the ready.
I’ve never downloaded a streaming service app for my switch because I use another device exclusively for that. It just makes more sense to me to keep gaming with gaming and everything else on its own or separate things.
It’s like keeping your clean dishes in your fridge instead of your cabinets. It’s convenient because food and plates go together but your clean dishware is eating into your refrigerator storage for what?
That’s one dumb analogy but it makes sense to me lol
Not really a deal breaker for me one way or the other. If they add them, great. If not, oh well.
Not really essential, but more streaming apps would be cool to have.
Not for me. It's not an optimal device for streaming and those apps are suspicious anyway.
You guys do whatever you want though.
I don't care either way. I don't use any of the streaming crap. I actually didn't realise there are so many different ones now. I buy games consoles to play games on. But sure, add them in for other people if they want them. I don't have to download them.
Other than Crunchyroll and hopefully HiDive, I don’t care for any other streaming service on the Switch or its successor.
I’m still hopeful that shows like Bleach:TYW and Undead Unluck make their way to proper anime streaming platform, I ain’t giving Disney a dime. Till then, I’ll find other means to watch those shows, uncensored too.
Sticking to Blu-Ray/Blu-Ray 4k, sorry.
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@VaqueiroDev.
I have lots of physical movies, but the quality of downloads on some torrent sites is insane, recently Warner released a 4K version of the Exorcist, and prior to release there was a lot of talk about the color timing, now I have previously owned this move on VHS, Laserdisc, DVD twice, and Blu-ray, so prior to purchaing this I downloaded a 90gb torrent/rip of the movie, checked it out, was happy with it, then purchased the 4K Blu-ray. Both versions were identical when played back on my system.
I never think of using my switch for anything other than games.
Over the years I've come to trust Nintendo. If you go back and use an old controller they aren't as good as the current controller but why that current controller is so good is because of the brave experimentation.
YouTube is on Switch, I'm guessing so you can search how to complete a level if you get stuck. Nintendo probably don't want people getting put off playing games by watching TV.
I don’t subscribe to stuff. It’s against my morals. It usually means you are okay with sub par movies or shows being fed to you because you want to try and get your value out of the service. I already pay a subscription for my mobile phone service I’m good. It’s not like anyone I know that has these services say anything on them is a must see. Most of them don’t care to have Netflix or what not yet they say they won’t cancel it because it’s got an ingrained place in their life. I see that as a carcinogen. I’ll sail the seas for the once every 5 years show or movie these services get that stay stuck or if they manage to be freed onto another service I can buy and own I’ll take it that way. I’m sick of the age of not owning stuff. It’s my way of fighting back.
It's a non issue. These are apps to download at your discretion and don't impact on the gaming element at all. If you don't want them, don't download them.
Where Xbox failed was the insistence of always online and probably accessing everything through a MS hub, and people were mostly recoiling at that. If the current Switch is a guide, streaming apps will be just another tile on your home screen. Big deal.
No.
In the beginning of the Switch-era, I did miss a web browser and more streaming apps. Today, I don't really miss it, youtube on Switch is OK, I use it some times but not often.
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Given how my Plex app got updated to fix issues on Andriod TV vs whatevwr my LG uses...no, I don't want it.
Not a deal breaker by any means, however if the Switch 2 had an OLED option, it would be my go to when compared to my phone or tablet for streaming.
I bought my 3 kids a switch each expecting these to come to switch but it never happened. Also would love some way to comunicate with them online without phones
I'm kinda torn on the subject. LOL.
I liked having Netflix on the Wii. It was a super easy way for our kids to watch Netflix. I mean . . . we already had a Wii. It was already hooked up to the game room TV. And our kids knew how to use the Wii. Super simple.
But if Netflix, Disney+, . . ., etc came to Switch 2 . . . then our kids might end up using the Switch 2 all that much more. And then I'd never get my hands on it to play games! LOL.
The way I got our game room TV set-up . . . I have the Switch hooked up to one HDMI port and a Roku streaming box hooked up to the other HDMI port.
If the kids want to watch shows . . . they can watch it with the Roku on the TV while I disconnect the Switch and play in another room. LOL.
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@BTB20 Those games are on Switch, but Nintendo has control over what can and can't be there. If they put Netflix on, whatever show they judge acceptable is now on Switch and Nintendo can't do anything about it.
Why do you think there's no vocal chat ?
I don't have a smart TV, and not all streaming apps are available through my set-top box. It would be much easier for me to stream through my Switch, and indeed I used to do that with my Wii U. It would keep me in the Switch ecosystem longer too, rather than switching it off and watching TV. I also get frustrated that when traveling, I have to stream on my phone (with a smaller screen) when I have my Switch with me.
@johnvboy Yes boss....all over it!
Switch 2? I'd like to see more streaming apps on Switch 1 thank you very much
@WiltonRoots,
I will obviously need to see a receipt, and proof of date, so I suggest a picture of yourself, holding the receipt, and with a copy of a current newspaper, I would suggest the Times.
No.
I want the Switch 2 to be only a gaming machine.
I think that is utterly bizarre when I see some friends with more hours in Youtube than games.
The more options the better especially considering they hybrid nature of the Switch which will hopefully continue with its successor, but it's definitely not essential as games are what matters the most.
As for me, I don't need it because I use my PC for YouTube (barely use the others).
It is more of a novelty that caters to a niche than something practical. There are simply so many devices that can run many of these streaming services already. Twitch even decided to shut down their app on the Switch as a result of low usage. This is also paired with the fact that they're likely going to use the home versions of the app as opposed to the mobile version, which means some features that best work on mobile simply won't exist on the Switch, such as downloaded movies/shows.
I voted "I guess" because I don't really care. There's like 12 devices in my house that can stream, so I don't really care if I have another one that can or not.
I highly doubt I would use my Switch to stream media but I'm not against it either.
Personally I wouldn't use any — I've already got plenty of devices that serve my streaming needs just fine, but I'm sure there are people who would, so let 'em have it if it's a relatively simple option.
As long as they don’t come preinstalled, and it doesn’t overcomplicate the experience of turning on the system and getting into a game quickly, I’m fine with people who want the option of installing streaming apps on their Switch to have them. I have multiple TVs, a laptop and smartphone so I’m not really hurting for ways to watch Disney+, and have negative interest in Nintendo creating an “everything” device.
I can't be the only one who always thought it kinda odd that you could get Netflix on the bloody 3DS but not on the Switch?
I wouldn’t personally use any of them, but I wouldn’t be against having more streaming apps for people who would use them though.
YES! I miss having NETFLIX, Hulu, Prime Video, and an INTERNET BROWSER! - Even 3DS had most of that!
No. It's a gaming system not a TV box.
while smart tv's have asserted their dominance and firmly baked themselves into our living rooms, i still think it'd be nice. Especially for the switch, you could basically take your tv box when you travel to say hotels or guest rooms.
I'm pretty sure if Netflix or whoever gets a license to develop Switch 2 software, Nintendo aren't going to stop them releasing streaming apps...
@Spider-Kev I understand, on Netflix you can control what shows your children see using the website.
We are a Christian family so anything with vampires, monsters, Halloween etc. gets hidden by me so the kids don’t see it. And yes, some of the shows with agendas also.
There are lots of great shows, many older ones, so it’s actually not that hard to control it.
And just as YouTube is available now on Switch but your kids don’t have it. It’s fine to just not install the app. Having the app available doesn’t force you to use it but not having the app makes us who want it to either miss out or forces us to use alternative devices.
From my perspective, it would have saved me money instead of buying tablets which bring their own problems with mobile games etc.
@wert303b that’s actually a really great point about the parental controls and monitoring screen time. You’ve sold it to me even more now.
Honestly I dunno what the usage would be, I don't think there would be anyone out there who would default to using the Switch as their media player so for that I see no point. Sure occasionally you might find yourself already on your switch and wanting to watch something so you don't change over.
But like, if I'm out and about then I usually have my iPad if not, my phone with me, which both have better screens and are more convenient to hold, stand, Bluetooth headphones too, etc. and then if I'm at home, the same tv I use for my switch has a PC and a PS5 connected to it which are both better options for watching stuff.
I don't think its a bad idea for the switch, its just not a necessary one for most people I don't think.
Obviously, I'm just one guy, with my situation, I don't know everybody and maybe its a great idea but not from where I am standing.
Of course there should be more…How is this even a debate? You don’t want streaming apps, don’t download them. This has zero affect on you.
The more features and abilities it has, the more appealing it is to consumers. It’s bizarre to even debate this.
@HalBailman
Streaming apps on Xbox are accessed the same way games are, through your Home Screen, which is completely customizable via tiles and menus, or through the home screens sub menu (press Xbox button).
There is no MSFT hub and you have to choose to download the apps. I have modified my own Home Screen, with a space for media apps (about a dozen), below that Arcade games, bellow that NEO GEO games. You can literally create your own menus and decide what is displayed and isn’t. It’s brilliant. And you can name each menu as if MSFT did it out the gate, creating whatever menu you want.
Clean, functional and super easy to use. And vastly superior to the very sparse Switch Home Screen.
I'd have to say no, I have plenty of other options such as a roku, tablet & a laptop for streaming. The switch is for gaming, first and foremost.
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