One of the biggest gripes about Nintendo’s new console, Switch, is that the device has no streaming service functionalities. Meaning that there was no Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, or Amazon Video for the console hybrid.
However, fans should be a little more at ease now thanks to a new interview with the Washington Post. During the interview, President and COO of Nintendo of America, Reggie Fils-Aime stated that Nintendo is currently in talks with the big streaming services, and they will come to the device all in due time.
What I would say is this: We built the Nintendo Switch to be a world-class gaming device, meaning we want you first and foremost to play games on the system and have an incredibly fun experience.
We’re talking to a range of companies about other services, companies like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon — things that will come in time. In our view, these are not differentiators. What differentiates us is the way you play with the Nintendo Switch and what you can play. And that will continue to be our focus into the future as we continue driving this platform.
Fils-Aime reassures Nintendo fans that even though the console doesn’t have streaming services at the moment, that they will come in due time. Continuing the interview, he kept pushing the difference between the Switch at its competitors, stating the fact the players can take games on the go is truly compelling.
I think first the biggest differentiator is that our platform is the only place you can experience our IP: Zelda, Mario, Fire Emblem. You’re not going to see that on the competing home platforms.
From a multiplatform standpoint, you’re able to play a different way than you can with our home competitors. They’re only on that big screen TV, but with the Switch, you can then take it with you, have it on the subway. That differentiated experience, we believe, is compelling.
And lastly ours will be the place for this independent content — sometimes showing up on competing platforms but often on Nintendo platform first.
Nintendo Switch is now available to purchase for $299.