The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is proof that the Nintendo Switch is a platform capable of running terrific games, but given the console’s design, it’s also capable of a lot more than that. When undocked, the Switch could be the ultimate in-home tablet (the battery life doesn’t seem strong enough to rely on it outside of the house too much). Yet, the Switch currently lacks an internet browser, streaming video and music, and other tablet essentials. Now, Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime has commented on the current lack of multifunctionality, and it sounds like he’s not that concerned about it ( via IGN).
Speaking to the Washington Post, he said that Nintendo doesn’t think these extra features aren’t terribly important because they don’t set the Switch apart from its competitors. He did say, though, that Netflix and things of the like would likely come eventually:
“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 is right about the play style of the Switch being different than that of its competitors, yes, but doesn’t that portability mean it could do things like Netflix and Spotify differently than its competitors? And wouldn’t that mean that having Hulu on a home console that can easily move between rooms could be considered a significant differentiator?
What do you think? Is Nintendo doing the right thing by keeping its focus singular, or is it behind the times? Let us know!
Featured image: Nintendo
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