The Nintendo Switch has proven itself to be a phenomenal success since its launch on March 3 last week. That is to be expected of any new major console release, but with the Nintendo Switch’s hybrid capability, it would be interesting to see whether the momentum can be maintained or not. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild will definitely prove itself to be one of the triple A titles where Link is simply able to do just about anything in such an open game world. What about other ways to keep yourself entertained with the Nintendo Switch?
Consoles these days offer more than just simple gaming pleasures. They have been developed to be the main focus of any living room or home, and hopefully, take over the place of regular TV in the future. At least, that is what console manufacturers are working toward to, slowly but surely. Non-gaming features such as support for streaming apps such as Netflix, Hulu and Amazon are not found in the Nintendo Switch -- at least, not yet, and this has more or less irked fans of the Nintendo Switch and other industry watchers.
Well, Nintendo has earlier this January assured fans that such streaming app functionality is being considered, but such a fleeting statement would be pretty challenging to quantify. After all, fans would want something more concrete -- such as a release date, perhaps? Thankfully, something far more official has been shared this week. The Washington Post received word from Nintendo America's chief operating officer, Reggie Fils-Aime, that such promises of a streaming app is currently in the pipeline. However, Fils-Aime stopped short of offering an actual release date for such services.
Fils-Aime said, “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.”
The lack of launch games for the Nintendo Switch has also been a talking point among observers and gamers, and Fils-Aime was quick to defend any negative thoughts on the situation. He mentioned that having a long term view is far more important than starting off strongly off the blocks before petering out in terms of playable titles. He reiterated that one should also take a peek at the games that have been announced for the Nintendo Switch, as well as those which are being developed at the moment before arriving at a conclusion on the Nintendo Switch’s future performance.
Well, we can only keep our fingers crossed that the Nintendo Switch will be able to live up to its promise, and then some. Imaging being able to relax with an episode of The Crown or one of Marvel’s superhero adventures on Netflix in between your gaming sessions -- now that’d be cool. Right now, the Nintendo Switch has sold pretty well in the US since its launch, so hopefully, the momentum can continue.
