At launch, Nintendo Switch video streaming was non-existent. Owners in Japan are getting some streaming support however, as the video streaming service Niconico will be hitting the device tomorrow.
If you’re unfamiliar with Niconico, it is used by tens of millions of people in Japan, which is comparable to YouTube. The unique feature of this service is that viewer comments stream directly on top of the video.
The Switch version of the service will also automatically play related videos as soon as you have completed watching a video.
Despite the fact that Netflix was available at launch on the Wii U, it is disappointing that popular video streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, etc. are still not available on the Switch. There are plans to bring them however, it’s not the priority according to Nintendo America’s COO Reggie Fils-Aime. In an interview with The Washington Post, he stated that “We’re talking to a range of companies about other services, companies like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon — things that will come in time,” said Fils-Aime. “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.”
What are your thoughts? Do you feel Nintendo should prioritize video streaming apps or games on their new console? Sound off in the comments below! Also, you can check out our other Nintendo Switch coverage here.
