I'm not sure how something doing more takes away from anything it already does. Is Uncharted less of a game because the machine it runs on also streams Powers?
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Switch will launch with no video apps, being considered for future
- Thread starter Vashetti
- Start date
I'm not sure how something doing more takes away from anything it already does. Is Uncharted less of a game because the machine it runs on also streams Powers?
Katzenjammer
Member
I'm fairly certain that Netflix would be the ones implementing it on the switch, and not the other way around. Nintendo must have closed off their system from third party apps, again, most likely due to security.
This is not them being lazy, they are making some very conscious decisions.
Petrae
Member
Nintendo fears convergence. It always has. Nintendo consoles are the only ones over the last three console generations to not allow for disc media playback, instead relying (begrudgingly) on streaming media late in the Wii's lifetime and eventually implementing streaming media on the ill-fated WiiU.
Nintendo brass refuses to understand that convergence is the standard. Employing a "video game-only" approach may appeal to the extreme minority of hardcore gaming consumers who irrationally fear that convergence will get in the way of their games, but for the majority of consumers, convergence is expected.
Sure, many consumers have multiple devices that can play streaming video. Does that mean that they're going to want to (wait for it) Switch to another device to watch a movie or stream some YouTube videos when their other devices also play games and can allow them to watch video content without having to lug something else around or activate another machine? It's inconvenient as best and annoying at worst.
As someone else earlier in the thread pointed out, Nintendo is attempting to sell a console with fewer features at a higher cost than more fully-featured machines. It's a bold strategy. Once Nintendo sells the first wave of Switch to its most loyal and rabid fanbase (and legions of scalpers), that sell becomes much harder.
Endangered
Banned
Perhaps those of us who travel for business or travel a lot for pleasure were hoping the switch may be able to replace a tablet in our travels instead of being an addition thing to lug around.
This is a tablet essentially. Only it doesn't do anything but play games.
Give me some basic apps and I wouldn't need the tablet. I wouldn't need to switch from my switch to my laptop to watch Amazon video or Hulu or Netflix. Give me a browser and I won't have to put down the switch to read neogaf or take a break and watch some movie trailers.
Options are bad. Even when it isnt hampering the other experiences.
StrongBlackVine
Banned
Try harder.
Seriously, the "I want my gaming machine to only play games" argument is something I'll never understand in a world where devices are evolving to be able to do much more, just look at your phone, that mindset would have gotten us stuck with phones that can only call and send SMSs.
What does this mean?
orthodoxy1095
Banned
I don't really understand the logic of wanting a "pure gaming machine." Does your console have multimedia features somehow degrade your gaming experience? Does having streaming video platforms creating their own apps somehow detract from video games? What exactly is the negative here when having these kinds of multimedia apps likely brings in more people than it might push away?
I just don't see it. We live in a world where cross-brand, multimedia intersectionality is increasingly important. Whether you really like it or not, embracing these things is more beneficial to the future of your console than ignoring it.
Ocarina_117
Banned
But the switch has never been marketed as a multimedia device, let alone a tablet.
It's always been a game console/handheld hybrid period.
Yes, more options are great. But never in the development of the device have multimedia services been hinted at.
orthodoxy1095
Banned
Game consoles and handhelds have had multimedia services in the past and in the present. I don't see how it's a leap to expect Nintendo to support that standard when it's at next to no cost to them.
He's saying that the PS4 comparison is funny because it doesn't go out of its way to present you with media other than games while you are navigating the console's meny, the TV stuff is even hidden in a folder along with the other video apps.
darkistheway
Member
Obviously.
But on the Xbox one gaming is front and centre... Netflix isn't really "in your face"
I edited my earlier post...I read that post wrong.
lightskintwin
Banned
But it's competing in a market that does.
I don't recall making that proclamation.
Nintendo are marketing this as a pure games device, possibly an excuse because the system seems so bare bones, but that's what they're pushing it as. It's their choice what they do with the system.
This particular issue isn't a Nintendo issue, if Netflix want their customers to be able to consume their media on the device they will make an app for it. Nintendo can't force them to make an app for it.
It shouldn't need to be "hinted at", video apps and web browsers are standard features for consoles these days.
Oh I wouldn't know, I haven't used an XBO extensively. The user already edited his previous post anyway
More than likely Nintendo has not given Netflix a developers kit, hence no Netflix at launch.
Not all consoles, obviously.
Two things. 1, Nintendo doesn't have to hand out dev kits to everyone. 2. Even if they did, who's to say Netflix would even bother?
It's bizarre and a little scary that Nintendo is launching a tablet game console that lacks what has become basic, expected functionality.
I think, like with their online service, it's a symptom of Nintendo Japan still being run by dinosaurs who are completely out of it.
And yeah, my PS4 is my main device for watching movies and tv. I assure you its ability to do these things didn't make Bloodborne any less amazing.
I think, like with their online service, it's a symptom of Nintendo Japan still being run by dinosaurs who are completely out of it.
And yeah, my PS4 is my main device for watching movies and tv. I assure you its ability to do these things didn't make Bloodborne any less amazing.
Night Angel
Member
Name one without it. A successful one. One that is currently on the market.
Unreleased products and poorly selling products do not refute the statement that those features are standard.
Just to add to the last paragraph...not only less features but less games/power(I don't see 3rd party flocking to this)
So then it's not hard to see why they're in the place they're in. Sweet.
Which is exactly why it is surprising and criticism worthy when a console decides to leave those features out all of a sudden.
Endangered
Banned
Then it's Nintendos choice to be a regressive company. Media features are an expected feature in video gaming. Does the switch even have a camera? Does it have the ability to play music from an sd card?
I already own a car with anti lock breaks, that doesn't mean I'd be ok if the next car I buy doesn't have anti lock breaks just because my other car does.
This logic of "well you have other devices that has media features, so it's ok if this $300 thing doesn't. Is garbage.
Guess what? I have other devises that play games too. So I guess I don't need a switch.
Ocarina_117
Banned
They've not been entirely ruled out though?
I do understand how they'd be an advantage for the device. But personally I've already got a plethora of capable devices in my household. If I'd wanted to watch videos I'd rather use my LG G5 or iPad due to their better screens. It also makes them preferable for internet browsing etc. I carry my 3DS and phone around with me, whenever it came to a task other than gaming on my commute I'd switch over to my phone naturally because it's a better device for my needs at that point. The switch offering video services wouldn't stop people taking their phones with them on the go.
The switch was always, at least to me, pushed as a device to play gaming. They've never reffered to the device as a classical tablet - either a handheld or console.
If there is a need for them to be there, I hope Nintendo do bring the services to the device. However, as it is, I don't see the reason for this to cause an outcry.
NES Classic! OMG j00 0wn3rz3d!!!!!
1. So it is a Nintendo issue. 2. Come on.
kitschykitty
Member
I don't really care personally but I think it's a pretty big bummer for kids, Netflix has an excellent kids selection and my friends and family with kids pretty much source all their kid's entertainment through Netflix so to have that on a device your kid can take with them sounds pretty nice and like a missed opportunity from Nintendo. By the sounds of this though they'll probably have dealt with it by the holidays when people will be buying it for their families vs the early adopters who may not care as much about that feature.
orthodoxy1095
Banned
This is like the lame "artist's intent" defense we get of controversial design choices in games. Yeah, obviously it's the choice of an artist or a developer to do what they want with their product. That doesn't mean it's above reproach.
And really, you want me to believe this isn't a Nintendo issue when we have no video apps launching with the Switch? Did you even read the OP of this thread?
That doesn't say "Netflix wouldn't make an app." It's saying "We don't support Netflix making an app right now and will reconsider that later."
lightskintwin
Banned
I don't see how people don't get this and why the prospects of Switch' success appear smaller with every detail we learn.
Night Angel
Member
Shit. Got a napkin so I can wipe this egg off my face?
Yeah, it's not a part of a grand scheme on Nintendo's part.
Weren't there rumors started here that Nintendo had limited dev kits to hand out?
I'm not saying Netflix is a low priority thing, but it is a low urgency thing for a product launching in March that is mostly going to sell to Zelda enthusiasts.
I remember everyone eating the line up during the PS4/Xbox launch, it was hilarious
Marketing vs actual capability.
There's a difference.
Endangered
Banned
Well it's already failed as a "pure games device" if you need a smart phone to take advantage of a gaming feature as basic as communicating with your multiplayer partners.
So might as well scrap that idea
lightskintwin
Banned
I personally think Netflix is less of an issue than the lack of ability to watch Youtube vids on Switch.
Night Angel
Member
So basically it's a rushed and possibly incomplete product.
I'm really feeling that early adopters are gonna get that fancy title again. Maybe they can Switch it up and call them Plenipotentiaries.
orthodoxy1095
Banned
Yeah, YouTube and perhaps Twitch as well would both be great things to have on a console, and mesh immensely well with gaming consoles given you know, the obvious plethora of gaming-related content to consume on YouTube and Twitch lol
There's nothing soft about the Switch launch in March. Once they confirmed Zelda would be out at launch, I was instantly hard.