Nintendo Says Netflix, Hulu, And Amazon Are In Fact Coming To Switch

Yesterday I wrote about the simplicity of Nintendo Switch, and how it may actually be a blessing in disguise. As such, I've very much come to terms with its lack of non-gaming functionality, streaming services, or really any apps at all that aren't games. Still, it's understandable that many Switch owners aren't taking the current state of things so lightly, and as such Nintendo appears to have put Reggie on the case.

Speaking with The Washington Post earlier today, Nintendo of America president and COO Reggie Fils-Aimé made remarks about incoming services Switch owners can expect, while still upholding Switch's "games first" messaging.

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.

Reggie's remarks are admittedly somewhat sterile, but maybe that's a good thing. These apps need to arrive for simple parity with the competition, and in the age of smart devices and Chromecast, many people's days of Netflix on their consoles are over anyway. Still, the likes of Hulu, Netflix, and Amazon will surely satisfy those who want them, and more importantly, will open the door for other apps on Switch. We'll see what new partnerships lie in store for the hybrid platform going forward.

For more Switch, check out my thoughts on bluethooth Joy-Cons, and our full launch coverage below.