Nintendo Switch: No Video Apps at Launch

The Nintendo Switch is set to make its debut on March 3rd, but it won’t come with any video apps at launch. This is in contrast to the Wii U, which offered support for a variety of video-streaming services such as Amazon, Netflix, Hulu, Lovefilm, YouTube, and more.

The renowned Kyoto-based company, Nintendo, confirmed this in a statement to Kotaku. They emphasized, “All of our endeavors have been focused on making the Nintendo Switch system an extraordinary dedicated video game platform. Hence, it won’t support any video-streaming services when it first launches. However, the possibility of adding support for video-streaming services is being contemplated for a future update.”

Another interesting aspect about Nintendo’s console/handheld hybrid is that although it won’t support the company’s proprietary social network Miiverse, it will still enable players to create their unique bobbleheaded digital avatars. In fact, these avatars will be more customizable than ever before. The company stated, “More facial components and colors for hair and skin have been included, while the following attributes have been removed: creator’s name, favorites, birthday, copying, and ‘public.'”

On the Switch, Miis can be shared and received via local wireless internet or by using Amiibo to transfer avatars from the Wii U and 3DS. Moreover, developers have the option to incorporate Miis as avatars in their games if they so desire.

One significant change is that players won’t be obligated to design a Mii to create a profile. Instead, they can simply choose a picture of a Nintendo character from a library, similar to how the Xbox 360 operated in its early stages.

It appears that Nintendo is attempting to gradually phase out the Mii system. Specifically, Mii Maker will no longer be prominently displayed on the game page but will instead be tucked away as an option in the System Settings menu, where fewer users are likely to explore.