Netflix, Hulu On Nintendo Switch? Streaming Apps Will Come To New Console In The Future

Games aren’t the only thing missing from the launch of the Nintendo Switch. The unique console is also lacking in support for other media like streaming apps, but the Japanese game maker promises services like Netflix will be coming to the platform in the future.

In an interview with the Washington Post, Nintendo America's Chief Operating Officer Reggie Fils-Aime promised that popular streaming services and other media options would make their way to the Switch, but noted those features weren’t going to make or break the console experience for most gamers.

“We’re talking to a range of companies about other services, companies like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon — things that will come in time,” Fils-Aime said.

“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.”

Fils-Aime was also asked about the possibility of including a web browser for the tablet-style controller, but didn’t respond directly. Instead he insisted, “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.”

Nintendo has long shown a reluctance to adopt to the console-as-media-center model that Microsoft and Sony have been more willing to embrace. Nintendo has always attempted to maintain a sense of purity for its systems, which has made adapting to the new world of media consumption difficult.

It wasn’t until 2015—three years after launch—that the Wii U got a full-fledged Netflix app that was on par with the one available on its competitor’s platforms.

Nintendo also did everything it could to resist the mobile gaming market’s embrace of smartphones. It reluctantly released its first smartphone game in 2016 with Miimoto, and has followed up with Super Mario Run and Fire Emblem Heroes.

The lack of support for streaming media services and dearth of launch games doesn’t seem to be having much of a negative effect on the Nintendo Switch. Early indicators suggest the Switch had one of the best launches in Nintendo history, topping even the Wii.