Maybe Both Companies Should ‘Netflix and Chill’ At Some Point
It’s been on the mind of Switch owners ever since the console launched a year ago: Where are the media apps? More specifically, where is Netflix?
It’s a bit of a strange anomaly. Releasing Netflix on the Nintendo Switch seems like a no-brainer, especially when you consider the form factor and portability of the console. Not to mention that Netflix has been a supporter of Nintendo consoles as far back as the Wii. In fact, there were more people streaming video on the Wii, in all its 480p glory, than other devices!
Back in January, a Netflix CS rep had tweeted out that there weren’t any plans for an app on Switch but it seems that we now have a bit more information to go on. A Netflix executive has spoken out as to why there isn’t a Netflix app for Switch yet.
“In the case of the Switch, they [Nintendo] were very focused at launch not on video-use cases, but on gaming cases, video was not a priority for them,” said Scott Mirer, Netflix vice president of device partner ecosystem, in a press Q&A panel in Silicon Valley. “Whether that changes over time, we have a great relationship with them and look at the possibility of [supporting] the Switch. We each have opportunity cost around that, but at some point, it might happen.”
Mirer’s comment about video not being a priority is a bit odd considering their closest competitor, Hulu, released an app for Switch in November. If Hulu was able to do it, why not them? Mirer does seem optimistic about the idea, so it is possible both companies can come to an agreement sometime down the line.
In the meantime, you’re just going to have to make do with streaming your favourite TV show on nearly every other platform its on.
Let us know what you think in the comments below.