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Nintendo Seemingly Blocks Video Streaming Apps On Switch 2

Cpt.Jank

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It looks as though the uphill battle that is the Nintendo Switch 2 launch is not over yet. While backwards compatibility with the original Switch game library, consisting of 122 first-party games and over 15,000 third-party games, was a major highlight for those eager for a Switch 2, it seems as though it isn't as cut-and-dry as simply loading the games onto the Switch 2. Nintendo has been testing the entire game library in order to inform Switch 2 buyers what they'll be able to play at launch. According to a recently updated Nintendo support article, the Switch 2 will ditch support for video streaming sites Crunchyroll, Hulu, Niconico, and Abema, as well as manga and comic reader, InkyPen, and the Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 04 VR Kit.

While a number of other titles Nintendo tested seemingly won't work immediately like Fortnite, for which there is a Switch 2 version planned, Nintendo is drawing a line between apps that won't work at launch but will be fixed at a later date, and apps that will not work on the Switch 2. As for the aforementioned video streaming apps, Nintendo says that they "Cannot be used on Nintendo Switch 2," while the Labo VR Kit will likely need a physical design revision for the Switch 2, since the original kit was designed for hardware compatibility with the first-gen Switch. It's unclear if video streaming and other media consumption apps, like Crunchyroll and Hulu, will be blocked from the Switch 2 entirely, or if the developers and publishers could work around the new Switch 2 hardware to publish updated versions. The hybrid console form factor of the Switch and Switch 2 theoretically make Nintendo's consoles uniquely suited to video streaming, since they can be docked, and consoles like the Sony PS5 and Xbox Series X|S are both capable of operating as standalone home theater systems. It only makes sense for Nintendo to compete in the same regard, but without the apps to support such use cases, the Switch 2 cannot do that. Currently, the Switch 2 is slated to become widely available on June 5, with pre-orders already available—and largely sold out—in some regions.


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It’s meant to play games, not watch henti. Also just another company sandboxing their product to keep consumers from using the hardware they bought for whatever purpose they wish. Feels like a class action lawsuit if they have even remotely implied these features.
 
Soooooo...to summarize, without all the marketing/techno babble:

You can only watch/play what nOn-tendyo wants you to watch/play.... don't like it, too friggin bad !

OTOH, remember: "when there's a will, there's a way", hahahahaha :D
 
It’s meant to play games, not watch henti. Also just another company sandboxing their product to keep consumers from using the hardware they bought for whatever purpose they wish. Feels like a class action lawsuit if they have even remotely implied these features.
Well that was an official feature of the first gen switch. However, they've now made it pretty clear that those streaming apps won't work on the Switch 2. But didn't explain why
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Very mature.

News flash everyone, the Switch2 is a GAMING system! Want to watch video's? Turn on a PC, TV, tablet or phone. A lot of people never used the video streaming apps of the Wii/WiiU/Switch1.

TADA!
With that attitude, a phone is meant for calling, not videos. A PC is meant for computing, not watcing tv.

Things can do more than one task...
 
Very mature.

News flash everyone, the Switch2 is a GAMING system! Want to watch video's? Turn on a PC, TV, tablet or phone. A lot of people never used the video streaming apps of the Wii/WiiU/Switch1.

TADA!
You do realize that even though the Steam Deck and the Deck-alikes are also gaming systems, they've also been used plenty for non-gaming purposes; doing everything from being an overpriced FLAC music player to being a portable movie/streaming show player to being a laptop/tablet replacement portable. Hell, some have even used theirs for work.

I never did get why Nintendo always gets a pass when it's just as dumb when others attempt to restrict things, whether it's trying to be the Apple of gaming with its walled garden or mandating accounts to play games like Sony and Xbox were trying off and on.
 
With that attitude, a phone is meant for calling, not videos.
True! One could argue the same thing about Playstation consoles, execpt that they are specifically designed to play games, watch DVD/Bluray movies and stream video. Nintendo is focusing on gaming. That is their choice. But let's not quibble.
Things can do more than one task...
You're either missing the point or deliberately sidestepping it to be pedantic. :slap:

You do realize that even though the Steam Deck and the Deck-alikes are also gaming systems, they've also been used plenty for non-gaming purposes; doing everything from being an overpriced FLAC music player to being a portable movie/streaming show player to being a laptop/tablet replacement portable. Hell, some have even used theirs for work.
And another for the nonsense..
 
The irony.
Ha!
It's sad to see this get defended for a console that costs more but does less.
As usual, you're missing something important. Shocker. I'm not defending Nintendo's position, I'm explaining it in the context of their focus. It's their platform, if they want to focus exclusively on games, that's their choice. If you don't like that choice, watch videos on a different device or buy something else. Tada..

And for the record, I'm still on the fence about this new system, but even if I were going to buy one on release day, lack of audio/video stream apps wouldn't bother me at all because I never use them. Why? Because I'm not buying it for streaming. I would be buying it for games. What a concept, eh?
 
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The irony.
See the post above pointing out the Switch 1 can stream Crunchyroll and Hulu, the Switch 2 being blocked from streaming is artificial gatekeeping.
It's sad to see this get defended for a console that costs more but does less.
Please provide a citation that says Switch 2 is “being blocked from streaming apps”. (Even though you meant streaming apps are being blocked on the Switch 2)

Because what I see is a support article that says the Switch 1 streaming apps won’t work. You understand there is a difference between the two statements, yes?
 
I'm explaining it in the context of their focus. It's their platform, if they want to focus exclusively on games, that's their choice.
That's not really a good defense though, as the Switch 1 had many good games because of Nintendo's focus on high quality exclusive titles, yet Nintendo still allowed the SW1 to have access to streaming apps.
An explanation of why Nintendo isn't allowing streaming apps even though they were available on the Switch 1 would've been nice, but it's just Nintendo being Nintendo.
I'm not buying it for streaming. I would be buying it for games. What a concept, eh?
And with that sort of stance on how things should be used, then a phone should be only for phone calls, a TV only for watching TV, and a computer only for office work, a device which can do more than one task is a pretty interesting concept too.
Please provide a citation that says Switch 2 is blocking streaming apps.
Maybe read the OP before quoting me, the article states apps which should otherwise work on the Switch 2, because they work on the Switch 1, won't work on the Switch 2 because Nintendo isn't allowing certain apps.
 
My family and I were excited for this unit initially, but now with all of this nonsense with their TOS, and now this..

Probably going to be a hard pass. They will still make a shitload of money though.
 
Maybe read the OP before quoting me, the article states apps which should otherwise work on the Switch 2, because they work on the Switch 1, won't work on the Switch 2 because Nintendo isn't allowing certain apps.
Maybe you should read the source of the article which is directly linked to in the very first paragraph. Or, you could actually read the article as posted that says “It's unclear if video streaming and other media consumption apps, like Crunchyroll and Hulu, will be blocked from the Switch 2 entirely”

Until then I’ll be awaiting your citation that Nintendo “isn’t allowing certain apps”.
 
That's not really a good defense though
Try to follow along here: It's not a defense. Nintendo is making a statement about a policy they have chosen. They have no need or obligation to defend it. Stop thinking in such small terms.
And with that sort of stance on how things should be used, then a phone should be only for phone calls, a TV only for watching TV, and a computer only for office work, a device which can do more than one task is a pretty interesting concept too.
Once again with the missing of context and the point... Also, that IS how I use my phone. It's a phone and a texting device. It's also for listening to music on the go. It is not used for browsing the internet and watching video. And I am far from alone in that usage model.

Until then I’ll be awaiting your citation that Nintendo “isn’t allowing certain apps”.
Given the updates shown above, it seems a fair conclusion.
 
Given the updates shown above, it seems a fair conclusion.
There’s somewhat creditable evidence that the reason the media apps won’t work is because the DRM on the Switch 2 has changed and isn’t compatible.

I make no claims this is fact, unlike our freind up there.
 
I never did get why Nintendo always gets a pass
Apple, Nintendo and Ngreedia are simply untouchables.

Their fans have no rhyme or reason nor logic to their acts and simply follow whatever those companies tell them do.

Specially if it does affects you.

Example, want to trigger an apple fanboi? Tell them that you want to have the option of sideloading apps on iOS devices.

I know, in the EU you have that, but the rest of the world doesn't have that option.
 
Who actually uses their Nintendo anything for streaming services? Seems like a niche...
Who actually uses anything from Nintendon't ?
 
Who actually uses anything from Nintendon't ?
Me, switch is awesome (after hardware unlock). Works as a tablet with a controller attached, can stream games from your PC, can browse the web, watch youtube, all at the smallest possible size and weight for a 7" device.
 
Very mature.

News flash everyone, the Switch2 is a GAMING system! Want to watch video's? Turn on a PC, TV, tablet or phone. A lot of people never used the video streaming apps of the Wii/WiiU/Switch1.

TADA!
That's the thing. I just want a simple gaming system. Pop disk or cartridge in, turn on and play. If I want the streaming service, a cheap $50 walmart onn device works fantastic
 
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