A docked Nintendo Switch is used as a home console. (Photo : YouTube/NintendoUK)
The Nintendo Switch is launching in an age where its peers can do more than just play games. However, the system is not going to feature multimedia apps although these features may come later following the system's launch.
While the Switch is primarily designed as a gaming tablet it will not have the apps that would make it a suitable replacement for products like an iPad or Kindle Fire, Business Insider reported. The device will not come with apps like Netflix or Hulu upon launch.
Instead, the Nintendo Switch will focus primarily on its function as a gaming device. It will feature some form of Virtual Console and may come with a photo-taking app to share photos in different games but it will not feature movie-viewing apps or social media apps like Facebook.
Without the ability to access streaming apps to play movies or television shows the Switch will avoid being compared to tablets like the iPad. It will also be seen primarily as a gaming unit instead of a tablet with gaming features.
In comparison, other consoles like the PS4, Xbox One and Nintendo's own Wii U have multimedia app support. This includes apps that easily connect the systems to Twitch, YouTube, Amazon, Hulu or Netflix. The consoles can also play physical media such as Blu-Ray movies.
Even the Nintendo 3DS has some form of multimedia support. The portable device can play MP3 songs, it has access to Netflix and YouTube and it does feature a browser which can be used to access Facebook and other social media sites.
This does not mean the Switch will not come with such apps later down the line, Gamespot reported. A follow-up was sent to Nintendo but the company has yet to make an official statement regarding the matter.
More details regarding the Switch are expected to release as its launch day draws nearer. The system will release worldwide on March 3. The full Nintendo Switch presentation, which showcases its primary features and games, can be viewed below:
