My disappointment with the Switch

[mattdmg]

I wanted to discuss why I think the Nintendo Switch needs more function besides gaming. The Switch like mentioned a ton already has no media functions like YouTube or Netflix and I can really rant about it until I turn blue. It boggles my mind how the Switch enters the console market as a direct competitor (in price at least) to the PS4 and Xbox One S as a portable dedicated gaming machine that can only game. I don't know why Nintendo expects the Switch to be a portable tablet that you can only play games on. If you're going to make a tablet that people are going to be carrying around, at least make people have more of a reason to want to carry it. Now obviously the Switch has been selling units just fine but it just needs more, because compared to the other consoles the Switch may not even be a consideration because you're paying 300 dollars for a home/portable console which is only able to game. 

 

Even on top of it lacking media they're doing a lot of things wrong with online as well. Before they even think of charging people to play online they really need to straighten some things out. People not being able to play Fifa with their friends on the Switch makes me shake my head. Also, it does not seem to be as straightforward communicating directly through the tablet because it doesn't even have a built-in mic or Bluetooth (both a missed opportunity imo). When using the Switch you can't help but feel completely cut off from others because as far as I know, there isn't a way to send messages to friends, talk directly through the device (like you should be able to), receive notifications, or even a cool profile page would be awesome. 

 

These two main reasons bring me back to why I think the Switch just falls really short of the other consoles in terms of online play and function. The Switch could compete better with the PS4 and Xbox if they fix these problems because I believe it needs more than really great 1st party games (and some good 3rd party ones coming soon) and portability to truly be a great portable console.

[Hybris5112]

Not a console gamer/owner at all but from a outside perspective besides "Mobile Gaming!" the game selection isn't that earth shattering and the hardware itself just makes me think "How much power did they cut out in order to make this a hybrid console/handheld device."

 

If I had to get a gaming platform besides PC I'd most likely be getting a Xbox depending on backwards compatibility with classics like the Army of Two series, Mercenaries 1-2, MechAssault 1-2, and Crimson Skies.

[SansVarnic]

- MOved to Console Gaming -

[Drak3]

To be quite frank, good riddance to the all in one approach on the Switch. Good riddance to the web browser. The slimmed down, pure gaming console, IMO, is 10,000x better than a jack of all trades but adequate at none that is the XBOne. PS4 gets away with it because everything beyond gaming is an afterthought.

 

A PC is a far superior solution for something to do it all, because it can not only actually do it all, but it can do it well.

 

The only disappointment I have with the Switch is the lack of titles.

 

And as far as the online social aspect goes, again. Good riddance. The only thing to really be missed is voice chat, but I'd much rather use a solution external to a console, like Skype.

[Guest]

I love my switch. Granted adding Youtube and Netflix would be nice, but honestly I think the bigger issue is game selection.

[johnny5c]

2 hours ago, Drak3 said:

To be quite frank, good riddance to the all in one approach on the Switch. Good riddance to the web browser. The slimmed down, pure gaming console, IMO, is 10,000x better than a jack of all trades but adequate at none that is the XBOne. PS4 gets away with it because everything beyond gaming is an afterthought.

My thoughts exactly.  When the Switch was first announced I was worried that it would be all gummed up with media apps and whatnot so I'm completely happy with the pure gaming approach.  I travel a lot for work and always have my phone or laptop for streaming and social media so I appreciate the uninterrupted gaming experience with the Switch, especially on long flights.

[Zodiark1593]

Honestly, if you want social on the Switch, do 4 way split screen of Mario Kart. What better social than that.

[skywake]

"The Switch like mentioned a ton already has no media functions like YouTube or Netflix"

It's worth noting that the 3DS and PS4 were slower to get various media applications than the Vita and Wii U were. So having a lot of media apps quickly isn't quite as important as some people seem to think. It's not 1999 anymore where the PS2 having a DVD player was a massive selling point. Not having Netflix on the Switch just means that when I sit down on the couch at the end of the day I have 5 rather than 6 ways to watch Netflix. No doubt it'd be a nice Netflix watching device but it's hardly the end of the world.

 

"I don't know why Nintendo expects the Switch to be a portable tablet that you can only play games on"

Because mobile games and console/PC games are not in the same league. We all know this. The Switch is the best device on the market for playing traditional console style games on the go. Sure I have a phone in my pocket that can play games AND to movies but maybe I want to play Zelda or Skyrim in bed. What other device lets me do that as easily as the Switch does?
 

"Before they even think of charging people to play online they really need to straighten some things out"

Which is probably why they're not charging for it yet. I think it's probably fair if we reserve judgement on the service until we actually have some idea what they're actually going to ask us to pay for. Especially given they're charging half as much as their competitors.

"Also, it does not seem to be as straightforward communicating directly through the tablet"

Fair point. It does seem a bit complicated the way they have online communication setup. They have to use an app on your phone rather than having that functionality built into the device. Personally I don't really care because I always end up muting everyone anyways but still, good point.

[SteveGrabowski0]

With Nintendo marketing heavily to kids I think maybe they don't want them to be able to use the Switch to watch pornhub in the bathroom tbh.

[Ithanul]

19 hours ago, Drak3 said:

To be quite frank, good riddance to the all in one approach on the Switch. Good riddance to the web browser. The slimmed down, pure gaming console, IMO, is 10,000x better than a jack of all trades but adequate at none that is the XBOne. PS4 gets away with it because everything beyond gaming is an afterthought.

 

A PC is a far superior solution for something to do it all, because it can not only actually do it all, but it can do it well.

 

The only disappointment I have with the Switch is the lack of titles.

 

And as far as the online social aspect goes, again. Good riddance. The only thing to really be missed is voice chat, but I'd much rather use a solution external to a console, like Skype.

Yep, I have no problems with them going away from the all in one media box, if I need one I still got my old PS3 that is working just fine.  I rather Nintendo focus on games.

[skywake]

12 hours ago, SteveGrabowski0 said:

With Nintendo marketing heavily to kids I think maybe they don't want them to be able to use the Switch to watch pornhub in the bathroom tbh.

I don't think that's the reason: https://wiki.gbatemp.net/wiki/List_of_3DS_exploits

Three main kinds of exploits on the 3DS. Save game exploits, DS backwards compatibility exploits and browser exploits. As I said earlier, you probably have a phone anyways so Nintendo really isn't taking anything away from you here. All they'd be doing is making themselves an easier target for piracy.

[ono]

Eh, no complaints from about about the lack of media support. I think a lot of people nowadays don't leave home w/o their phone, which already have a data plan. Could be useful at home, I suppose, for those that don't have a smart TV or any other sort of Roku-like media device.

 

The online multiplayer situation is indeed garbage right now, but I'll wait till they hit the paid phase and any changes that brings before I come to some verdict. The controllers are bluetooth so they could add bluetooth headphone/mic support in the future.