The Nintendo Switch is lacking a web browser — is that a problem?
It’s official: The Nintendo Switch will not ship with a web browser.
Nintendo President Tatsumi Kimishima recently confirmed this to TIME: When the Switch launches worldwide on March 3rd it will not have a built-in browser.
“..in terms of the Internet browser, since all of our efforts have gone toward making Switch an amazing dedicated video game platform, it will not support it, at least at launch.” — Tatsumi Kimishima
The same is true of Netflix and other popular video apps. They won’t be there at launch.
Yes, they may all arrive at a later date, however for now binge-watching the next season of Stranger Things on your Switch is out of the question.
But, is it really a big deal?
Plenty of fuss has been made of the omission, especially as both the Wii and Wii U, along with the DS and 3DS handhelds, have all boasted web browsing functionality. For some, this feels like a step back.
Dieter Bohn of The Verge contends that Nintendo is missing a “golden tablet opportunity” by excluding web browsing functionality. Bohn argues that with the addition of web browsing and apps like Netflix and Hulu the gaming device could go up against the likes of the Amazon Fire HD tablet.
I’m not convinced — the “cheap tablet” market is not one that Nintendo either seemingly wants or should be pursuing. A handful of media apps isn’t going to make the difference here — and neither is a browser.
The lack of a browser is by no means an outright deal breaker.
The Switch is a gaming device.
So, ask yourself how often do you actually use the web-browser on your Xbox One or PS4? Probably rarely right — if ever? I know for sure that I’ve never once opened the browser on my PS4 or Wii U. Would you miss it?
It’s clear that a browser is not a core feature on a home console.
...and I think that’s the point here:
The Nintendo Switch is not a home console — no matter how many times Nintendo want to tell you it is. The Switch, as a hybrid device, is positioned as both a home console and portable handheld.
It’s the portability of the Switch where a lack of a built-in browser may have one particular sticking point.
Nintendo’s marketing material so far has shown people gaming on the Switch in a wide-variety of environments — from sitting on the sofa, riding a bus, courtside at a game of basketball, chilling in the park, to playing in the back of a minivan.
All of these scenarios lean heavily on local multiplayer, focusing on playing with people by your side. That’s fine, the Joy-Cons and kickstand mean the Switch is great at doing just that.
What about when you want to get online?
Fancy playing some Splatoon 2 at a local Starbucks, or some Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on your lunch break at McDonalds? Connecting to a WiFi network is something that usually requires a browser:
Sign-in with your email for WiFi! Connect for free! Do it now! Internet!
You know the pages that pop-up on your phone or laptop begging you to hand over your email in return for internet access — these things are everywhere. But, if the Nintendo Switch can’t access a web browser, just how are you meant to use WiFi when in public?
This inability to use a browser isn’t a big deal for the most part (No one leaves the house without their phone), but for online gaming on the go it could become a bone of contention.
I guess you could always connect via mobile hotspot, but who wants to do that? (Oh, and the lack of mobile data/LTE/4G on the Switch is another conversation...)
Simply put: Being unable to easily login to a public WiFi network presents an irritating sticking point that I think many will come up against.
So, does the lack of a browser matter? No — the only real issue is when trying to use public WiFi.
Hopefully there is some simple solution that Nintendo have in place to circumvent or satisfy WiFi networks that demand a login, otherwise the full potential of a portable Switch can’t truly be realised.
Interested in the Switch? I publish a weekly round-up of the best Nintendo Switch content from the last seven days:
