It has been four months since the launch of the Switch and one of the major frustrations for owners has been a lack of support for online services like multimedia streaming, as well as other app functionality. The Niconico app, similar to YouTube, is now available to all Nintendo Switch owners anywhere in the world, although it’s Japanese language settings are likely to put off gamers elsewhere.
Users will need at least one Japanese Nintendo eShop account set up to download the free software. However, the prospect is likely to cause excitement for global gamers as it likely to be a sign of bigger things to come. Nintendo has previously suggested other video apps are on the way, but is yet to give a specific time-frame for their arrival. The launch of Niconico could be the start of a ramping up of these promises.
Speaking to the Washington Post, the Tokyo-based firm’s chief operating officer for America Reggie Fils-Aime said:
“We’re talking to a range of companies about other services, companies like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, things that will come in time. In our view, these are not differentiators. What differentiates us is the way you play with the Nintendo Switch and what you can play. And that will continue to be our focus into the future as we continue driving this platform.”
