Nintendo Switch Will Not Support an Internet Browser at Launch

The Nintendo Switch will not come with a web browser when the console is released on March 3.

In an interview with Time, Nintendo president and CEO Tatsumi Kimishima explained in a question about returning Wii U applications, “And 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.”

Last January, Nintendo used this almost identical reasoning to explain why the Nintendo Switch would not support video streaming apps like Netflix and Hulu at launch. Kimishima did confirm that it will be possible to purchase, download, and play software at launch, but would not share further details on a “fully supported” Nintendo eShop.

It seems Nintendo has adopted a leaner approach to internet services for the Nintendo Switch. Miiverse, Nintendo’s cutesy social hub, will not return to the Switch, while multiplayer and voice chat options will be regulated with a smartphone app than through the console itself.

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