Switch could be a golden tablet if it was Android

The Nintendo Switch is missing a golden tablet opportunity, according to Verge, by not including web browser and Netflix support.

And I would go even further by saying Nintendo Switch has just lost billions for not being a closed Android platform.

I am currently in need of a new tablet. I will probably buy a powerful gaming tablet that I will mostly use as a reader, internet browsing, and some android games such as the Walking Dead, JRPGs and stuff. A good Android gaming tablet is 500 bucks. Boom, if 300-buck Switch was Android, it would be a no brain-teaser for me to choose Switch. Zelda and Mario games are nice and all, but I will take reading my fantasy novels over those games. And obviously I can't go around with two tablets in hand lol

So imagine possibilities if Nintendo Switch was android. I could play Zelda, download a few android games as well, install a reader, watch netflix, browse internet, skype people, etc. - a great commodity when you travel. I wouldn't even care about third party support with having all above benefits.

Nintendo misses out on a huge opportunity again here.

It really should have ran Android, then it could have tapped directly into the mobile market with their own hardware while also providing content to console and handheld gamers. First thing I wish I could have done when I got my Switch was install Fire Emblem Heroes.

LOL the VERGE! Nothing but Apple fanboys. Also, they did try to get a custom OS made by Cyanogen, but they told Nintendo to **** off. So the Big N went on and hired a former Windows Phone 8 engineer and created their own OS based on FreeBSD which is the same kernel on the PS4. Also, Android is a huge Memory Drainer.

No decent device runs an android. Remember the Ouya?

Glad they didn't because I would have avoided it.

Not having a web browser in a 2017 console is beyond pathetic. And the "lol who uses a browser on a console" does not apply here.

Buy an Ipad, stop being a cheap ass.

It doesn't need to run Android, but it needs more apps and functionality for sure

Paying more money for less features XD

@jhonMalcovich: Paying more money for a far superior device. But go ahead and buy your cheapass $500 wannabe.

I am a simple man I and I just need simple things. I would agree on just having

a reader, browser, netflix, youtube, and redtube XD

If you have a browser, you don't need a RedTube app, c'mon

My Samsung S6 Edge is so much better than any Iphone.

That's true. Android spoilt me for having an app for everything XD

@jhonMalcovich: well then, play the awful mobile android games on your edge thingy instead cramping them into the switch.

The Switch is awesome as is. Its a dedicated game machine with full tablet functionality for gaming. If I want to browse the net or use netflix I can simply buy another device for such activities. It would be a waste to use the Switch for anything outside of gaming. We have numerous devices that can browse the net and allow us to watch Netflix/Hulu. The Switch doesn't need to be another device with the same functionalities. Its why Nintendo hardware is so great. I like the Switch just the way it is and taking another device to do what the Switch could potentially do is more optimal and no biggie.

@Pedro: This fanboy gets it.

Stop projecting.

Android is also based on Unix. You can make Android as efficient and optimized as you want, except phone developers just prefer to keep increasing RAM memory size so to make you buy their new phones. Nintendo could actually chose the alternative path and use the minimalist approach to Android - no extra applications and services running in the background.

I actually don't mind that the NS doesn't have Netflix, a browser or other apps. I literally have a dozen devices in my home that can do that and really wouldn't use my NS for any of that. Hell, I'm not even going to bother playing games online with it.

@jhonMalcovich: Or they could just build a custom that is optimized for gaming. You know, just like they fuckin did.

No. it's not. It's doing things halfassed. Let's be honest Switch as dedicated gaming machine sucks. If I want dedicated gaming at home I will use my PC with a big screen and a couch - ultra graphics, high resolutions, 60 fps, Steam library, etc.

What I mean is, if you make a dedicated gaming machine make it excel at that. If you make a tablet, make it as fully featured as possible. The last thing a consumer wants is carrying multiple devices around like a camel.

Again, it's not optimized for gaming. Tablets are not optimized for gaming. Tablets advantage is their portability and features. If you make a tablet, make it a full featured tablet, otherwise it's just halfassed tablet that only plays Nintendo games.

@jhonMalcovich: Too bad your PC cant be played on the go. Should have bought a gaming laptop. You can get a good one for 3k.

Also, its not a tablet. Its a gaming device. You want a tablet, but an Ipad Pro, stop being cheap.

I already own one lol 3k laptop. Totally worth it. But I still need a tablet for my reading, browsing and stuff, as my laptops battery life is only 3 hours and it still weights 1.8kg.

@jhonMalcovich: Buy a portable battery charger, stop being cheap.

I'm glad the Switch doesn't use that clunky garbage of an OS.

I also have about five other devices I could do streaming or browsing on. Who uses a browser on a console Lol!

Ipads are for poor people, get surface pro

Just get a good tablet. You will get more use from it than a weak ass portable he console.

Does Android run full UE4? I mean Full, not the Mobile version

I'm honestly surprised that 'gaming tablets' are a thing. I have literally never seen anyone play anything more than simple mobile games on a tablet.

Why would anyone buy a gaming tablet over an actual handheld system (3DS/Vita/Switch) or something with far more variety and functionality (a laptop)?

I wish full windows 10 tablets were more aggressively priced and far better battery life. I'd rather have that than another Android tablet.

I'm guessing battery life, decent screen for the price as the usual preference with Android tablets over Full Win 10.

Why do I need all that shit on Nintendo Switch when I can just use my own damn Android instead?

@davillain-:

@iandizion713: Good answer lol.

@jhonMalcovich: I was using fanboy logic in my response. I know that its stupid but people has subscribed to this stupid reasoning as you can see several times in this thread. It's the dumbest justification for any modern day device. It also reads like the folks who claimed that the GC didn't need a DVD player. LOL.

@Pedro: Nintendo fans dont need gimmicks, we just need fun games. Just give us a Wii U port, well be happy and break records on these haters. "Bottle to the head, bottle to the head!"

@iandizion713: Yes!

Good for you... enjoy your angry birds and papertoss

Why should someone carry 2 portable devices everywhere they go??

That's not practical at all.

Sticking a web browser and some streaming apps on there would have cost Nintendo very little money. I find it Lazy on Nintendo's part.

I think they omitted the browser to avoid piracy. Probably also omitted android to avoid any malware problems. It would be pretty hard for someone to gain anything from your switch with how much of a sandbox they made. I always have my phone with me, so the browser is taken care of.

I like the switch for the pure amount of fun it is. Plus if I share the console with someone, I don't have to worry about them seeing notifications on the device.

@EG101: Do you not bring a smartphone everywhere with you?

@EG101: Nintendo will add it later when and if they feel like it.

Yup, the fact some people want this will have No bearing on what Nintendo does. Nintendo plays to their own tune.

@EG101: And thats the tune we all have fallen in love with. Nintendo arent sellouts, they make Boss moves.

Do you mean if the Switch was an actual Android Tablet or the Switch had Android apps?

I don't know if I want the Switch to have Garbage in it's App Store. At any rate having things like a Web Browser or Netflix would be a great.

Too late.

If the switch had access to the huge market of games and apps Android has to offer that would be amazing. Or if Samsung or someone else reputable would make a gaming tablet with a similar controller theme as the Switch that would also be amazing. Tablet with built in controller and I'm sold.

I don't know if you've truly experienced how shit the Google Play and iOS App stores are.