Alongside next-generation consoles such as thePlayStation 5andXbox Scarlett, streaming platforms like Google Stadia are also becoming the next big thing in gaming. In some recent interviews, Nintendo of America CEO Doug Bowser discussed the streaming future and Nintendo’s stance on it.
Speaking withTimeat E3 2019, Doug Bowser talked about streaming technologies and Nintendo’s interest in them:
“We’re looking at those technologies and understanding those capabilities and how they may contribute to the gameplay experiences we desire with our IP and characters and environments.
However, we also believe that at this point in time Nintendo Switch also offers a very compelling and unique gameplay experience. It’s a very unique platform in that you can play it at home on your TV, and instantaneously pull it out of the dock and go to a portable mode, whether that’s a tabletop mode or a handheld mod, and continuing playing that game seamlessly wherever you go.”
In conversation withFortune, Doug Bowser offers a similar comment that shows Nintendo’s interest in game streaming:
“The Switch delivers on a lot of promises of streaming. It’s a device where you can play anywhere, at any time, with anyone. It’s obviously something we’re closely watching, and looking at, and understanding.”
In a similar vein,Nintendo of Japan president Shuntaro Furukawa commentedon how cloud and streaming services could “evolve further as a way to deliver games to consumers.” Additionally, he acknowledges the need to keep up with the changing landscape while staying true to Nintendo’s desire to create unique experiences for its users.
Over the past couple of months, Nintendo has experimented with game streaming in Japan. Among the games available for streaming includeAssassin’s Creed Odyssey, Phantasy Star Online 2,andResident Evil 7: Biohazard.However, those were only available in certain regions.
Having announced the Nintendo Switch Liteandan updated Switch model, it seems safe to say they won’t fully dedicate to streaming for a while. Alongside these announcements, Nintendo also recentlyannounced a fitting release date forLuigi’s Mansion 3.
