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Nintendo's first Switch streaming app launches Thursday in Japan
Other than its still-in-development online gaming setup, the Nintendo Switch launched without the suite of video streaming apps we're used to seeing on new consoles. Now there's an announcement of one video app for the Switch that's scheduled to launch July 13th, but unfortunately, it's only for Japanese users. Niconico is a YouTube-like video sharing site where users comments float in over videos while the play. From the preview video, it all seems quite straightforward, but we still have no information on when apps like Netflix or Hulu will be available for gamers in other countries.
China's 'bullet screens' combine movies and your snarky texts
Movie theater texters here in the US are (rightfully!) viewed as the lowest of the low, but certain spots in China look far more kindly on those cinematic simpletons. Why? Because some of their hastily composed missives actually become part of the show itself. According to the New York Times, some Chinese theaters are experimenting with what they call "bullet screens," which meld movies with text messages sent in from the audience. For the low, low price of 0.1 renminbi (or a dime), a film connoisseur can watch as their most poignant wisecracks scroll across the screen with countless others... for better or worse.
Japan gets Niconico PS4 streaming on April 30
PlayStation 4 owners in Japan will have the option to stream gameplay to Niconico, a site that lets users upload, view and share video clips, starting April 30, Sony announced (as translated by Gematsu). Those visiting the Nico Nico Super Conference 3 on April 26 and April 27 will be able to test the streaming functionality in person before it arrives via firmware update. While the two updates may not be related, the upcoming 1.70 firmware for the console brings the ability to save videos and screenshots to a USB drive. The PS4 launched in Japan in February, selling 322,083 units in its opening weekend. According to a translation of the Niconico's website, it will begin offering free one-month trials for PS4 users shortly. The streaming service carries a monthly fee of about $5; it is unclear if the service will require a PlayStation Plus subscription as well. [Image: Sony]
PS4s getting Niconico streaming in Japan this spring
Once the PS4 launches in their region, Japanese users will have another streaming platform to broadcast their gaming talents - Sony Computer Entertainment Japan Asia has announced plans to bring video service Niconico to PS4s this spring, Gematsu reports. Niconico offers a schedule of user and corporate-created content and carries a monthly subscription fee of about $5. Comments from Niconico livestream chats typically scroll across the presentation itself, but the overlay can be turned off. It's unclear if Niconico will require a PlayStation Plus membership for broadcasting on PS4, but for reference, Twitch.tv can be used without a PS+ subscription. Nintendo purchased stock in Niconico last November, noting a request from the Niconico chairman Nobuo Kawakami to do so. [Image: Niconico's Facebook]
Persona 5 announced for PS3
Atlus has announced that Persona 5 will be released for Japanese PS3s in the winter of 2014. No gameplay was shown, but the reveal trailer provided a crimson image of shackles laying beside chairs.
Persona 4: Dancing All Night announced for Vita
A rhythm game collaboration between Atlus and Dingo called Persona 4: Dancing All Night is coming for Japanese Vitas in fall of 2014, Atlus announced during their NicoNico presentation.
