> The Wii never got an account system, and the Switch still hasn't gotten a web browser.
the PS5 also did this, but I think both systems are doing it in the pursuit of preventing people from easily jailbreaking/exploiting webkit. It can still be done via DNS trickery and finding an http:// link within a game (some game cartridges with 0 updates have them).
That may have been part of it, but I do suspect it was also an artistic decision, at least on Nintendo's part (I've never used a PS5). The Switch's UI prioritizes launching games above absolutely everything else. The system doesn't ship with any multimedia capabilities, and while there are a handful of apps available in the eShop, major players like Netflix are still completely unavailable.
They included a hidden browser so people can connect to captive portals and play games with online functionality, but I think Nintendo wanted to send a message that the Switch is for games first, last, and everything in between.
P.S. I don't necessarily agree with this approach. The Switch OLED is the best screen that I own, so I would like to use it to view more types of media. But I respect that Nintendo is curating an experience.
the PS5 also did this, but I think both systems are doing it in the pursuit of preventing people from easily jailbreaking/exploiting webkit. It can still be done via DNS trickery and finding an http:// link within a game (some game cartridges with 0 updates have them).