Nintendo Switch going to offer access to digital comics soon, as console continues to be quirky and fantastic

I fuck with the Nintendo Switch way more in theory than I do in actuality. In other words, I really appreciate the console, but rarely play it. But, how can I not fuck with it? Especially as it continues adding dope things like this.

io9:

Everyone wants everything to come to the Switch, Nintendo’s beloved portable-hybrid console that’s spent the past year evolving from “that machine you can play Breath of the Wild on” to “No wait let me play everything on this! Including Grandia II!” But now, surprisingly, it’s also becoming a platform to read comics on.

That’s thanks to the announcement of a new app coming to the Switch’s online store, InkyPen, this Fall. For $8 a month, the app will let users read from a roster of comics, manga, and bandes dessinées from a variety of publishers on the go—using the Switch’s controllers (or using the touch interface on the screen) to flick through pages or zoom in on individual panels. Plus, it’s usable in both the console’s TV or handheld forms.

Although not fully detailed yet, InkyPen promises “thousands” of comics available at launch, including content from Valiant, IDW, Dynamite Entertainment, les Humanoïdes Associés, Andrews McMeel, and more. Given its indie roots, maybe don’t expect big hitters like Marvel and DC, but it’s shaping up to be a decent variety for eight bucks a month.

At first it might seem like a bit of a weird thing to come to a platform that is primarily designed for playing games, but given that its tablet-esque portability has made the Switch such a huge hit since it launched, bringing comics to the platform is a really interesting move. If InkyPen takes off, who knows, maybe more services like Comixology Unlimited or even specific publisher offerings like Marvel Unlimited and DC Universe could head on over to Nintendo’s console. A future where you can play Splatoon AND read Mister Miracle on the go? That has us very intrigued. InkyPen is set to head to the Nintendo eShop in November.