What can be streamed on Nintendo Switch?

However, every now and then we all need a little break from gaming. Luckily, the Switch has streaming apps that offer great passive entertainment.

YouTube

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YouTube has billions of videos ready to watch. Whatever your interests, whether it's how-tos, gaming, comedy, beauty, fashion, tech and fitness, there's a content creator for you.

Most of YouTube's library is free, but you may encounter ads on some videos. You can subscribe to YouTube Premium for an ad-free experience, starting at $13.99 per month. Furthermore, it allows you to unlock more content, such as YouTube original series and movies.

Hulu

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If you are a fan of movies and series, the Hulu app on Nintendo Switch is a must-have for you. This streaming service is known for its great Hulu Originals, including The Bear, Only Murders in the Building, The Handmaid's Tale, and PEN15.

Furthermore, through partnerships with Disney (which owns it), Fox, Showtime, and other partners, you'll have a great library of entertainment to enjoy. It has also partnered with BBC America, ABC and ESPN+ to provide live news, sports and entertainment.

While the Hulu app is free to download on the Switch, you'll need a paid subscription to access its content. The basic plan with ads will cost you $7.99 per month. If you want to remove ads or add live TV channels, you'll have to pay more.

If you're a new subscriber or qualifying returning customer, Hulu can offer you a one-month free trial to watch their movies and series.

Crunchyroll

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You can catch up on your favorite anime using the Crunchyroll app on Nintendo Switch. Crunchyroll has a ton of anime, including modern titles like Attack on Titan, Demon Slayer, and Jujutsu Kaisen. You can also find classic anime here, such as Dragon Ball Z, One Piece, and Cowboy Bebop.

What makes Crunchyroll great is its simulation feature. This means you can watch the latest anime airing in Japan without having to wait. You can watch the anime for free with some limitations (ads and premium locked episodes) on other platforms (PC, Android, and iOS). Unfortunately, however, the Nintendo Switch app only works with premium plans.

Luckily, there's a two-week free trial that works with the Switch app if you're a new subscriber. You can then sign up for a paid plan, starting at $7.99 per month.

Pokémon TV

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With the Pokémon TV app, fans of Nintendo's popular game series can watch selected Pokémon content for free. This includes specials, movies, episodes, and even entire seasons of the Pokémon anime. Here's your chance to relive or explore some of Ash's greatest adventures and classic battles.

Furthermore, this app also includes tips and strategies in the Pokémon trading card game (TCG). You can also watch Pokémon TCG tournaments around the world right on your Switch.

What happened to the Twitch app on Nintendo Switch?

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The Twitch app was removed from the Nintendo eShop on November 6, 2023. Furthermore, as of January 31, 2024, people who already own the app on Switch will not be able to use it. Twitch has completely discontinued the application on this platform.

Can Netflix, Prime Video and Disney+ be downloaded on Nintendo Switch?

Unfortunately, Netflix, Prime Video and Disney have not yet released any apps for Nintendo Switch at the time of writing. That means you're stuck with YouTube, Hulu, Crunchyroll, and Pokémon TV.

Don't be disappointed by the limited number of streaming apps on Nintendo Switch. Whether you have a Switch, OLED, or original Lite, remember that it's primarily a console game. You shouldn't expect it to have as many streaming apps as TVs and smartphones.

And if you're looking at these streaming apps because you don't game but happen to have a Switch, there are some beginner-friendly games you can try.

David Pac

Update 26 February 2024