The Nintendo Switch is a great games console, but unlike the PS5 and Xbox Series X it doesn’t have a huge range of streaming apps.
In this article, we show you the streaming services that you can use on your Nintendo Switch, all of which are available to download from the eShop.
1. Hulu
![](https://thebetterparent.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/hulu-nintendo-switch.jpg)
The Hulu app is available for free, though you will need a subscription to use the Disney-owned service that lets you watch thousands of movies and TV shows. You can add live TV and premium networks like HBO and Starz for an additional cost.
The Hulu app for Nintendo Switch is only available in the US—which makes sense, since Hulu doesn’t serve any other territories. The cheapest Hulu plan costs $5.99/month, which is supported by ads.
2. YouTube
![](https://thebetterparent.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/youtube-nintendo-switch.jpg)
YouTube is the only streaming app available on the Nintendo Switch that is completely free. If you’ve ever used YouTube on another console or smart TV, you’ll be familiar with the app.
You can search for videos, browse your library, and interact with the community just like you can when browsing YouTube on a desktop. Unfortunately, one of the main things that you can’t do is upload video, either through the YouTube app or Nintendo’s video sharing functionality.
3. Funimation
Currently, Funimation is the only anime streaming service available for the Nintendo Switch. You can download Funimation from the eShop in the US and Canada, with the UK, Ireland, Mexico, and other countries due to receive it at a later date.
You need a Funimation Premium membership in order to stream, which costs $5.99/month or $59.99/year. Handily, you can sign up on your Nintendo Switch, so there’s no need to use another device. There’s a 14-day free trial available if you want to test Funimation Premium before paying.
How to Download Streaming Apps on Nintendo Switch
To download any of these apps on your Nintendo Switch, go to the console’s home screen and open the Nintendo eShop (the red shopping bag icon).
If you don’t have an internet connection and/or a Nintendo account, you will be guided through the setup process. Both are mandatory.
Once you’re in, select Search from the left-hand navigation. Select the app, then choose Free Download. This will take you through to a screen called Confirm Items to Purchase, but don’t worry because that’s just the generic name for this checkout page.
Press Free Download again and the app will download to your Nintendo Switch and be available from the home screen when done.
Can You Get Netflix on Nintendo Switch?
No. At the time of writing, you cannot get Netflix on the Nintendo Switch. In fact, you can’t get many popular streaming services on the Switch, since the console is also missing the likes of Disney+, HBO Max, and Amazon Prime Video.
In a 2017 interview with The Washington Post, Nintendo of America’s then-president Reggie Fils-Aime said that Nintendo built the Switch to primarily be a “world-class gaming device”. He also stated that Nintendo was talking to “companies like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon” and support for those streaming apps would “come in time”.
Fast forward four years and only one of those services that Fils-Aime mentioned is available on the Nintendo Switch.
That said, you can access these apps by installing Android on your Nintendo Switch. This will void your warranty and is only recommended for advanced users.
Play Great Nintendo Switch Games
As you can see, the Nintendo Switch doesn’t have many streaming apps. Let’s hope that more are available soon; if there’s a particular one you want, it’s worth emailing that streaming company to register your interest.
Until then, don’t sleep on the huge selection of great games that you can play on the Switch. After all, as Fils-Aime said, the Switch is primarily a gaming device.