3 Streaming Apps Available on Switch

You can use a few streaming apps on a Nintendo Switch

By
Nick Steinberg
Nick Steinberg
Nick Steinberg
Writer
  • Wilfrid Laurier University
Nick Steinberg has been writing about technology since 2014. His work has appeared in Goliath, Screen Rant, TechRadar, and many more publications.
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Updated on May 16, 2024
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Chris Selph
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Reviewed by Chris Selph
    Chris Selph is a CompTIA-certified technology and vocational IT teacher. He also serves as network & server administrator and performs computer maintenance and repair for numerous clients.
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    The Nintendo Switch is the rare modern video game console designed almost exclusively to play games. Unlike the PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X, the Switch offers very few streaming apps or other media features. You won’t find Netflix on the Switch or most major streaming platforms, for that matter.

    However, a few apps available on the Nintendo eShop are worth your time. Here’s a rundown of the best streaming apps you can use right now on Switch.

    Best App for Movies and TV: Hulu

    Hulu for Nintendo Switch app logo.

    Nintendo
    What We Like

    • Wide variety of movies and TV series, including Hulu Originals.

    • Easy-to-use app.

    What We Don't Like

    • Ad-free plans come at additional cost.



    Hulu is the only major streaming service currently available for download on Nintendo Switch. Thankfully, it’s also one of the best, thanks to its wide variety of original programming, movies, and TV series from networks like Disney, Fox, Showtime, FX, and more. You can also partially make up for the lack of an HBO Switch app by adding premium networks like HBO and Starz for an additional cost. 

    Although the Hulu app is free to download, you’ll need to purchase a subscription to watch content on your Switch. There are several packages to choose from, with options for ad-free viewing and live TV:

    • Hulu: $7.99/month
    • Hulu (No Ads): $17.99/month
    • Hulu + Live TV: $76.99/month
    • Hulu (No Ads) + Live TV: $89.99/month

    Hulu's Live TV plans, at those prices, come with Disney+ and ESPN+. If you just want the Live TV features without Hulu streaming or the bundled services, it's $75.99 /month.

    Unlike the other apps on this list, Hulu is only available in the US. You’ll need a Nintendo Online account set to the US region to download the app.

    Best App for Free Content: YouTube

    Recent video uploads on Nintendo YouTube page.
    What We Like

    • Unlimited free access to YouTube videos.

    • Google Account sign-in options.

    What We Don't Like

    • No ability to upload videos.

    • YouTube TV unavailable.

    If you want to watch free videos on your Switch, look no further than YouTube.

    The Switch YouTube app arrived in the eShop in 2018 and is a strict media player. While it allows unlimited access to all of your favorite YouTube content, the app lacks features you’ll find on other platforms. You can’t upload videos, and if you’re a YouTube TV subscriber, you won’t be able to access the service on Switch. 

    Best App for Anime: Crunchyroll

    The Crunchyroll logo

    Crunchyroll
    What We Like

    • Free trial lets you try the Premium features.

    • Large anime library.

    What We Don't Like

    • English dubs vary in quality.

    • Free plan is limited.

    The Switch has anime fans covered pretty well with Crunchyroll (formerly Funimation). This popular app offers over 1,000 anime titles, including Crunchyroll Originals and series like Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, JUJUTSU KAISEN, and My Hero Academia. Free and paid plans are available, though the free plan restricts you to a smaller selection that run with ads.

    You can sign up for a Crunchyroll Premium subscription directly through the Switch app, which is convenient. A Fan membership will set you back $7.99/month, but it comes with a 14-day free trial so that you can try it out first. Depending on the premium tier you pick, you can have up to six simultaneous streams through one account, so you can easily access Crunchyroll on other devices when not using your Switch. 

    How to Get Streaming Apps on Switch

    To download streaming apps on Nintendo Switch, all you need is a Nintendo Online account and internet connection. Then, follow these steps:

    You don’t need a paid Nintendo Online account in order to download software like games and apps. A valid email address is all that’s required.

    1. From the Switch Home menu, navigate to the Nintendo eShop icon and click the A button.
    2. Choose a profile and sign in to your Nintendo Online account.
    3. Navigate to Search/Browse in the left-hand menu and select Genre under Browse by Filter.
    4. Scroll down to Video and select View More.
    5. You should see all available streaming apps displayed. Select the app you’d like and click Free Download.

    Alternatively, you can type the name of the app you’d like into the eShop search bar at any time.

    FAQ
    • When does Disney Plus start streaming on Nintendo Switch?

      While you can't stream Disney Plus on Nintendo Switch, if you have a PlayStation or Xbox, you can download the app through either of these gaming consoles. However, you may catch some Disney content through the Hulu app. Learn how to watch Hulu on your Nintendo Switch.

    • How do I delete apps on a Nintendo Switch?

      Select System Settings from the HOME menu. Scroll down and select Data Management > Software. Choose the app and press Delete Software. You can download the app again from the eShop if you choose this option. If you want to download the app again by selecting the app icon from the HOME screen, choose Archive Software.

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