4 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 February 10, 2022
Reviewed by
Chris Selph
Chris Selph headshot
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.
lifewire's editorial guidelines

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.

01
of 04

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: $6.99/month
  • Hulu (No Ads): $12.99/month
  • Hulu + Live TV: $64.99/month
  • Hulu (No Ads) + Live TV: $70.99/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.

02
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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. 

03
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Best App for Anime: Funimation

Funimation logo from Nintendo Switch app trailer.

Nintendo
What We Like

  • Free Trial lets you try before you buy.

  • Large anime library.

What We Don't Like

  • English dubs vary in quality.

  • Free plan is limited.

While it doesn’t offer Crunchyroll, the Switch has anime fans covered pretty well with Funimation. This popular app offers over 15,000 hours of ad-free anime, including series like My Hero Academia, Cowboy Bebop, and Attack on Titan. Free and paid plans are available, though the free plan restricts users to a small selection of series that run with ads.

You can sign up for a Funimation Premium subscription directly through the Switch app, which is convenient. A 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. You can also have up to 5 simultaneous streams on one account, so you can easily access Funimation on other devices when not using your Switch. 

04
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Best App for Pokemon Fans: Pokemon TV

Pokemon TV for Nintendo Switch promotional image.

Nintendo
What We Like

  • Access to new and old seasons of Pokemon the Series.

  • Content offerings for all ages.

What We Don't Like

  • Little overlap with Pokemon video games.

Complimenting the Switch’s robust library of Pokemon games is Pokemon TV, a free app focused on the popular Nintendo franchise. In addition to full seasons of the Pokemon anime series, the app offers broadcasts of Pokemon Trading Card Game tournaments. It has content specifically geared toward younger users, such as Pokemon-themed sing-along tracks and nursery rhymes. 

While it would be nice to see more content focused on the actual Pokemon video games added to the app, Pokemon TV is an appealing curiosity for fans of all ages. 

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 an app or game to delete then press the + button > Manage Software > Delete Software > Delete. 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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