Is Netflix available for download on the Nintendo Switch?

Netflix, one of the world’s most popular streaming services, has found its way into nearly every nook and cranny of the tech world. It’s available on devices ranging from smart TVs and smartphones through to the latest and greatest consoles. With such high demand, it seems like a no-brainer that Netflix should be on the Nintendo Switch. As of right now however, the Netflix app is not available on the Nintendo eShop. You can use a workaround to get Netflix on your Switch, though.

Netflix was available for some previous Nintendo consoles. That included a Wii app until January 2019, when it was suspended. Apps were also available for the Wii U, 2DS, and 3DS/3DS XL.

Can you download and watch Netflix on Nintendo Switch?

It depends. If you’re looking for an easy way to stream Netflix on your Switch, you won’t find one. Right now, you need to be technically savvy to do it, and it’s probably not worth the trouble if you have other mobile devices to watch on.

Is Netflix available to download on the Switch eShop?

Netflix is unavailable for download on the eShop, and doesn’t look like it’s coming anytime soon. Nintendo has stated that its number one priority is video games, so streaming services have had to take a back seat. You can’t even watch Netflix through the Switch’s hidden web browser.

But that doesn’t mean all hope is lost. Some people do enjoy Netflix on the Switch — the only problem is they had to take the long way around to get it.

How to get Netflix on the Switch

To stream content from Netflix on your Switch, you’ll need to install Android. Doing this comes with a few risks, not the least being that Nintendo doesn’t officially support it. If you make a mistake or something otherwise goes haywire, the company isn’t going to come to your rescue. Your Switch’s battery life may suffer too, and your Joy-Cons won’t be compatible with every app.

People posting at XDA Developers have successfully developed an Android ROM. Be sure to read up on all the details before downloading and installing, especially since they’re subject to change. Nintendo could always issue a Switch OS update that breaks the hack.

Once you’ve got the download, follow instructions. Make sure you read them thoroughly, and you’ll probably want to check out forum responses to address specific issues.

After you’ve installed Android on your Switch, it’ll essentially act like an Android tablet. This means you can download the Netflix app directly through the Google Play Store.

Which streaming services are available on the Nintendo Switch eShop?

Though there isn’t a native Netflix app, a select group of services are available. You can for instance access YouTube and Hulu, as well as the anime-focused Crunchyroll and Funimation. Access may depend on your country (Hulu isn’t in Canada yet, for example), and some services require paid plans.