Nintendo Switch 2 Needs Streaming Apps Like Crunchyroll and Netflix

The Nintendo Switch is near the very top of the best-selling video game consoles of all time. However, that doesn’t mean the hybrid console is perfect. There are some notable features it’s missing, especially in the multimedia department. The Nintendo Switch 2 has the chance to fix these issues with streaming apps like Crunchyroll and Netflix at launch.

As of right now, the bulk of the streaming apps on the original Switch include Hulu, YouTube, Crunchyroll, and Twitch. That is a pretty decent selection with plenty of material to check out. Except the problem is most of these apps weren’t available for Switch even in its first year. It took far too long for fans to be able to stream quality video content across these apps on the platform.

However, that isn’t even the main issue here. There are still notable apps missing from the Switch that will probably never come to it. This includes the likes of Netflix, Disney+, Max, Prime Video, Paramount+, and so much more. At one point, Nintendo’s own Super Mario Bros. movie was on Netflix to stream and you couldn’t even watch it on the company’s hardware.

It is even more frustrating when the likes of apps like Netflix were available on previous Nintendo systems like Wii U and even the original Wii itself. Now, the argument some would say is why does it matter in 2025 with smartphones and smart TVs so plentiful? While true, more options are always better than none. After all, no one prevented the PS5 from having Netflix just because the TV you’re connected to likely already has the app.

Convenience is always nice and not having to switch platforms constantly is a plus. The Switch 2 will possibly have a larger screen than the original, so it would be nice to be able to stream shows and movies on there. This is especially true when traveling where you can just bring your Switch and phone instead of having to bring your bulky laptop or tablet to stream on.

Then there is the benefit for families. Parents may not want to give their younger kids a phone, but they would be open to a Switch. This saves them money if apps like Disney+ and YouTube are on there, so they don’t have to also get them a tablet to stream on. In addition, having multiple kids can be helped if one child is using a Switch, another is on a tablet, and perhaps a third is using a parent’s phone.

In the end, the Nintendo Switch 2 will likely be pretty similar to its predecessor. This gives Nintendo the chance to address some key flaws of the Switch. Chief among these issues is the lack of streaming apps. Here’s hoping the Nintendo Switch 2 addresses this head on and quickly. I hope to see apps like Netflix and Crunchyroll on the Nintendo Switch 2 at launch.

The Nintendo Switch 2 is expected to be announced and launch sometime in 2025.