This Is Why The Nintendo Switch Doesn’t Have Netflix

ByKern Campbell, MBA

While many big-name consoles like Playstation and Xbox have expanded beyond gaming to allow streaming services on their devices, Nintendo has fallen a bit behind in this regard. Nintendo allows some streaming platforms, like Hulu and Crunchyroll, but why not Netflix?

Nintendo states that its priority is to focus on gaming, and that it doesn’t plan to branch out to more streaming services soon. However, as a workaround to download Netflix to your Nintendo Switch device, you can download Android software onto the console.

Let’s take a closer look at why Nintendo hasn’t added Netflix to the Nintendo Switch eShop, as well as which streaming services are available there, and what you can do if you’d like to watch Netflix on your console.

Why Can’t You Get Netflix on the Nintendo Switch?

Nintendo switch

Nintendo has always maintained that their priority for their consoles is video games. While Xbox and Playstation have branched out in an attempt to allow streaming services and other content like Spotify on their consoles, Nintendo wants to stick to games, at least for the moment. 

That doesn’t mean they won’t ever add Netflix to the eShop. They haven’t ruled it out entirely, but it would appear that Netflix isn’t coming any time soon.

How to Get Netflix on Nintendo Switch

Despite the fact that Netflix isn’t available on the Nintendo eShop, there’s an alternative way to get it on the Nintendo Switch. The method involves downloading and installing Android onto your Switch. From there, you can get Netflix.

Here are the steps to follow:

  1. Prepare the Console: Ensure the Nintendo Switch is running the latest firmware, and be sure to back up any important data stored on the device (make sure your Nintendo Switch is fully charged first). This is because you never know what could happen when installing firmware that isn’t really meant to be on the console, and you’ll want to make sure all of your data is there before you proceed.
  1. Download Hekate: Use a tool such as Hekate to install custom firmware on the Switch, which allows for the installation of other operating systems. You should find Hekate from a reputable source on the web and download it to your computer.
  1. Copy Hekate to the Switch: Connect the Switch to the computer and copy the Hekate files to the root directory of the device’s microSD card.
  1. Put the Switch in Recovery Mode: Put the Switch into recovery mode (RCM) by holding the volume-up button and the power button.
  1. Launch Hekate on the Switch: You should then disconnect the Switch from the computer, and launch Hekate from the MicroSD card.
  1. Install Firmware: Choose the option to install custom firmware and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.
  1. Install Android: Then, you’ll need to locate a compatible version of Android, such as Lineage. From there, you can download the ZIP file to your Nintendo Switch and open it, following the instructions to install it.
  1. Access the Google Play Store: You can then find the Google Play Store, as you would on any other device, and Netflix should be available from there.

It’s extremely important to note that accessing Netflix in this way is not advised by Nintendo. That’s because Hekate isn’t an official program for the Switch, and it can result in problems with the device — especially if you aren’t an experienced technology user.

If you’re still committed to getting Netflix but haven’t done anything like this before, follow the instructions very carefully or ask someone more experienced. You might also void any official warranties or insurance on your console by doing this.

Which Streaming Services Are Available on the Nintendo Switch?

Nintendo switch

Although Nintendo has been clear that streaming is not their top priority, there are some apps you can use to watch your favorite shows and movies that can be downloaded from the eShop, including:

  • Hulu
  • Crunchyroll
  • Funimation
  • YouTube
  • Twitch
  • PokémonTV

Twitch and PokémonTV make a lot of sense since they’re so closely affiliated with Nintendo, but Hulu is the only big player there that doesn’t have close Nintendo ties.

Much like Netflix, popular apps such as Amazon Prime and HBOMax aren’t available on the Switch, though you can use the same Android method as you would for Netflix for these.