With Netflix readily available on the new PS5 and its arch rival the Xbox Series X, it makes sense that many people are wondering about Netflix on other platforms too. The streaming giant can be watched on a variety of different devices, from your smart TV to your laptop browser.
And if you’re want to watch Netflix on the go, then most of us use our phones to do this. However, the main benefit of the Nintendo Switch is that you can easily take it anywhere with you. So, it would make sense that Netflix was available on the Switch too, right?
Well, you’d think so. Let’s look at Netflix on Switch consoles, whether it’s possible and more information.
Watching Netflix on Switch
The truth is that at present, there’s no official way for you to download Netflix onto your Nintendo Switch and watch films and television. It’s not known whether it will come to the Switch in the near future, as Netflix seem more focussed on perfecting their app on other devices.
This means that most people won’t be able to watch Netflix on Switch. However, it’s not impossible for you to do so. The Switch runs on its own operating system (which is an improved version of the old Nintendo 3DS operating system).
Like you can jailbreak iPhones and root an Android phone, you can actually change the operating system that you use with a Nintendo Switch. It was the same when the new Nintendo 3DS was launched years ago – it wasn’t long until users wanted to modify the firmware.
This means that you can load Android onto your Switch, and if you do this, then you’ll be able to watch apps like Netflix and use other apps that are compatible with Android, like Spotify..
For many people, this will likely be more hassle than it’s worth, and it can be a little complex to do so. Plus, it will leave your Nintendo warranty worthless, which may be too risky for the majority of people out there.
When will Netflix come to Switch officially?
The truth is that as of now, we’re now entirely sure when Netflix will be coming over to Nintendo Switch. It’s one of many apps that Switch owners are waiting to come to their console, but there’s no sign of it on the horizon just yet.
Hypothetically, it shouldn’t be too difficult for them to get a version of Netflix to use with your Nintendo Switch. I mean, we have access to the app Hulu, which is very similar in nature to the Netflix. As well as this, there’s also YouTube too, which is another format of video player.
So with both Hulu and YouTube already, when will the Switch get Netflix? We’re not entirely sure yet, but it’s possible that it’s going to arrive in 2021, especially when Netflix has to fight to compete with the Playstation and Xbox consoles.
However, Netflix is not the only streaming service that hasn’t made its way onto our Switch yet. With no Disney+ or Amazon Prime app available on the Switch either, it’s pretty clear that Nintendo are holding out for something – my best guess would be for a cut of the fees, but that’s pure speculation.
For now, we’ll need to make do with what little we have in the Nintendo eShop in terms of video services. You can get Funimation though, which is great for Anime fans. But if that’s not enough for you, you could consider trying to get the Android OS.
Is it worth getting Android on my Switch?
Many people will probably be wondering whether it’s worth installing Android on their Nintendo Switch. The answer is that it will definitely depend on your own needs and preferences.
If you have a decent smart phone or tablet that you can watch Netflix on, then it probably isn’t worth getting Android on your Nintendo Switch just for Netflix.
The reason why I say that it’s likely not worth getting Android on your Switch is that there are several different caveats to installing it on your device. This includes;
For these reasons, I’d advise against you going through all that effort just to get Netflix on Nintendo Switch.
Conclusion
So all in all, its possible for you to get Netflix on your Nintendo Switch, but it’s by no means easy, and there are some stipulations around the model you need to have.
For some people who have a good computer and are comfortable with it, then it may be worth doing if you really want Netflix on your Switch. But for many people, it may prove to be more hassle than it’s worth.
