No Netflix on Nintendo Switch – At Least Not Officially
Despite its dominance across nearly every major platform, Netflix has yet to make its way to the Nintendo Switch. While the streaming giant is accessible on everything from smart TVs and phones to rival gaming consoles, Nintendo’s hybrid handheld remains one of the few modern devices that doesn’t support the app natively. As it stands, you won’t find Netflix on the Nintendo eShop — and that’s unlikely to change in the near future.
Netflix’s history with Nintendo consoles hasn’t always been this limited. The service was once available on older systems like the Wii, Wii U, and 3DS family. The Wii version of the app, for instance, remained functional until early 2019, when it was officially discontinued. Unfortunately, this kind of support didn’t carry over to the Switch when it launched.
No App, No Browser — Official Limitations
If you’re hoping to find a quick and easy way to stream your favourite shows through the Switch, you’re out of luck. Netflix cannot be downloaded via the Nintendo eShop, and the console’s hidden browser isn’t an alternative — it doesn’t allow access to Netflix either. According to Nintendo, their main focus continues to be gaming, not multimedia services. This has left streaming platforms largely absent from the Switch’s app lineup.
That said, a number of users have still managed to watch Netflix on their devices, though not without jumping through some serious hoops.
The Android Workaround
The only way to get Netflix running on a Nintendo Switch is by installing a custom Android operating system — a method that carries considerable risk. This involves replacing or dual-booting the system software on your Switch, allowing it to behave like an Android tablet. From there, you can download the Android version of the Netflix app.
However, it’s important to understand the consequences before going down this route. First and foremost, it voids your warranty and falls entirely outside of Nintendo’s official support. Should anything go wrong during the process, you’ll be on your own. Additionally, battery life may be negatively affected, and not all Android apps will function properly with the Switch’s Joy-Con controllers.
The modding community, particularly at forums like XDA Developers, has shared Android ROMs and detailed instructions for those willing to take the risk. These custom builds allow you to run apps like Netflix, YouTube, and more, but they require careful reading and technical understanding. As with any hack, it’s also worth remembering that future updates to the Switch’s operating system could render the workaround obsolete.
In Summary
Netflix isn’t available on the Nintendo Switch through official channels, and it’s not likely to be added soon. Nintendo continues to prioritise gaming, leaving streaming services off the radar. For those determined to watch Netflix on the console, Android installation is a possible — though complex — alternative. But with no support from Nintendo and a potential risk to your hardware, most users might prefer to stick to more conventional devices for their streaming needs.
