Nintendo Switch owners are about to lose one of the console’s most convenient entertainment extras. Nintendo has confirmed that the Hulu app will stop working on the original Switch on February 5, 2026, cutting off an easy way to watch TV shows and movies directly from the handheld.
The change isn’t completely out of the blue. Hulu is in the middle of a broader shift as it folds more closely into Disney+, and that transition often comes with app cleanups on older platforms. The downside for Switch players is straightforward: once Hulu support ends, there won’t be an official way to watch Disney content on the console either, leaving a noticeable gap for anyone who used their Switch as a part-time streaming device.
Even after Hulu disappears, the original Nintendo Switch won’t be totally empty when it comes to video apps. A small lineup of streaming options remains, including Crunchyroll for anime fans. And for a lot of players, YouTube is arguably the most useful app of the bunch, whether it’s for walkthroughs, tips, patch breakdowns, speedruns, or keeping up with game announcements.
Where things get more frustrating is on the Nintendo Switch 2. While the newer system has the advantage of backward compatibility, that support is focused on games, not apps. In other words, owning a Switch 2 doesn’t automatically mean you can carry over your streaming setup. As of now, there’s no clear sign that streaming apps from the original Switch library, such as Crunchyroll, are set to appear on Switch 2 in a meaningful way.
That limited streaming support has become a sticking point for some buyers, especially because the Switch 2 is naturally positioned as a portable all-in-one device. For people who travel, commute, or just want a single screen for both games and video, the lack of major streaming apps feels like a missed opportunity.
The biggest question is YouTube. Google has previously indicated that an updated YouTube app is planned for Switch 2, but the rollout has been slow. YouTube has also acknowledged that the app still isn’t available on the console, while suggesting it’s intended to arrive in the near future.
More recently, a user report shared on Reddit claimed YouTube support said development is complete and that the app is currently going through Nintendo’s verification process. If that’s accurate, it suggests the finish line may finally be in sight—though it still doesn’t guarantee an immediate release date.
With Hulu leaving the original Switch and Switch 2 still lacking comparable streaming options, the situation highlights a growing split in what players expect from modern consoles. Nintendo has historically prioritized gaming first, while other platforms have pushed harder to become full entertainment hubs. Others argue it’s also about streaming providers, which may not see enough value in maintaining and updating apps for every device.
For now, many Switch 2 owners who want streaming on the go are stuck using smartphones or tablets alongside their console. And unless more apps arrive, the Switch 2 may remain an excellent gaming handheld that’s surprisingly limited as a streaming companion.
