Is Netflix Finally Coming To Nintendo Switch?

One of the most requested apps for the Nintendo Switch since its launch has been YouTube. And next to YouTube, one of the other most requested apps has been Netflix. Well, given that YouTube is finally available as a free app on the Nintendo Switch, there's now a lot of chatter surrounding the possibility of seeing Netflix on the Switch.

Rumors are swirling about Netflix coming to the Switch because of the Wii. Yes, you read that right. Some people are assuming that Netflix is coming to the Switch because the Wii is losing support for Netflix and other video streaming apps such as Hulu, Crunchyroll, and YouTube starting January 31, 2019.

This isn't some coordinated effort by the streaming outlets to just up and abandon Nintendo all of sudden. No, this is actually an effort being spearheaded by the Big "N." Nintendo has plans to shut down the network services for the 2006 console, which is ancient in terms of technology, since it's 12-years-old at this point. With Nintendo officially no longer supporting the Wii, other companies are pulling their services.

This has led to outlets like TechRadar to suspect that Netflix could be moving over to the Nintendo Switch. Netflix issued a statement to Wii owners informing them that it hopes gamers will "soon" enjoy Netflix with a "better" experience and "additional features" on a supported device. That "soon" piqued the interest of some, getting those cognitive cogs to start grinding and turning. Because Netflix is already available on the PS4, Xbox One, mobile devices and PC. So why add "soon" to the memo?

Well, as mentioned, this has led people to believe that Netflix could be coming to the Nintendo Switch as an app. It would make the most sense, given that Hulu launched on the Switch as a free-to-download app back in 2017, and just recently Google managed to get YouTube up and running on the Switch via a free app as well. The belief is that Netflix could be coming to the Switch soon.

This isn't even the first time that Netflix and Nintendo have crossed paths for the Switch. Some of you might remember that back during the spring of this year, specifically in May, Netflix issued a statement explaining why the app wasn't available on the Switch during launch. The company explained that Nintendo launched the Switch with the intention of it being a gaming device first and foremost, and an entertainment hub second.

This is true.

Nintendo focused nearly its entire first year on just getting out really great gaming content for the Switch, including the undeniably fun Super Mario Odyssey, the GOTY winner that was The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and the health-conscious fighting game ARMS. After securing market presence with the core gaming demographic, we're now seeing Nintendo open up to more non-gaming apps on the Switch.

So with Hulu and YouTube out of the way, most people believe that Netflix is next to arrive, especially since the streaming company has been very willing to partner with Nintendo.