The Nintendo Switch is a popular gaming console worldwide for people of all ages. Although the device is best known for Zelda and Pokemon, the Switch can do more than run video games.
Like many other modern consoles, the Nintendo Switch has a large selection of apps that you can use for just about everything—including streaming TV, movies, and videos.
For those days when you’d rather sit back and relax with passive entertainment, there are a few different ways to watch videos on your Nintendo Switch. Here are the best ways to watch everything on your Nintendo Switch, from funny clips to full-on movies.
Which Streaming Apps Are Available on the Switch?
Although the Nintendo Switch isn’t known for its streaming services in comparison to other popular gaming consoles, they still have a lot to offer. The currently available apps are top-rated and host a diverse selection of content to entertain any audience.
Hulu
The Hulu platform sports an impressive streaming library. There are thousands of TV shows and movies to select. Whether you are looking to binge nostalgic reruns, watch kids’ movies, or find a new, ongoing series, Hulu is the app for you.
Additionally, the platform streams some notable exclusive, original series, including The Handmaid’s Tale, The Mindy Project, and the Veronica Mars reboot. The Hulu app even allows users to watch live sporting events and news broadcasts right on the Switch.
YouTube
The most popular video platform available is now ready to download on your Nintendo Switch. The YouTube app allows users to watch anything from the endless video content the platform hosts.
Although YouTube is best known for its streamers and an endless supply of how-tos and hilarious short clips, YouTube Premium accounts have access to complete TV series and movies as well.
Funimation
Anime fans had much to celebrate about one of the recent additions to the Nintendo Switch eShop.
The Funimation app offers a massive selection of English-dubbed and subbed anime. The popular platform offers up-to-date anime content with trending shows like Attack on Titan and Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba.
Are These Streaming Apps Free?
All of these applications are available to download on the Nintendo eShop free of charge. But while they are free to download, they may not be free to use.
Many streaming services now charge a subscription fee to use. Hulu no longer offers free, ad-supported accounts and requires a subscription to access. The Funimation platform offers free content online, but access via the Nintendo Switch app requires a paid account. Throughout the year, many streaming apps offer free trials that might save you some money while you decide if the subscription is worth it to you.
The YouTube app is the only streaming app on the Switch that doesn’t require a paid subscription. Although a YouTube Premium account unlocks a more extensive library of content, it’s not needed to watch the millions of free videos available. Just keep in mind that not having premium prescriptions sometimes means users have to deal with advertisements.
You do not need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription to use video streaming apps.
How to Download Streaming Apps on Your Switch
Downloading any applications or games requires a secure internet connection. Open your settings and select Internet on the left menu. Scroll down to Internet Settings and allow your Nintendo Switch to search for available networks.
Select your network and enter your Wi-Fi password. If you are having trouble connecting to the internet, check out our troubleshooting guide for Nintendo Switch internet connections.
If you don’t have one already, you will need a Nintendo account to access the eShop. The account is free and requires access to a smart device or computer. You can visit the official Nintendo site directly for instructions.
To make an account on the console, select the Nintendo eShop app, and when prompted to link your Nintendo account, select Create Account. Follow the instructions sent to your email and sign in on your Nintendo Switch when completed.
You can download the applications directly on your Switch by searching the app name in the eShop and clicking the free download button.
You will need enough space on your console to complete the download. You can also remotely download the Hulu, Funimation, and YouTube app directly through the Nintendo store on your phone or computer.
Can I Set Up Parental Controls?
Setting up parental controls is a fantastic way to limit content for younger family members. There are different methods to do this. The most straightforward process involves going into the settings of the console itself. You can manually add these restrictions under the “settings.”
Another option is to use the Nintendo Switch parental controls app to remotely manage activity. Unfortunately, the parental controls are limited to restricting specific content and setting time limits.
Adding controls lets you set alarms on your Nintendo Switch and block activity after reaching a designated threshold. The controls also allow you to prohibit specific ESRB ratings to block inappropriate content.
You can use the Nintendo Switch’s parental controls to limit screen time, but it isn’t easy to use them on streaming apps. All of these streaming apps have an ESRB rating of T for teens.
For Funimation and Hulu, this is mainly due to warnings of “Diverse Content: Discretion.” For YouTube, this rating is primarily due to the allowance of user interaction. Of course, there is a myriad of content appropriate for children, but you should take this warning seriously.
If you restrict teen games from your Nintendo Switch, you will need to use your pin to override the lock to access streaming apps. Hulu, Funimation, and YouTube all offer parental restriction services through their account settings.
Hulu parental controls restrict designated accounts from viewing any content outside of the Kid’s Hub. Only pre-approved movies and shows are available to users with these accounts. Funimation parental settings limit users from viewing any content flagged by Funimation as “mature.”
YouTube arguably offers the most advanced parental settings. Parents and guardians select between different pre-approved age ranges (preschool, younger, or older) based on content filtered by YouTube’s staff. You can even set it up so children can only see the content you approve of yourself.
Enjoy Streaming Video on Your Nintendo Switch
Now that your streaming services are ready, it’s time to take advantage of the streaming services the Nintendo Switch has to offer. Whether you want to lay in bed and watch your latest episode in portable mode or set it in the docking station for a fun movie night, these services offer plenty of entertainment for the whole family.
