3 Best Ways to Watch Netflix on Nintendo Switch (Update 2023)

Most teenagers have access to Nintendo Switch for their gaming and entertainment needs. However, with our constantly advancing world, other services, such as...

Rahul Verma

Last updated on September 12, 2023

Rahul Verma

Author

Rahul is a Computer Science student with a massive interest in the field of Tech and cryptocurrency topics. He spends most of his time either writing or listening to music or traveling un-seen places. He believes that chocolate is the solution to all his problems. Life happens, and coffee helps.

Most teenagers have access to Nintendo Switch for their gaming and entertainment needs. However, with our constantly advancing world, other services, such as Netflix, are crucial. Now Netflix app is not available on Nintendo Switch. However, you can perform a few workarounds to watch Netflix on your Nintendo Switch.

Nintendo Switch is only for playing games, as it’s a fully functional computer. But due to a lack of supporting apps, accessing many services can be challenging for Nintendo Switch users. Many mainstream services, such as Youtube and Hulu, are already available, but there is no service for Netflix lovers. While Netflix is one of the best movie and Tv series streaming services, it’s funny why it is already not available on Nintendo Switch.

For Netflix to appear on Nintendo, Netflix developers must create a separate app for Switch, as Youtube and Hulu did. But till there, you can follow some workaround methods to run Netflix on Nintendo Switch because Netflix is currently not available at the Nintendo Switch e-Shop.

How to watch Netflix on Nintendo Switch

Netflix is not officially available on Nintendo Switch, but there are other workarounds or alternative methods, which we will discuss here.

The main reason why Netflix is not on Nintendo Switch is because of DRM license issues, which means Nintendo has to pay some fee for every console they sell for the DRM rights. Nintendo doesn’t want to invest this amount, meaning no Netflix for Nintendo Switch users. This might change as Netflix works on an app for Nintendo Switch users.

Method 1: Use Youtube and Hulu

Netflix is a popular streaming option as it gives you access to many Tv series and Moves according to your preference and taste. However, most of the Movies and services are also available on Hulu and Youtube. So maybe get a subscription from Hulu, as they offer the same services for a similar price bracket.

Step 1: Go to the Nintendo Switch home screen and select the e-shop icon.

Step 2: Select the Menu button from the top right of the touch screen.

Step 3: Select the Search option and type Hulu.

Step 4: Download and install Hulu and get your subscription plan that suits your needs.

Method 2: Install Netflix on Switch TV

This experimental method may or may not work in your scenario. This method is only available for US & Canadian users, and if you are not in the US or Canada, you have to change your DNS server in the settings app.

Open the back cover and connect the USB plug from the Nintendo Switch to the AC adapter. Then connect the other end to the wall outlet. (basically giving Nintendo Switch the AC adapter power source)
Connect your switch console with an HDMI cable to a TV screen.
Turn on your TV device and set up the HDMI interface.
Launch Nintendo Switch with its login credentials.
Go to the home screen and select e-shop
Search for Netflix and click OK.
Scroll down to find the Netflix app and install it.
Open the Netflix app and log in with your Netflix account.

If you don’t see the Netflix app, you are not operating from the US or Canada region. Use any VPN service to turn to a Canadian or US location to use any DNS services specifically for the US.

Method 3: Install Android Netflix on your Nintendo Switch

If the above two methods don’t satisfy your needs, you can install Android OS on your Nintendo Switch and run any Android app, including Netflix. Now Android is a heavier OS, so there might be some technical issues, but as far as XDA forums, the build is pretty stable, and Netflix runs easily as well.

While installing Android on Switch opens up many possibilities, it also has its fair share of disadvantages. The battery life takes a setback, and other features of the Android, such as the camera and microphone, are not accessible. On top of that, the Joycons don’t work properly in all apps as well, which can turn out to be a bit annoying.

Guide to install Android Netflix on Nintendo Switch

Note: the above link will redirect you to the XDA forums page, where you will see all the detailed guides to install Android on your Switch so that you can install the Netflix app and stream without any problem. However, you should take a complete backup of your device and follow each step carefully in the guide.

Conclusion

Although installing Netflix on the Nintendo Switch is impossible at this moment, you can alternatively install Android OS and then run Netflix. Also, you can access Netflix from the web service, and other streaming services are available. I’m sure whatever movie or Tv service you want to watch, it’s already available on Youtube or Hulu, which you can download easily on Nintendo Switch.