There’s a unique comfort in the versatility of the Nintendo Switch. One moment you’re exploring the vast landscapes of Hyrule, and the next, you’re kicking back to catch up on the latest episode of your favorite show, all on the same device. For many, this blend of gaming and entertainment has been a cornerstone of their user experience. That’s why the recent announcement regarding the Hulu app for the console has caught so many by surprise. If you’ve been using your Switch as a go-to streaming hub, you’ll want to be aware of the upcoming changes that will affect how you watch your beloved shows and movies on the platform.
What’s Happening with Hulu on the Nintendo Switch?
The bottom line is that the Hulu application is being discontinued on the Nintendo Switch eShop. This change is scheduled to take full effect next month, specifically in early February 2026. This isn’t just a pause or a temporary issue; it’s a permanent removal of support for the platform. For users, this move will unfold in a couple of distinct phases.
First, the application will be removed from the eShop, meaning new users will no longer be able to download it. More importantly, for those who already have it installed, the service will cease to function. When you try to launch the app after the cutoff date, it will likely display an error message and will no longer connect to the Hulu servers to stream content.
Here’s what you can expect:
- The app will no longer be available for download for new users from the Nintendo eShop.
- Existing installations of the Hulu app on your Switch will stop working and will no longer stream content.
- Your Hulu account itself will not be affected. Your subscription, watch history, and profiles will remain intact and accessible on other supported devices.
This news is certainly a disappointment for those who valued the convenience of having their gaming and streaming services consolidated on one portable device. The key now is to understand why this is happening and what your options are moving forward.
Decoding the Decision: Why Is Support Ending?
When a major app like Hulu pulls support from a popular platform, it naturally leaves users wondering why. While neither Nintendo nor Hulu have offered a granular, in-depth public statement, we can look at industry trends to understand the likely reasoning behind this decision. Often, these moves come down to a combination of resource allocation, shifting strategies, and user engagement metrics.
Maintaining an application across dozens of different platforms requires significant investment from a development and maintenance standpoint. Companies constantly evaluate which platforms provide the best return on that investment. It’s possible that the number of active Hulu users on the Nintendo Switch was not high enough to justify the ongoing costs of updating the app, ensuring its security, and providing technical support.
Furthermore, the broader streaming landscape has been in a state of consolidation. With Disney being the majority owner of Hulu, there has been a strategic push to integrate services and streamline operations. This often involves focusing development efforts on the most-used platforms, such as dedicated streaming devices like Roku and Amazon Fire TV, major smart TV operating systems, and other gaming consoles like the PlayStation and Xbox, which are often positioned more as central home media hubs.
A Look Back at Streaming on the Switch
The arrival of the Hulu app on the Nintendo Switch was initially met with enthusiasm. It was one of the first major subscription-based video streaming services to land on the console, following YouTube. For many, it signaled a broadening of the Switch’s capabilities beyond being a pure gaming machine. It transformed the device into a more versatile entertainment tool, perfect for travel or for households with a single television.
Users could seamlessly transition from a gaming session to watching an episode of “The Handmaid’s Tale” or “Only Murders in the Building” without changing inputs or devices. This convenience was its primary selling point. The app offered a functional, if sometimes basic, interface that got the job done, allowing access to the full Hulu library on both the TV via the dock and in handheld mode.
However, the app wasn’t without its limitations. Compared to its counterparts on other platforms, the Switch version sometimes lacked the latest features or the snappiest performance. These minor drawbacks may have contributed to a smaller, less engaged user base over time, ultimately factoring into the decision to sunset the application. Its departure marks the end of an era for early adopters who saw the Switch’s potential as an all-in-one media device.
How to Keep Watching Hulu: Your Best Alternatives
The good news is that your Hulu subscription is still perfectly valid. The discontinuation is platform-specific, meaning your account and all its content are safe. You just need to find a new device to stream on. Fortunately, Hulu is available on a vast array of devices, so you almost certainly own a compatible one already.
Dedicated Streaming Devices
Perhaps the best and most popular way to stream content is through a dedicated media player. These devices are built specifically for streaming and offer the best performance and most up-to-date app versions.
– Roku: Available in various models, from simple sticks to powerful boxes.
– Amazon Fire TV Stick: A popular and affordable option that integrates with the Amazon ecosystem.
– Apple TV: A premium choice known for its slick interface and performance, especially for those in the Apple ecosystem.
– Google Chromecast: A great device for “casting” content from your phone or laptop directly to your TV.
Other Gaming Consoles
If you’re a gamer, you might have another console in your home that offers a robust Hulu experience. The apps on these platforms are well-maintained and often provide a superior viewing experience compared to what was available on the Switch.
– Sony PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5
– Microsoft Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S
Smart TVs and Other Devices
Most modern televisions come with built-in smart TV functionality, allowing you to download apps directly. You can typically find the Hulu app in the app store of your Samsung, LG, Vizio, Sony, or other smart TV. Additionally, you can always watch directly on a personal computer or Mac through a web browser, or on your smartphone or tablet by downloading the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
What Else Can You Stream on the Nintendo Switch?
While the departure of Hulu is a loss, the Nintendo Switch is not a complete streaming desert. There are still a few other video apps available that can help you get your entertainment fix on the go. According to information available on the Nintendo eShop, you can still download and use several other services.
YouTube is the most prominent video app on the platform, offering endless content from creators all over the world. For anime fans, Crunchyroll provides a massive library of new and classic anime series, making the Switch a fantastic portable anime machine. Twitch is also available for those who prefer to watch live gameplay and connect with the gaming community. While the selection isn’t as extensive as on other platforms, these apps ensure your Switch can still serve you well during a media-watching break.
The landscape of app support is always fluid, with services coming and going based on strategic priorities. While we’re saying goodbye to Hulu on the Switch, the wealth of other available platforms ensures that your next binge-watching session is just a few clicks away. It’s a good time to take stock of the devices you own and find a new home for your streaming needs.
So, what will be your new go-to device for watching Hulu? Exploring the options available on dedicated streaming players might just unlock an even better viewing experience for you. Dive into our other guides to find the perfect streaming setup for your home and never miss a moment of your favorite shows.
