Hulu Video Streaming App Out Today For Switch In North America

Good news. I hope we'll have Youtube too, make it easy to upload those nice 30s videos.

I don't use Hulu so hurry up Netflix!

This is awesome news. Netflix will be soon to follow hopefully.

Incoming flood of "that's great but what about (insert app of choice here)"

Great news!! Hopefully this opens the floodgates for the rest. I figured they'd add them by the holidays. Wonder why the heck it took so long.

I’m sure Netflix isn’t far behind. Didn’t they say a while back that they have an app ready and were waiting for approval from Nintendo? Or did I imagine that article?

Nice!

Watching third parties wake up to the success of the Switch really drives home how sunk Nintendo might have been with some other less successful strategy. Imagine if they had waited another year, for instance. It took tremendous success with a couple of game-of-the-year candidate exclusives and a novel form factor that happened to connect with more gamers than expected (even by Nintendo) to get Hulu on there. lol.

There is money to be had, though, so here come the publishers, third parties, and app providers... just a little bit slower than the indies.

Here we go. This is great news.

Netflix and Youtube please.

@thesilverbrick It was a rumour... or maybe it wasn't ?
DUN DUN DUUUN

https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2017/09/rumour_netflix_app_ready_for_switch_all_it_needs_is_nintendos_go-ahead

You know you guys might like Netflix, but in North America Hulu has a better offering atm. Netflix is removing a ton of shows and movies over here and whenever me and my friends try and find a good movie it never works. Even Canadian Netflix is better ;(

Netflix app, twitch app and a decent (third party) browser.

That's my wishlist.

That's a bit out of nowhere

Still not stoked about this kind of thing.

How about a stock brokering software, podcast service, AM radio receiver or something else that isn't video games now we're at it.

@ieatdragonz
Netflix NEVER had a good movie selection. Their thing seems to mainly be shows. And even for those, they quite rarely have the entirety of anything. :/

@ieatdragonz Yeah this is what I keep hearing. Some shows/movies seem to be locked behind multiple paywalls in the US when everything is on Netflix overseas. Like the last Star Trek show with CBS all access.

Wow... I actually do subscribe to subscribe to Hulu. While I wasn't clamoring for the app (or any streaming app on the Switch as I have so many other devices for those purposes), I can't complain.

This is awesome for those that can take advantage of it. Can't wait for Netflix to drop in the UK, then I can finally put away the Xbox.

@Pod Depends on the show and its status on whether its currently airing or not and the licensing agreements. At the very least, Netflix doesn't omit random episodes like Hulu seems to do for whatever odd reason. At least from none of the shows I've encountered.

@thesilverbrick
No you're right, it was this article here: https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2017/09/rumour_netflix_app_ready_for_switch_all_it_needs_is_nintendos_go-ahead

However comicbook.com quoted Reggie last month as saying "You’d have to ask the folks at Netflix".

So who knows?

Here's another nail in the coffin in the Wii U. Soon it will be completely phased out.

Their evil plot to destroy the world now expands

Awesome, now I don't have to lug around my laptop to work anymore, wasn't expecting this announcement this morning

Netflix has the new Mystery Science Theater 3000 season and IT Crowd. As long as those remain, I will have a hard time canceling.

I use YouTube and Amazon Prime video more.

Hulu stinks.

Yes, finally. I will download this as soon as I can. Now I just need Netflix.

@HydroTendonMan A third party browser won't happen. Look how today's relevant browsers release big updates with new features every month, constantly improving and fixing stuff and maintaining several beta versions to achieve this. Why should they ever do all this work for a secondary feature on a system with a few ten millions of users? Android has way over a billion active users, there are 700 million iPhones and more than 200 million Windows 10 devices alone - and unlike on gaming consoles, web browsing is a key feature on all these systems. And just because it's Opera branded also wouldn't change anything really.

That's why I find it strange that so many people want a browser on the Switch anyway. Even if Nintendo did all they could, the experience might only be ok, but not much more so that you couldn't really extensively use it or anything. So a basic browser might be nice at times and really great for some, but 99% of the people probably won't find any use out of it.

Aww no. Hopefully it doesn't slow down the fastest instant gaming console on the planet . In a world where streaming services appear like feces on every device, it is great to have one unique gaming only console.

Yay!

That's great, but what about DisneyLife?

In all seriousness though, I would actually love that... Especially as they don't currently have an app for other consoles, I currently have to connect my laptop to my TV to watch.

@Rika_Yoshitake I wouldn't be surprised either if someone asked whether a physical version is coming out.....

Man I was hoping they would have added either Netflix or YouTube first seeing as I don't have Hulu but this is an excellent sign of things to come, I hope the others are added soon.

This is good news! Hulu is a lot better than Netflix IMO mainly because Hulu has a better selection of animation than Netflix.

I don't use Hulu. Give us Netflix please.

So why can't UK people just download from the US eshop? It's a region free console, after all. Lest we forget.

I downloaded NicoNico from the JP eshop, and it worked great.

Good so people can stop whining about that.

@Ryu_Niiyama "We want streaming services Nintendo!"

Hulu drops.

"Not that streaming service Nintendo!"

@nab1 The wii actually had a physical version of Netflix lol.

“Great news everyone”
Now it’s your turn YouTube...

Meh, I have a Roku for all of this. Even if streaming apps come to the Switch, I would never use it for that purpose. I'm glad the Switch has been a "gaming first" type of counsel. I hope to have the option of adding these apps, vs them automatically popping up in an update. To each their own.

Awesome news, I hope YouTube and Crunchyroll follow too.

@UmbreonsPapa
That much is true. Netflix seems to license the full seasons at least.

I'm sure the omissions aren't entirely arbitrary though. I'd expect networks to hold the highest rated episodes (or just any episode sometimes) from a season "hostage" from streaming services. Demanding you pay a considerable chunk extra to feature a full season compared to one with a few holes.

@Ryu_Niiyama They can still whine about how it performs, looks in handheld mode etc!

@ieatdragonz Agreed! I've lost count of how many times I got ready to watch something that's been on my queue for months, only to see that it was recently removed. Saturday morning, bowl of cereal, pajamas, and no 90s X-Men cartoon to watch. Sure way to ruin an otherwise perfect day.

I didn’t expect this but it’s grwat news. Not for me, who is rarely somewhere out that has WiFi with my Switch for long enoug to watch a show that I wouldn’t choose to play a game instead...

No this news is great for sales. As well as the Switch is moving units now, imagine the people that would be into buying “the cheap tablet to watch Netflix AND play quality Mario games”.

@JaxonH We can download it, but Hulu blocks non-US IP addresses so I don't know if there is a way around that

While I do agree that the Switch doesn't need to be cluttered with 3rd party apps that are easily available on a wide range of smart devices, I've gotta say that the prospect of having Netflix/Hulu on the Switch is appealing for the same reason games on the Switch are. Being able to pop the device from the TV and flip to hand held mode. When you have multiple family/roommates and only one decent TV in the living room, that one little gimmick goes a very long way.

I don't use Hulu, but I am pleased because it hopefully means that other services that I do use are on the way!

Canada wants Netflix. Thanks.

I'm surprised this just came out of nowhere, seems like something Nintendo would have at least put out a tweet about a week in advance - "Hulu, coming to Switch November 9". I'm surprised Hulu didn't.

So there ya go, I found a reason to complain. 😆

And for all the people who say - "Big deal, I can do that on all my other electronic devices." Well it is a big deal for the same reason Switch is a big deal. You can start watching a show at home on tv, pick it up and take it with you - as long as you have WiFi of course - and even stand it up and watch with a friend, impropto tv. My 5" phone screen seems so tiny compared to the 6.2" Switch screen. Not sure why, but it does.

Good watching everyone.

Another discussion right now could be just how little hype and anticipation Nintendo is doing with the debut of these features. All of a sudden it’s just... there! Kinda exciting like this.

Calculator app next

Where the frik did this come from?

Shame... Hulu not working in Canada, rite?

Give me the WWE Network now

Well, this is a surprise! I shall download post haste!

@ballistic90 actually Hulu has some great options!
It's particularly great for people like me that aren't willing to subscribe to cable and live in a town where we can't pick up channels with an antenna

It be great if they added all the others like Netflix, YouTube, Amazon Prime and HBO Now/Go. Then you’d really have a top notch portable entertainment device. The Switch screen is so much bigger than my phone, it become much my go to device for entertainment on the go.

Fingers crossed for Now Tv and maybe even DisneyLife over here in the UK.

I wish I could use my switch in portrait mode and use a bunch of Smartphone apps. I guess like FB and whatnot but obviously better ones. It's a bit annoying my Switch has such a beautiful Capacitive touch screen but no reason to use it.

@JarJarBlacks @WiltonRoots LOL!

This is awesome!
But the question is: why only Hulu? What about Youtube, Netflix, Amazon and DAZN, for example?
And when exactly did Nintendo give up its ridiculous stance of 'the Switch is a pure gaming device'? Why was there no press conference or any kind of big announcement? This is a huge deal, after all!

@ieatdragonz Then why aren't you using the Canadian Netflix, for example? I use any and all Netflix versions (with various VPN or Smart DNS services, most of then offer apps and browser extensions) there are on the globe, depending on what I want to watch (my personal recommendation would be ExpressVPN).
You can find out what is available in which country on sites like unogs.com.

That's the benefit of Netflix over Hulu: it's a global service and therefore has a lot more content to offer.
But if course, having both isn't bad either.

Netflix and Amazon please and thank you.

Wow, Hulu arrive on a device before Netflix. that's like Yahoo getting first pick over Google, granted I view my Hulu more than Netflix currently.

Perfect time for me to try it out since I'm on break in Florida visiting my dad (old fashion) and the only gadgets I bought with me is phone, 3ds, and Switch with dock. The switch will now replace the Chromecast, Apple TV, and Wii U until then.

Everyone screams Netflix, that’s not a service I’ll ever use again. They stole money from me, I could see on my bank statement that they were taking money from me. So I called them, I said I never restarted my subscription, they could see it hadn’t been used for the three months it had been restarted for, but refused to give me my money back. So I had to get my bank involved, it took 6 months to get my money back, so yea never again.

Well i guess its great for the people who were clamoring for it. Theres probably a dozen devices in my house already that get Hulu, Netflix etc. so not a huge deal for me personally. May download just to see how the UI and things are on the switch out of curiosity

@neufel @HydroTendonMan I’m sure it’s just around the corner. Netflix will want to be available wherever competing streaming services are. Thanks for confirming that article’s existence. I thought I was crazy.

Gee, I wonder where all NL users, who back in March were shouting "we don't need apps/browser/[insert a very basic functionality right here] on Switch!!!!! This is a video game console!!!!! I have other devices for that!!!", are now. Throw that bs out of the window, I want everything conveniently on my precious little Switch.

A dedicated app is really some great news for me. Hoping that more apps (Netflix? Spotify? Facebook client?) will pop up soon.

@Waninoko Maybe now that they own a Switch and stopped playing their old consoles, they're getting quite frustrated relaunching their WiiU-PS3-anything just to get their netflix fix.

@subpopz You can make the argument it's worth keeping until the Netflix, YouTube, maybe a browser appear on the switch. But when they do, there's really no reason for it to stay plugged in.

Youtube !
Youtube !
Youtube !

Is Hulu available in Canada yet?

Wow, that took longer than I expected. Hopefully YouTube and Netflix come soon.

But what is the frame rate?!?

I use Hulu way more than Netflix so thos is awesome.

Meh, Hulu isn't available in Canada so I don't care. I am glad though that the app is coming to those who can use it and that it won't automatically just appear (like it did on Wii U) and take up valuable storage real estate, since again I can't use this. Bring on Netflix though, and YouTube. Also, I really hope they make a YouTube app that could be run while a game is on in the background (I watch YouTube to help me through tough areas in games. Would be nice to not have to quit the game and watch, or watch it on another device).

The app is smooth, legit and exactly what you might expect from it on Switch.
However, I don't think it has touch screen controls, no biggie though. But it isn't buggy like the Wii's apps.

@gortsi There is. Dammit we need proxies Nintendo!

Between the two, Netflix is superior for it's original content and complete lack of ads (you have to have the highest pricing tier for no ads on Hulu). For existing shows however, Hulu is becoming a better option overall honestly as way too many companies are pulling their content from Netflix. Hulu also has the new episodes of shows soon after they air, whereas Netflix usually won't have them for months.

Anyways, I'd like to see Nintendo add an apps section to the bottom row on the menu so that they're separated from the games on the main menu.

Awesome news next we need YouTube, Netflix and a Browser Please Nintendo make it happen before Christmas.

With Switch selling well around the world and analysts estimating 120m units by 2023, I'm sure this is just the first of many...

And the wait continues for us poor Europeans

Hope they put out YouTube, Netflix, and a browser finally, though I'd hope the Netflix app would allow downloading programs to the SD card for offline viewing. Also would be nice if you could arrange your games list or put streaming apps in a folder like on 3DS and WiiU

@subpopz "The people relying solely on the Wii U for these apps would be in a very extreme minority"

1. It doesn't have to be solely, I used the Wii U to access Youtube quite often. It was easier to use than my Amazon Fire Stick, and my iPad did not allow me to watch videos on the big screen. Now I mostly use my iPad because my Gamepad's battery doesn't hold/charge anymore. It's hypothetical but I would assume a good amount of people used their Wii U as well as other devices.

2. Until that group of people fades out the Wii U (community wise) is still alive. Business wise yes it's dead, but the community it built up is still around.

I really do hope Netflix and YouTube follow soon. I would love Twitch to follow too. I'd ask for Crunchyroll, but I live in a region where I "special equipment" to use that site. lol Kudos if you understand that reference.

I'm quite excited for this. I might be the only one in the planet, but I don't like to watch Netflix/Hulu on my small phone and the only way to watch on TV is an extremely old 2nd generation AppleTV that crashes constantly and won't even let me watch some shows because it ALWAYS crashes 30 seconds in. I guess I could buy a new AppleTV (too expensive) or a Chrome cast or some cheap device, but with a Switch I don't actually need to buy anything so...

I hope Hulu and Netflix come to Japan soon enough, but probably I'll be waiting for months before that happens.

Did Hulu get exclusive rights for the Switch?

Finally. Please follow up with Netflix, YouTube, and Crunchyroll. At that point, I may put my Wii U away to save space on my console table, since I mainly use it for streaming apps these days.

Meh both are boring now, Netflix doesn't have shows that I like anymore and Hulu I don't have an account for and not going to start paying for it when I am going to pay Nintendo for the online thing next year anyways. Just give me the damn internet browser so I can watch my own free videos. Hopefully it support YouTube and Flash.

No touch controls is really akward. But still great to have the app

@rjejr It's because the 6.2" Switch screen is actually 54% bigger (in area) than a 5" phone screen. I don't really know why they quote screen sizes as the diagonal rather than in square inches, but there you go.

I think that this company is completely pathetic.. the developer of this app for this multi million dollar company was paid NOTHING!!! It's disgusting to me that they are making so much money off of this app and others like it that will follow and the developer gets no credit, no compensation nothing.. NINTENDO IS A DISGRACEFUL COMPANY!!!

@Kimmykim27 The developer of this app doesn't work for Nintendo though. App like these earn money from subscriptions and ads, something they earn more from than simply waiting for Nintendo to give them a check. They decide if they want to support the platform or not, Nintendo had no say in what they do their (Nintendo) only job is to approve or disapprove request.

Now if only it got YouTube with the ability to upload captured gameplay videos there at better quality than Twitter

And Netflix? Spotify!?

@chardir "6.2" Switch screen is actually 54% bigger (in area) than a 5" phone screen"

Thanks, it seems that much bigger, more 50% than 20%. Of course phones are weird anyway, my 4.5" phone battery died so I thought I'd upgrade to a 5". Same width, slightly taller, I really can't tell any difference. It is noticeably bigger than my wife and kids 4" phones, but I'd buy a 4.5" phone again if it was cheaper, the 1/2" isn't worth the extra $.

Switch also seems bigger than the Gamepad too, but I think that's just the brightness and the Switch tablet being so much smaller than the Gamepad monstrosity.