If you're one of the few people that still uses the Netflix app on your Wii U or 3DS, then we've got some bad news – the service has now been totally discontinued.
The Netflix app for both platforms was removed from the Wii U and 3DS eShops in December last year, but if you had the app installed prior to that date, it would still function as normal. However, as of June 30th 2021, the service has been completely disconnected on both consoles.
The following message was posted on Nintendo's customer service portal:
The Netflix app was removed from Nintendo eShop on Wii U and Nintendo 3DS Family systems on Dec 31st, 2020 and discontinued on June 30th, 2021. Thank you for your support of these applications over the years.
Despite the removal, no Netflix app has been announced for Switch, despite reports that it's coming. In 2017 there were rumours that the app was ready but needed Nintendo's approval, while in 2018, Reggie said that conversations between Nintendo and the streaming giant were "ongoing".
While many modern TV sets come with Netflix support built-in and there's a Netflix app available for smartphones and tablets (both iOS and Android), the ability to watch movies and TV shows on Switch would no doubt be a welcome bonus for many Nintendo fans.
Were you still using the Netflix app on Wii U or 3DS? Are you keen to get the app on Switch? Let us know with a comment.
[source en-americas-support.nintendo.com]
Comments 143
Maybe they were waiting for this to occur before announcing for switch? Maybe Nintendo/Netflix couldn't come to a licensing agreement? Or maybe Nintendo prefers to keep it mostly a gaming console despite Hulu being present.
I reckon Nintendo fell out with Netflix after they leaked the live action Zelda news (causing it to be canned, alongside the Star Fox series)
Overheating is a problem for the Switch, hence its inability to "chill".
A Netflix app on switch would be very useful for me personally. It would let me keep my Xbox one in my gaming room, my Xbox series x in the living room and my switch hooked up to my bedroom tv. Right now when I have a lady friend stay the night I have to move one of the Xbox’s to the bedroom.
Netflix on Switch is way past due.
I don't have or particularly want a "smart" TV. This just means that I have to use my PS4 and its constantly battery-drained controller.
@Savino I installed Youtube once, watched a few video's and never used it again.
The Switch is just not fit for anything but games. Even a small tablet (iPad Mini) has a better screen, and then there are bigger tablets. And on TVs, most TVs are smart these days. So, you don't need an seperate Youtube or Netflix or Disney+ or Amazon Prime or Apple TV+ or ... app on the Switch.
It's been almost 5 years and no Netflix I've given up on it sane with folders and themes Nintendo just being lazy
@kupocake You could get yourself a Google TV stick or Apple TV and you'll use less power and have dedicated media controls.
@Savino Pretty frequently tbh, but everyone's different here.
@KBuckley27 It's not up to Nintendo to make an app for every streaming service. If Netflix wants to be on the Switch, then they are allowed to make an app for it.
@Savino the answer (in my sons’ case) is a LOT:
https://imgur.com/gallery/jYWAKRq
Edit: added a picture of my other son’s usage as well. YT was also his most used games/application for June.
https://imgur.com/gallery/RK0R1ro
In my day we played games on our game systems. We have plenty of other devices to watch the garbage on Netflix or whatever you have. Why would I wanna waste my switch to watch movies when I could be gaming on it?
While I'm sure the option would be nice for some, personally I've never felt the need to use my Switch as a device for anything besides games.
There was a Netflix app on Wii U??
Is there really anyone here without a Smart TV?
@Zeldafan79
Some people (especially kids) might have a Switch as their only device, so having access to streaming services is a big plus. When I looked at my kids June report in the Switch Parental Control app YouTube was the most used game/application with 23 days! Let’s not conflate your usage with everyone else’s.
The one thing that would make me use a Netflix app on the Switch is a picture-in-picture mode, so it can be playing in a corner while I'm playing a game (I have zero attention span so have two things on at once is a must). I basically do this already, but with Netflix/Amazon/YouTube running on an iPad.
@BulkSlash I think that would kill the poor switch tbh
Noticed recently you can't suspend a game and open YouTube. It needs to close one.
@sanderev Do you really think Netflix doesn't want to be on a device that is going to have a 100,000,000 install base? That's a lot of zeroes. And do you think Disney+ wants to be on Switch? Sure, they are allowed to make an app for it, but Nintendo gets to decide what goes on Switch, otherwise we'd have half a dozen more streaming apps on there.
I haven't had NF in a couple of years but when I sign up for it this weekend it certainly would have been nice to have it on Switch. Not so much for me, smart TV, but my son has my old TV w/ only the Switch hooked up to it, so it would be ideal for him.
If you were being sarcastic or funny I missed it sorry, try emoji ne t time. 😉
I used the netflix app on my WiiU in my bedroom fairly regularly so it's a bit disappointing that it's been removed. I'll just have to use my Raspberry pi instead from now on.
@Supadav03
Sounds like your kids would rather watch videos than play games. Should have bought them a fire stick instead. They are probably watching those stupid let's plays instead of actually playing games.
Glad I kept my Wii Netflix disc.
Please don't bring Netflix to Switch.
Yup, still used it regularly as I always keep my Wii U hooked up to my TV in addition to my Switch. They're always hooked up, so why wouldn't I use them for streaming. I always use YouTube and Hulu on Switch to watch something.
I'm surprised especially when Wii, 3DS, and Wii U had Netflix, it's kind of was expected to just have it show up on Switch.
This is coming from someone who uses their Nintendo systems for gaming too.
@Zeldafan79 you couldn’t be more wrong. They game a lot (Switch, 3DS, PS4, & iPad). We actually game together almost daily. It just so happens this month was dominated by Pokemon White 2 (3DS) and Lego Avengers (PS4) so when they reached for Switch, it was generally to relax and watch YT & Funimation.
I will admit, I have only used YT, Hulu & Funimation maybe 5x total on my Switch. I strictly game on it.
@Roibeard64 It could be a Switch Pro feature. 😉
It would definitely need some system resources from somewhere, I was thinking they could perhaps disable video and screen capture while using it.
I’m kinda glad it’s not on it. I always promised myself I’d get my own Netflix account and stop borrowing once it is on the switch… so it’s saving me money 🤷♂️
@rjejr Nintendo gave Youtube the opportunity to make an YT app.
And to compare the Switch to something as an Google TV, Apple TV or Smart TV there really is NO reason to bring Netflix to the Switch.
So no, it's not up to Nintendo. If Netflix doesn't want to make an app, there isn't going to be any.
@sanderev it is most definitely fit for youtube and streaming services... I would prefer watching YouTube on my switch more than any other device... works perfect
@Pod please bring Netflix to switch for those of us who WOULD like it.....
@KnightsTemplar why? It has a small 720p screen. Any tablet these days are at least full hd. Most TVs are 4K, the Switch only 1080p.
For less than € 100 you can buy a device that allows you to watch Netflix in 4K on any TV that supports 4K.
So much want Netflix on the Switch
@sanderev because I love my switch.. it's my go to device and I think tablets are a waste of money.... tried them.. hated them. And I don't use youtube or Netflix on my tiny phone... you've voiced your opinion.. I think your wrong... also I have a TV I watch netflix on.. a smart TV that has 4k.. an option to watch on my switch without using the TV would be awesome... no need for 4k on the smaller switch screen
@KnightsTemplar My phone has a bigger screen than the Switch lite. And is only a tiny bit smaller than the original Switch screen. It's resolution is, however, much higher.
I also love my Switch. But there is absolutely 0 chance I will ever use it for Netflix. Just like there is absolutely 0 chance I will use my phone for games.
@KnightsTemplar Same - apart from gaming, YouTube is the most used app on my Switch which is mainly hooked up to the TV. My TV is too old for YouTube/Netflix and I don't want to have to purchase something additional where the Switch could easily run it.
@Savino kids… 🤷🏻♂️😅
@sanderev that's nice... I prefer using analog sticks.... my phone is used for phone calls and messaging... and the occasional writing on forums to silly people like you who think everything should be done your way
@Judgedean exactly. Some people just don't get it
@KnightsTemplar Why would you need analog sticks for Netflix???? For gaming you are correct, and like I said. The Switch is perfect for gaming. Not for Netflix.
Bad news for me, since my TV's WiFi was broken and I mained the WiiU app. Please release it on Switch Nintendo!
@sanderev because it's easy to navigate the Netflix service. Just likes its easy to navigate on youtube. Seriously.. let people enjoy what they want to enjoy...and I disagree... I think it's perfect for switch
Was playing on the Wii U just now, but haven’t used the Netflix app in years. Got fed up with it taking a whole minute to pause a show. Got an Amazon Fire stick for my non-Smart-TV and never looked back.
@KnightsTemplar Sure if Netflix wants to make a Switch app they are allowed to do so. I don't need it. And Nintendo doesn't need to be bothered with it.
@sanderev and that's not for you to decide... I will continue enjoying youtube on switch.. while ALOT of us here hope Netflix along with Disney plus does come to switch... and if it does. We will enjoy watching it on our switchs.. if that's ok with you? 😛
I don't know about everyone else, but I always used my video game consoles to...play video games. While using applications such as Youtube, Netflix, Hulu, etc through my tv.
@KnightsTemplar If it's released I'm sure I'm 100% okay with it. Just as long as it doesn't take time from Nintendo developing games for the Switch.
I don't want Netflix, therefore you can't have it...? Why do these silly arguments keep happening?
@Savino every single day that I use the Switch. In fact, it’s the app that I’ve spent the most time on. More than any game that I have, and I have over 200 games. It’s just easier to get on YouTube if the Switch is docked to a t.v already, and it’s especially handy if you like to stream on the go.
Wait for the Super Mario movie and it landing on Netflix, that'll be when it arrives on Switch Pro with a more robust entertainment package. However, I don't personally see the need in a world where our smart TV's and tablets have such easy access to them now.
My wife used Netflix on 3ds all of the time. Mainly on as background noise to go to sleep to.
Netflix on the Switch feels a little extra, but the fact that it doesn't support mobile data means that it would only be useful at home.
As for watching it on the TV, it's not entirely a bad idea, but the Switch would be an awfully expensive device to watch something only up to 1080p.
Also, the UI of the Switch just doesn't feel like it was meant for media apps. YouTube and Hulu already get buried under the long list of games and they can't be sorted in a such a way that's easy to find.
@Savino My mum has been using the Wii U as a Netflix machine for years now, it would make things a lot cheaper and simpler if she could use my brother's Switch now instead
Uninstalled them from my WiiU and 3DS a long time ago. Today we have Netflix, YouTube and every similar app on smartphones, TVs and a myriad of gadgets. I don't feel the need to have them on my Switch too.
I use a chromecast hooked up to my older 12 year old 1080p set that sits adjacent to my main tv for streaming stuff. Most TVs probably sold in the last 5 years or so, unless very low end, probably have some form of smart TV functionality.
It is odd that Switch, for as popular and portable as the device is, that it does not have many streaming apps. Especially at this age of it's life cycle. Not that it would be used by a lot of people. I remember a couple of times I went to work and I left my phone at home by accident but had my 3DS is my bag and I'd use youtube on it during break at work.
“Do you guys not have phones?”
With SmartTVs and devices like Roku being so common these days, I think streaming services are just much less interested in apps on consoles. Nintendo allowed Hulu, Funimation, YouTube and a couple apps for comics and manga on Switch. So I simply do not believe that it's Nintendo blocking Netflix or Amazon or Crunchyroll etc etc... on Switch anymore. I think those companies just don't care enough.
@Savino Smart TVs can be a bit rubbish. Would always use AppleTV or Chromecast (or xbox) for YouTube, and those apps keep up to date.
@Heavyarms55 Which streaming apps are not available on the most recent 2 gens of xbox or playstation?
@Savino Very often, in fact. And I would love more streaming services on the Switch (I prefer Amazon Prime over Netflix).
@MegaMari0 I honestly don't know what they are waiting for. They already have Hulu (USA), Niconico (Japan, but not region locked), Youtube and Funimation on the switch. Depending on your lifestyle, that means you can stream a TON of content on Switch. So... yeah...
@TryToBeHopeful I believe that's a slightly different situation because both Xbox and PS5 are backwards compatible. They probably didn't have to do much of anything to just drop the app from one to the other.
Switch is not directly backwards compatible with Wii U, so they would have needed to port the apps. And while I doubt that would be very hard, it probably would take more effort and time.
It just makes no sense for Nintendo to say yes to YouTube, Hulu, Funimation and those comic and Manga apps, but no to Netflix, Amazon and CR.
@Supadav03 Where are those images from? Is that the Parental Controls app?
I used it on the Wii U all the time until I got my PS4. Now I use it on that
Netflix is on my Smart TV but I never use it, it’s so clunky to use so I don’t see Smart TVs as a suitable replacement, not my one anyway. I’d be really annoyed if I only had a Switch, it really should be on there.
That said I have a Roku stick for the bedroom and that is by far the best device I’ve had for streaming. It includes more apps too, like ITV Hub which isn’t present on PS4 for some reason. It’s much faster than the Fire Stick which was horrible. Only cost me £16 too on offer!
@Heavyarms55 I agree that it makes no sense. But they're more controlling of their ecosystem than Apple!
@PuppyToucher it's always good not to neglect Forzaplay
@Savino only use YT on Switch to watch Nintendo Direct livestreams lol
@Savino Maybe it's just me but apart from my phone I use the Switch as my main place to watch YouTube. So I'd welcome any apps added to the Nintendo Switch.
Me and my partner were using Netflix on the Wii U in our room nearly daily so this has been pretty inconvenient.
I had to ask a friend to give back the PS3 I gave him years ago to stream it on that instead.
@Savino I have a handful of Switch friends who have racked up 1000's of hours of Youtube on the Switch.
Don't really care for the content on Netflix in particular, but I'd love to see more streaming apps in general. I get a lot of use out of Hulu - prop the Switch up on its little stand and I can watch TV while cooking. I've got a smart TV with a PS4 and that's all well and good but it doesn't help me watch TV in the kitchen, and there's no way I'm using my work iPad for that.
Bunch of robots in here arguing that Switch is a GAMES MACHINE and doesn't NEED video apps sound bitter as hell. Like forreal, obviously Nintendo doesn't need video apps but it would be nice. I would never use Netflix on my Switch cause I have a PS5 or my smart TV but if you would never catch me arguing against ADDING apps to the Switch. Honestly, people who feel the need to defend not having videos seem really insecure about it.
@Savino I love using YouTube on Switch. Netflix on Switch isn't make it or break it for me, but it would sell units. It's portable, that's handy. Netflix on Wii U was great.
@Savino Netflix even exists for toasters, and i would never use Switch for Netflix or YouTube either way.
I use 4 systems for YouTube already. LG WebOS, NVIDIA Shield TV, Chromecast Ultra and Chrome Browser. They all support 4K unlike Switch.
@kupocake should have bought a Xbox.
I can do without Netflix, I dropped them long ago when they went crazy woke.
I still used it on Wii U, sometimes i'd watch a series on the gamepad, chilling in bed, rather than sat on a chair. Still got it on xbox and shield, so all okay.
It was telling that when they pulled it from eshop, it got worse to use, it would lose connection to gamepad for input after 30 mins, so had to press a button every half hour to stop it becoming unresponsive after a movie. Otherwise i've had a solid 8 years of use from the app.
I kinda enjoy having Hulu be the only option (aside from anime apps and youtube) on the Switch. Doesn't bog me down having sooo many options as to "what I should watch."
@ModdedInkling you can sort alphabetically
I wish articles like this investigate why Netflix isn't on the Switch. Does Netflix have to pay Nintendo or is it the other way around? At least then, we have a better idea as to why it's not on the Switch.
@KoRn1619
I said that it can't be sorted in such a way that makes it easy to find. The sorting options in the home menu only do so much.
To be fair, one reason I still boot up YouTube and Netflix from consoles is because they tend to boot faster on consoles than on my smart TV. Sometimes I have a severe input lag when using the smart TV.
So, yeah. It's a Netflix on Wii U is a loss for me. On the 3DS, however, I never downloaded it because the eShop for some reason never gave me the option to download it ever since I got my New 3DS XL on July 2017.
I was using WiiU for Netflix until this month when i heard it was closing. Loved the tablet interface and the range was JUST enough that i could use it in the kitchen as a second screen. Sucks its over. But i cant believe we dont have it on switch yet. BRING NETFLIX TO SWITCH, why are we still waiting?
It's called Smart TVs, Cellphones and Netflix is overrated 🤷🏻♂️
I have no desire to watch netflix on my switch!!! I already have it on my TV, phone, tablet and macbook........it is not a big deal to me
Really want this on Switch, as well as HBO Max. I love using my Switch for Youtube/Hulu while I'm at my desk. My Lite sits perfectly in the plastic Wii U stand (which is the best phone stand I've ever had too).
after netflix leaked the zelda animated series. yeah. i do not see netflix coming to switch and honestly. i do not care. switch has you tube. funimation and hulu. hulu shows movies as well as tv shows. 1 streaming service on switch is fine with me. switch is primarely a video game system so hulu and you tube are just nice little extras.
We don't even have a proper web browser on switch
@sanderev Well I still think NF wants to be on it, but maybe there's a reason they aren't. And good news, found someone who agrees w/ you. See below.
@Heavyarms55 "It just makes no sense for Nintendo to say yes to YouTube, Hulu, Funimation and those comic and Manga apps, but no to Netflix, Amazon and CR."
When in doubt, follow the money? Maybe YT, Hulu and Funimation were willing to pay Nintendo to get on the Switch but NF and Reed Hastings wanted Nintendo to pay them? Or at least not pay Nintendo. It's going on 100,000,000 consoles, hard to believe Nintendo asked NF to be on Switch and NF said nah, we're good.
@Savino 1,335 hours worth at least.
@TsukiDeity yeah, its from the parental app. It’s my kids monthly report
I have no need for Netflix on Switch. I have a phone and Chromecast.
@Judgedean I'm sure I remember Reggie saying a few year back it was in Netflix's court - but as we're in here, I blame Doug Bowser and Furukawa.
Asking people if the they have smart tv’s reminds of that time at blizzcon when they asked if everyone had mobile phones.
Heaven forbid people should have the option to choose
@WiltonRoots wonder what the details are though. I always wonder who pays for the privilege? If Nintendo has to pay Netflix for having the app on their device, I could understand, with Nintendo being tight a.....s
So the apps just don't work anymore?
I kind of wonder why that is the case then, i mean, the apps should just be clients that connect to the same server.
So a Switch app, a Android app or heck the internet browser on your pc should all connect to the same library.
Even if an app isn't supported anymore, I would have thought it still works for now...
I guess maybe they have to go through the Nintendo Network which costs something, or something in that direction?
Or do they prevent access from these apps solely because they expect people to be angry if something doesn't work, unless they just officially shut it down?
The Switch isn't powerful enough to run it, face facts. Netflix is the pack-in for the pro model.
@Kirgo Nope, that's literally how no apps work, unless they are specifically for mobile or PC Internet. All services or apps like Netflix are supported through a separate server of that device. Nintendo has supported Netflix on all previous platforms, they require that separate control in case of an issue.
@Taffy
Eh, not really comparable.
Owning a mobile phone doesn't solve the problem that existed in that context, because I don't want to play on it. If games on phones didn't have any huge disatvantages to console or pc games, then Blizzards question would have been perfectly valid (although not well formulated to prevent a possible outrage).
On the other side, Smart TV are basically the standard for most TVs that aren't super cheap. Using Netflix over Smart TV also should be the better option in 99% of cases compared to using the Switch.
Really the only reason why Netflix on Switch makes sense, is because not everyone has a Smart TV yet, for one reason or another. Unless you have another of the million options available.
The amount of people who don't have a phone is completely negligible at this point, if that is the reason to not release a game for phones, then you can't release it anywhere.
@YANDMAN
That would mean it is the Nintendo Network thing that I mentioned?
I think that is a strange way of doing it, but I guess consoles want to somehow restrict what you can do online.
Lets be real do we really need it on the Switch?
C'mon every 4K smart TV nowadays already came with Netflix built-in anyways and all phones already had it, Switch don't really need it. Watching movie is not like playing games so we don't really need it on a game console.
@Savino I use it literally everyday. It's my main console so if I want to watch a video on the TV, the Switch is what I use.
@Zeldafan79 what is your actual problem? The guy's kid just wants to watch some videos and you're being hostile about it. "There are other devices to watch the garbage on Netflix" "your kid spends more time watching stupid let's plays" "back in my day we played videogames on our videogame consoles".
You sound like a bitter old man who can't get with the times. Are you also mad that phones can do more than make calls? "Back in my day phone were used for calling, we didn't need to send a text message because we actually had conversations back then. And what's this Netflix crap? When I was younger you had to go to a theater to watch a movie, now you can watch one in bed? Not on my watch."
I bet there's some stupid boring business mrah reason why Netflix hasn't happened yet on Switch.
Either that or the Switch's OS needs more stability before it can run Netflix.
People tend to forget netflix isn't free to use. That is a subscription based user base. No pay no Netflix. So it not being on the Switch is no loss for me as that is my gaming Console only. If you want browser go smartphone, Desktop, laptop. Why do you need to waste Nintendo battery for a product that gives nothing back to Nintendo in any profit! There's no money being paid to Nintendo for using the app so why would you think they want to have such a app taking money from them to host and use it? NetFlix isn't paying Nintendo to have their app so why do you think they should expect anything.
@Clyde_Radcliffe This seems to be the only legit reason why. I feel like Netflix has an app ready for the Switch for YEARS, but because of the leaking, Nintendo is blocking them from releasing it. Keep in mind, the partnership with Netflix went back to the Wii era so that leak Netflix did really removed all trust Nintendo had with them. If Funimation (Owned by Sony, a major longtime rival) gets an app on the Switch before Netflix...
@ModdedInkling I'm not sure what you mean by doesn't support mobile data. I use my phone as a hotspot to play switch online all the time.
@FredBiletnikoff
That's just connecting to wifi. What I meant was actually inserting a SIM card and purchasing data, like a phone.
@ModdedInkling It's not WiFi though, it's connecting to my phone's data when I'm out and about. You said it would only be any use at home and I've proven that's not true.
@FredBiletnikoff But it also proves my point about the futility of using a Switch for Netflix. Why connect your Switch to the phone when you can just use the phone itself?
Now if the Switch was strictly a home console, I would argue that there is no need to put any streaming services on it in this day and age, any modern TV will have access to nearly every streaming app you can imagine out of the box.
But the Switch is also a portable, and sure, we can use our phones for these streaming apps too, but that requires pulling out another device entirely, so I do think there is an appeal for such a service on the Switch, at least for when you're on the go and would appreciate being able to both game and watch something, long road trips and flights seem like good places where this would be ideal.
@ModdedInkling Switch screen is bigger than my phone screen. Also, if you have kids with you, they can watch that so you don't have to give them your phone.
@Savino It's third on my "most played" apps, so quite a bit. I have friends that have more than 200 hours on it too.
I definitely used it on 3DS, the biggest limiting factor to me was not having profile support. The quality was decent for the old 3DS. Though some concert shows did show a lot of distortion, it still got the job done.
However I still figure the og Wii app was the best one, it was fast, looked good enough, and best of all the wiimote pointer made everything 10 times more fun. As I still play on this console I certainly miss having this option.
I didn't even know there was a Netflix app for the 3DS!
I had a revelation today. Thehell with all this streaming twaddle, get yourself a dvd of Knight rider and you are sorted for life xxx
@FredBiletnikoff
That's pretty much why tablets exist. Their screens are larger than the Switch.
@ModdedInkling Oh great, another expense when I already have a switch.
@rjejr I suppose that's always a possibility.
If you know where to look you can watch any new show or movie with just a browser anyway. Does seem odd that it was on the wiiu but not switch though.
@FredBiletnikoff Also Netflix isn't free, so yet another expense for you.
But if you play Switch games on your TV.
The Amazon fire TV stick (40 pounds) will allow you to watch Netflix on TV.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/fire-tv-stick-with-alexa-voice-remote/dp/B08C1RR8JM/
Or a lite version for 10 less.
That would be around 3 to 4 months of Netflix.
Honestly I would never use it on Switch. Already have computers, phones, tablets, and streaming boxes that can use it. I use my Switch for games.
But would be nice for others that don't. But sounds like Netflix is looking for some sort of compensation or something from Nintendo since they've withheld this no brainer.
@FredBiletnikoff
I'm just doubtful that there's as many kids playing on the Switch as there are on tablets. That's why I brought it up.
Ugh, I can't imagine using Netflix on either device. The Wii U is painful to use and the 3DS, as much as I love that system, is less than ideal for watching movies or shows.
Even the Switch.........I literally have 15 other devices that can stream Netflix. The Switch is just redundant at this point and wouldn't even get used. Smart TV is by far a better option and even if that isn't, a streaming stick is far better for very little cost (Firestick, Google, Roku, whatever).
The amount of people who only have a Switch as a streaming option must be absolutely miniscule considering you can do it on pretty much everything these days.
HOW AM I GONNA WATCH KID COSMIC NOW?!?
I watched a bunch of adventure time on hulu on 3DS. It was perfectly watchable on the small screen. Sadly it no longer works.
It's sad when online and streaming services get cut on older devices which could still be used.
Why do people need this crap on consoles? It is bad enough that you can get it on every damn device, but why a gaming console?? This is so illogical to me. I want to play a game and not watch movies... which some games turned out with nearly no gameplay in it.
@Supadav03 "@Savino kids… 🤷🏻♂️😅"
This is the correct answer
There is simply no way to know how hardware and software is going to be used, and which specific feature was the one deciding factor in a customer's decision to invest in the product. We live in a time where products can get stripped of features remotely without even having to access them, because they rely on “services“.
While I personally couldn't care any less for this particular service on these particular devices, I can feel for people getting angry:
1. For a short, wonderful time, I had a morning routine where I turned on my Wii and TV, made coffee, and then sat down with a cup and read the News Channel. Nothing important, but when the possibility was taken from me, I was angry.
2. I used Apple TV to watch YouTube on the big screen until YouTube was no longer supported on the device. I could replace it with a newer version, but they don't come with optical digital output, which happens to be its raison d'être in my audio setup. Now I use the Switch for YouTube, if I want it on the TV, till Google decides they don't want to support it anymore.
@Savino (#58) One good reason not to have a Smart TV, even if one could afford it, is that a Smart TV is not necessarily a “good” TV. Some people, like I, have invested in high-end devices before “Smart” was a thing, and they are still as good as new. Another reason is badly implemented “Smart” features cumbersome to use. If my TV needs to be replaced, I will take a very hard look at the “Smart” features of possible alternatives, and even consider studio monitors without TV tuners or internet connectivity. Picture quality is most important to me, and that does not equal resolution, but color and quality D/A conversion.
@SwitchForce (#111) That is a pretty good point. Nintendo doesn't need Netflix as a selling argument, the Switch is insanely popular without it. It made sense for the Wii, I bet there was a lot of “Grandma, we can play bowling together when we are at your house and you can finally get Netflix streaming instead of the DVD service“ and similar reasoning.
@sanderev I have a Firestick and I also already have Netflix. Did you completely ignore the entire point of our conversation which was about using it on the go, not at home?
@Kirgo it's so that Nintendo employees can fully monitor their own system should there be some form of stored fault. They don't wish to nor would ever work with another source that is tied to their own code. makes perfect sense really, and has nothing to do with restriction.
@sanderev
Are you able to offer up any valid counterpoint for your argument?
Your post actually shows just how redundant and unnecessary it is to have to use an entire separate device to watch netflix.
I finally purchased an android tv box two weeks ago, because I knew that the Wii U's netflix app was being axed. I only use it for netflix, as hulu and youtube are already on the switch.
Not only is it more cost-effective to simply add the app to the switch, but it's also more environmentally friendly, and would allow less physical space to be consumed - not to forget, the ease of use already mentioned by several other users.
There's very little to offer up as to why a netflix app on switch wouldn't be incredibly useful and convenient. At least, I haven't heard a valid counterpoint on here yet, probably because there is none, as of yet.
I'd probably need Netflix on Switch if it weren't for our Firestick. I can't remember what we paid for it, somewhere between $25-$60. Stupid cheap.
I definitely used Netflix on Wii and Neflix on Wii U for years with non-smart TVs. Hulu on Wii U too.
But then we got a samsung smart TV in like 2017, around the same time as getting the Switch, so that sort of obsoleted the need for Netflix on Switch. I downloaded Hulu onto Switch but never once used it because we just change the channel on the TV to the Hulu app...
And if I want Netflix or Hulu on the go, I bring my laptop with me. The thing is, the Switch isn't a smart device with a cellular service access; it still needs to connect to WiFi. So it's not particularly useful for watching Netflix or Hulu on the go - at least no more useful than my laptop and a boat less useful than my iPhone for doing so.
Given all that, and the Netflix and Hulu etc apps on my TV, there's really no real reason for me to want Netflix on Switch beyond "they had it on past consoles so why not here?" It's an extra step of booting up the switch before booting up the app.
But I understand why some people want to use their Switch as their netflix player. It's akin to how a big selling point of earlier PlayStation and Xbox devices was the built-in DVD player. A lot of folks couldn't afford to buy more than one of these devices, and had limited cord hookups to their TV to boot.
@Balta666 I have a smart TV, but it was manufactured in early 2010 so I'm pretty sure Netflix doesn't function anymore. I use my Xbox one along with a universal remote to watch streaming services, DVDs, and live cable tv.
Makes sense ig, although I will miss it a bit
The main use my Wii U saw for the last few years was as a Netflix player, although I mainly watch on my PC. Just went in to watch something today only to discover this discontinuation.
Also seems my previous method to watch Netflix on my tv, my old blu-ray player, is disabled now as well. I was able to log in, but trying to play a video I got a message that my device was no longer supported due to technical limitations.
[Various expletives directed at Netflix]
@PuppyToucher just buy a roku box not being rude btw.
At this point in time I no longer care about Netflix on my Switch. I got a TV, PC, laptop and two smart phones (one is an old phone that I keep around to use as a mini tablet kinda thing) that all can do Netflix. So less wear and tear on my Switch.
However, I'm still waiting for folders so I can organize my increasingly large game library. I'm not holding my breath on that tho.
I used to use Netflix on my Wii U every day until it shut down. Sad to see it go…
@sanderev Not even close. Netflix is aloud to submit a beta test app for approval and if they and google or Apple are satisfied and met all of each of their requirements then yes it can be approved and since a monthly subscription app and channels within channels purchased monthly an agreement must be made as well for the percentages that google or Apple gets from each, same or each type of income different percentages etc. You've obviously never been or known anyone to be a developer. And its much harder to get it approved on Apple as they have much mroe stringent security policies that must be met before being ok'd to download on their market place, Google is hard enouigh, especially after the 1 M apps found to have spyware in each of them previously unnoticed. Now they picked those up everyone has been using and getting skimmed on certain accounts and banking from it, accounts taken over, JSON and OFOQ ransomware file types moved from JPG and RAR to those demanding 1K to get your files back. Its a big mess and CERTAINLY NOT AS SIMPLE AS DOING AN APP AND COMPANIES LIKE GOOGLE< APPLE, NINTENDO, MS, etc automatically pick them up, as thats flat butt not true, not even within a mile close. It doesn't work that way at all.
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