Hulu Video Streaming Is Now Available On Nintendo Switch In Japan

Bit weird but sure I guess

I'm surprised Japan even has Hulu considering they already have Disney+ with the Star stuff that is basically the Hulu equivalent outside of the US.

OK what would really be funny:
Netflix releases their app in summer and Nintendo drops the Switch 2 in fall, resetting the whole OS and making us wait for all those apps for 5 more years again.

But apart from the S2 not coming soon, I absolutely expect them to build on the Switch OS and let us just transfer all apps and games.

@valcoholic 😅 I cant see them doing that....What's up with no Netflix on Switch for that matter? Even the Wii had Netflix by now...🤔

@Bizzyb I'm waiting for like the plex app on switch, its on literally every other console. If they'd let us use the switch internet browser we could even access it then too. Its dumb :/ .

Based on memory space and overall capabilities of the switch makes me wonder why they bother putting this type of thing on the system. I imagine that some people use it but then I imagine people would use it to make toast if it had the capability. I blame the dam ipad and the new age obsession of wanting everything in life. .

@Bizzyb I have a theory that it's to do with Nintendo falling out with Netflix after someone there leaked their plans for a Zelda show which resulted in Nintendo cancelling it.

@Polley001 Hulu Japan is not run by Disney. It’s a separate company that licenses the name. That’s why it exists alongside Disney+.

Hulu - the company that makes you pay for ads, but never gets any big hit originals.

I have a mix feeling about them (I have a grudge against them) but I guess it's the next thing I'll subscribe once Netflix goes bankrupt.

@Bizzyb I'd argue Netflix contributed to the Wii's success. Wii was kind of the cheap streaming machine, like how PS2 sold so well in part because it was the cheapest DVD player on the market at the time. There were SO many Nintendo × Netflix commercials back in the day--they were really pushing it hard. Even the failed Wii U had Netflix, so it's incredibly baffling.

@Polley001 AFAIK Hulu Japan is not actually operated by Disney.
It's operated by Nippon Television Network and they are just renting the Hulu brand from Disney, well before Disney+ was even a twinkle in Disney's eyes.

At least it's finally announced for Japanese people who wanna watch their favorite anime: Doozers.

Where the hell is netflix?? LMAO.

Even if any streaming services come to the switch, I have a Fire Stick which has all these things on. Why would i clutter my console up with these?
Also, most people nowadays have smart TVs or some plug in, so dont see the point of them coming to the switch

Japan has non-Hulu Hulu? 🤔 Bizzare.

@Bunkerneath You can't bring logic into a Nintendolife comment section!

I don't feel the need for these apps anymore after I got my Apple TV box

@Snatcher surprised people still care about netflix. Where's Disney+?

@Bunkerneath I don't have any other form of tablet so it would be good for me

@Not_Soos I categorically disagree that netflix contributed to the success of the wii...

@Bizzyb I’m not sure, but with 100+ million units already sold, I’m assuming Nintendo wants to charge Netflix to add the app to their platform (maybe even asking for a cut of new subscriptions). It’s silly whatever the reason is.

I keep forgetting we have the Hulu app installed on our Switch even though we have Hulu. 😂

Think I'll give it a try later just to see how it compares to our smart tv. The Switch won't output 4k or HDR will it? Not a lot of that on Hulu but I do think there is some.

@Scapetti Disney plus is recent so it will end up getting on there at some point, but come on Netflix has been around for a good wile

@Snatcher I was just referring to the recent subscriber loss and password sharing controversy. Netflix aren't in a good place at the moment.

Edit: controversy referring to public opinion on their move to crack down on password sharing

Why every streaming app ever isn’t on the switch will always remain a mystery to me.

I have 2 hulu accounts, and every year, a black friday .99 per month offer is available in one or the other account. I have been paying just that for 3 years straight 😂 I don't care if it has ads.

Can we please put Disney plus on the switch, Nintendo. It is the only streaming platform I am interested in.

That's good, I have Hulu on my switch but never use it, even though my best friend has offered to sign me in to her account

Not really a thing here. Not bothered about Netflix either, I have Netflix on my smart TV & if I wanted to watch it on the go, I might as well use my phone as the screen's not much smaller.

Cool and all, but I only use my Xbox Series S for Streaming Movies and TV shows. I have a growing Digital Library through Microsoft’s Store.
On the other hand I Mostly use my Nintendo Switch OLED for the Amazing Games (over 100) I have!

@Moonlessky it would be cool, but most Televisions today are Smart TVS with Apps available. Even Xfinity, which I have, offers all of those apps. But then again using Nintendo Switch, on the Go, watching Netflix, would be Incredible. Just turn the Hotspot on our smartphone and BAM! Wifi on the Go for Nintendo Switch. Not sure why they're holding up?!

@Bizzyb I'm pretty sure its a battery thing. I mean if a popular streaming service like Netflix would be released, people might really start using it, draining the battery and complain about Switch's poor battery life. Plus the Switch would compete more with tablet computers which Nintendo absolutely tried to avoid (hence no browser)
I know, there are other services, but especially Youtube is more for shorter videos, so it might not create the feeling as if the battery is just so poor plus YT has some actual worth for players as you can quickly look up solutions when youre stuck in a game.

Then again, the fact that they greenlit Hulu and not Netflix sorta crashes with my theory, but its still the best I can come up with.

I'd wish for Netflix of course. The fact that I can use my PS4 for Netflix, Amazon Prime and even Apple TV+ is pretty cool, use it all the time. It would be even more amazing with the Switch. When we're going on hoiday, I'll always take my Switch + Dock with me and just having all my streaming services available like that would be a charm, but well ...

@NotArmani That's my favorite anime

Ha with Netflix's stock going down and them losing thousands of subscribers, it doesn't surprise me why anyone is using them anymore and I'm glad they aren't on Switch especially when they choose not to support Switch audience from the beginning. Now that Hulu is on more devices this makes Hulu the better live streaming video service in my world.

@Moonlessky Cause 4K smart TV already got them cover.

@Specter_of-the_OLED by that logic then they should remove them from smartphones, tablets and other consoles as well. More options is never a bad thing, there are plenty of kids who only own a switch and would be delighted to have netflix or disney on their device. The popularity of netflix was thanks to the 100million install base of the wii which is where their app got its chance

@NintendoEternity watching anime on crunchyroll on the oled switch is a great experience on its own! That screen just pops with color

I have Crunchyroll and Netflix so I'd be happy if Netflix is the next thing that finally drops on Switch.

@Bunkerneath True, I have a 50 inch 4K UHDTV but I also have a dock-less Switch OLED and use it to watch anime as well so wouldn't mind Netflix being on it too. Looks really amazing on the OLED screen!

@Moonlessky Awesome, I'll have to check that out!