You’ve probably been there. You're lying in bed, your Nintendo Switch is in your hands after a long session of Breath of the Wild or Mario Kart, and you just want to wind down with an episode of Stranger Things. You head to the eShop, type in the search bar, and... nothing. It’s weird, right? We’re years into the console’s lifecycle, and yet the biggest streaming service on the planet is nowhere to be found.
Honestly, it feels like a massive oversight. We have it on our phones, our tablets, our ancient Xbox 360s, and even some refrigerators. But the most popular handheld console of the decade? Total radio silence. If you're looking for how to get Netflix on Switch, I have some good news and some "it depends on how much you want to risk your console" news.
The short answer is that there is no official app. Nintendo hasn't approved it, and Netflix hasn't built it. But tech enthusiasts have found ways around this, ranging from the perfectly legal to the "maybe don't do this if you value your warranty" methods.
The Reality of Streaming on the Switch
It’s a bit of a mystery why this is still an issue. When the Switch launched in 2017, Nintendo was very clear: this is a gaming machine first. They wanted to distance themselves from the Wii U, which tried to be an all-in-one entertainment hub and failed spectacularly. But that was years ago. Since then, we've seen Hulu, YouTube, and Crunchyroll arrive on the eShop. Even Pokémon TV had a run on the platform.
The hardware can certainly handle it. The Switch runs on a modified Nvidia Tegra X1 chip. It’s more than capable of streaming 1080p video when docked and 720p in handheld mode. So, the bottleneck isn't the tech; it's the business. There have been rumors for years about licensing disagreements or Nintendo wanting a specific user interface that Netflix isn't interested in building for a single platform. Whatever the reason, we’re left in the lurch.
What are your options?
Basically, you have three paths. You can use the official apps that are available and hope for the best. You can try some clever workarounds using the hidden browser. Or, if you’re feeling particularly brave and have an older model, you can go the homebrew route.
How to Get Netflix on Switch Using Android (The Root Method)
This is the only way to get a "native" Netflix experience on the hardware, but it comes with a massive asterisk. To do this, you essentially have to turn your Switch into an Android tablet.
Back in 2019, a group of developers released a version of LineageOS (Android 8.1) specifically for the Switch. This allows the console to boot from an SD card into a fully functional Android operating system. Once you’re in Android, you just open the Google Play Store and download Netflix.
Is it safe?
Not entirely. This only works on "unpatched" V1 Switch consoles—those sold roughly before July 2018. If you have a Switch Lite, an OLED model, or a newer V2 "Red Box" Switch, you cannot do this without a physical modchip, which requires expert soldering skills and can easily "brick" or permanently break your device.
The Pros:
- You get the real Netflix app.
- Joy-Cons work as controllers or via Bluetooth.
- You can also use Spotify, Twitch, and Chrome.
The Cons:
- It voids your warranty.
- Nintendo can ban your console from online play if they detect modified firmware.
- Battery life takes a massive hit because Android isn't optimized for the Switch’s power management.
If you decide to go this route, you’ll need a high-speed microSD card (at least 64GB), a RCM jig (a tiny plastic tool that slides into the rail), and a lot of patience. You aren't changing the Switch's internal OS; you're just running a different one off the SD card. But again, it’s risky. Most people shouldn't do this.
Using the "Secret" Browser Workaround
Did you know the Switch has a web browser? Nintendo hides it. It’s mainly there for logging into public Wi-Fi at hotels or airports. Some people have tried to use this to access Netflix.com directly.
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Here is how you find it:
- Go to System Settings.
- Select Internet and then Internet Settings.
- Pick your Wi-Fi connection and select Change Settings.
- Change DNS Settings from Automatic to Manual.
- Set the Primary DNS to
045.055.142.122(this is a common proxy used for this). - Save and connect.
This will bring up a "SwitchBru" DNS page. From there, you can enter a URL. However—and this is a big however—Netflix uses heavy DRM (Digital Rights Management) and requires Widevine support. The Switch’s basic internal browser usually fails to load the actual video player even if you manage to log in. You'll likely just see a black screen or an error code. It's a fun party trick to show you can get to Google on a Switch, but for watching The Crown, it's usually a dead end.
The Legal Alternatives: What Actually Works?
If you just want to watch something on your Switch and don't want to risk a ban, you have to look at what's officially in the eShop. It’s a short list.
- YouTube: This is the gold standard on Switch. It’s fast, supports 60fps, and works perfectly with the kickstand.
- Hulu: If you are in the US, this is your best bet for movies and TV shows. It’s the closest thing to the Netflix experience.
- Crunchyroll: If you’re an anime fan, this app is actually great on Switch.
- Funimation: Similar to Crunchyroll, though the two have largely merged content recently.
Honestly? If you really need to watch Netflix and all you have is your Switch and a TV, your best bet isn't some hack. It’s a $30 Chromecast or Roku stick plugged into the HDMI port next to your Switch dock. It's less "cool" than having it on the console, but it actually works and won't get you banned from Splatoon 3.
Why Nintendo is Hesitant
There's a lot of talk in the industry about why this hasn't happened. Some experts, like those at Digital Foundry, suggest it might be a battery issue. Video decoding is intensive. Nintendo is protective of the "user experience." If an app makes the console run hot or kills the battery in two hours, they might just say no.
Others point to the "walled garden" philosophy. Nintendo wants you in their ecosystem. They want you looking at the eShop, not browsing a library of 5,000 movies. But that doesn't explain why Hulu is allowed.
The most likely scenario? A standoff. Netflix usually demands a certain level of placement on the home screen or a dedicated button on the controller (which you see on Roku and Shield remotes). Nintendo famously does not allow anyone to mess with their UI. It’s a clash of two titans who both think they have the upper hand.
The Future: Will We Ever See an Official App?
With rumors of a "Switch 2" or whatever the successor will be called constantly swirling, it’s becoming less likely that the current Switch will ever get a Netflix app. If it were going to happen, it would have happened when the OLED model launched. That screen is perfect for movies. The deep blacks and vibrant colors of the OLED display are wasted on a device that can't play HDR cinema content.
If you’re holding your breath for a surprise drop during a Nintendo Direct, you might want to exhale. We’ve been waiting since 2017.
Actionable Steps for Switch Owners
If you're desperate to make your Switch an entertainment powerhouse, here is the realistic path forward:
- Check your Serial Number: If you’re dead set on the Android method, go to "Is My Switch Patched" websites. Plug in your serial number (found on the bottom of the console). If it's "Unpatched," you can install Android and Netflix. Proceed with extreme caution.
- Download YouTube and Hulu: Go to the eShop right now. They are free to download. If you have a Hulu subscription, you’re basically set for 80% of the shows you'd want anyway.
- Use a Tablet or Phone: It sounds snarky, but your smartphone likely has a better screen resolution than the Switch’s 720p handheld display. Get a clip that attaches your phone to your Pro Controller. It’s a much better viewing experience.
- Hardware Modding: If you have a newer V2 or OLED Switch, don't try to software hack it. You will fail. You would need to find a professional to install a "Team Xecuter" style modchip, which is expensive and legally dubious.
Ultimately, the Switch is a gaming console. It's the best one out there for playing on the go, but it's a terrible media player. Until Nintendo and Netflix decide to shake hands, we’re stuck using the official apps or taking our chances with homebrew. For most people, sticking to the YouTube app or just picking up an iPad is the way to go. It keeps your Nintendo account safe and your frustration levels low.
Focus on the games. That's what the hardware was built for. If you really need Cobra Kai on the go, your phone is already in your pocket.