Nintendo Switch users will soon have one less media streaming option, as Nintendo has confirmed the discontinuation of the Hulu app for its popular hybrid console.
The service is set to go offline on February 5, 2026, ending an era that began when the app was first introduced to the Nintendo Switch eShop in November 2017. Hulu's arrival on the Nintendo Switch was an early step by Nintendo to provide more than just gaming experiences on its platform.
For nearly a decade, the Hulu app allowed users to stream countless TV shows, movies, and original content directly on their consoles, integrating entertainment alongside iconic Nintendo titles.
Despite this, the app distinguished itself with some limitations—most notably, the inability to stream content in 4K resolution, since the app was strictly HD only.
As 4K TVs have rapidly become commonplace, this restriction became more pronounced for media enthusiasts seeking higher fidelity. Navigating the interface was another often-cited issue, with users occasionally finding the experience less intuitive than on other streaming devices.
Yet, for many, the combination of portability and convenience made the Nintendo Switch a practical choice for watching Hulu content. Regarding the upcoming discontinuation, a spokesperson explained that the Hulu app will no longer be available to download, and existing users will lose access after February 5, 2026.
Nintendo has not released an official comment detailing the specific reasons for the app’s removal; however, it aligns with broader trends in the media industry.
The Walt Disney Company, which is Hulu’s majority owner, has recently focused on consolidating its streaming services under the Disney+ banner and has begun phasing out Hulu standalone apps on multiple platforms.
Industry experts suggest that the decision was likely based on viewership data and Disney's strategic shift towards centralizing its streaming offerings. While some users may be disappointed by the news, the proliferation of smart devices means most consumers already have multiple ways to access Hulu and Disney+ on modern hardware, including smart TVs, PCs, mobile devices, and competing consoles like the PlayStation 5.
For Nintendo, the shift also may reflect a continued prioritization of resources towards its core gaming business rather than multimedia services, reinforced by the robust sales of the Nintendo Switch and a steady cadence of first-party game releases. As the sunset date approaches, current Hulu on Switch users are encouraged to explore other means of streaming content.
This move underscores the evolving relationship between gaming platforms and multimedia apps, as well as the changing priorities of industry giants like Disney and Nintendo. Stay tuned to official Nintendo communications for updates regarding other non-gaming apps on the platform and visit the Nintendo eShop for the latest on new releases and service changes.
The service is set to go offline on February 5, 2026, ending an era that began when the app was first introduced to the Nintendo Switch eShop in November 2017. Hulu's arrival on the Nintendo Switch was an early step by Nintendo to provide more than just gaming experiences on its platform.
For nearly a decade, the Hulu app allowed users to stream countless TV shows, movies, and original content directly on their consoles, integrating entertainment alongside iconic Nintendo titles.
Despite this, the app distinguished itself with some limitations—most notably, the inability to stream content in 4K resolution, since the app was strictly HD only.
As 4K TVs have rapidly become commonplace, this restriction became more pronounced for media enthusiasts seeking higher fidelity. Navigating the interface was another often-cited issue, with users occasionally finding the experience less intuitive than on other streaming devices.
Yet, for many, the combination of portability and convenience made the Nintendo Switch a practical choice for watching Hulu content. Regarding the upcoming discontinuation, a spokesperson explained that the Hulu app will no longer be available to download, and existing users will lose access after February 5, 2026.
Nintendo has not released an official comment detailing the specific reasons for the app’s removal; however, it aligns with broader trends in the media industry.
The Walt Disney Company, which is Hulu’s majority owner, has recently focused on consolidating its streaming services under the Disney+ banner and has begun phasing out Hulu standalone apps on multiple platforms.
Industry experts suggest that the decision was likely based on viewership data and Disney's strategic shift towards centralizing its streaming offerings. While some users may be disappointed by the news, the proliferation of smart devices means most consumers already have multiple ways to access Hulu and Disney+ on modern hardware, including smart TVs, PCs, mobile devices, and competing consoles like the PlayStation 5.
For Nintendo, the shift also may reflect a continued prioritization of resources towards its core gaming business rather than multimedia services, reinforced by the robust sales of the Nintendo Switch and a steady cadence of first-party game releases. As the sunset date approaches, current Hulu on Switch users are encouraged to explore other means of streaming content.
This move underscores the evolving relationship between gaming platforms and multimedia apps, as well as the changing priorities of industry giants like Disney and Nintendo. Stay tuned to official Nintendo communications for updates regarding other non-gaming apps on the platform and visit the Nintendo eShop for the latest on new releases and service changes.
