YouTube App for Nintendo Switch 2: Status Update and Expected Availability
As Nintendo continues to expand its hybrid gaming ecosystem, the launch and support of key multimedia applications on the Nintendo Switch 2 remain a priority for both players and developers.
Among the most requested apps for this new hardware is YouTube, the world's largest video-sharing platform, which has become a staple for millions of users on previous Nintendo consoles including the original Switch, Wii U, 3DS, and Wii. Despite the Nintendo Switch 2's robust backward compatibility and support for a wide library of existing apps and games, users have encountered a gap in video streaming options since its launch.
The absence of the YouTube app has been particularly notable, prompting questions from fans and coverage across the gaming press. Recently, the official Team YouTube social account addressed the situation with a brief but encouraging update.
In response to user inquiries on social media, Team YouTube reiterated that while "YouTube is not yet available on the Nintendo Switch 2," the platform is "working to offer it soon" in conjunction with Nintendo.
The message, highlighted by industry outlets such as My Nintendo News, underlines ongoing collaboration but stops short of providing a specific release date. This aligns with previous statements made in June 2025, when Team YouTube confirmed active development with Nintendo to ensure a smooth rollout of the app for Switch 2 users.
During that update, the company encouraged fans to "stay tuned" for further news, emphasizing its commitment to expanding YouTube's device availability. Nintendo has acknowledged the compatibility issue in its own documentation, referencing how YouTube's absence is already recognized during backward compatibility tests.
The company notes that resolving this gap is currently under investigation. For users trying to access YouTube on Switch 2, attempts currently result in a notification indicating that the software cannot start.
Other prominent video streaming apps—including Niconico, ABEMA, Hulu, Crunchyroll, and InkyPen—are also currently unavailable on the platform, according to a recent update excerpted from Nintendo sources. The YouTube application previously launched on the original Nintendo Switch’s eShop as a free download in 2018 and was well-received thanks to its seamless integration and accessibility.
This history of support for Nintendo hardware sets a strong precedent for the app's eventual arrival on Switch 2, even as current users wait for an official release. In summary, while Nintendo Switch 2 owners may have to remain patient for now, both YouTube and Nintendo have confirmed their intent to launch the YouTube app soon.
Updates are anticipated as development continues, reaffirming Nintendo’s commitment to multimedia support and its ongoing partnership with key streaming providers.
For further updates, users are encouraged to follow official Nintendo Direct announcements and Team YouTube's social channels.
Among the most requested apps for this new hardware is YouTube, the world's largest video-sharing platform, which has become a staple for millions of users on previous Nintendo consoles including the original Switch, Wii U, 3DS, and Wii. Despite the Nintendo Switch 2's robust backward compatibility and support for a wide library of existing apps and games, users have encountered a gap in video streaming options since its launch.
The absence of the YouTube app has been particularly notable, prompting questions from fans and coverage across the gaming press. Recently, the official Team YouTube social account addressed the situation with a brief but encouraging update.
In response to user inquiries on social media, Team YouTube reiterated that while "YouTube is not yet available on the Nintendo Switch 2," the platform is "working to offer it soon" in conjunction with Nintendo.
The message, highlighted by industry outlets such as My Nintendo News, underlines ongoing collaboration but stops short of providing a specific release date. This aligns with previous statements made in June 2025, when Team YouTube confirmed active development with Nintendo to ensure a smooth rollout of the app for Switch 2 users.
During that update, the company encouraged fans to "stay tuned" for further news, emphasizing its commitment to expanding YouTube's device availability. Nintendo has acknowledged the compatibility issue in its own documentation, referencing how YouTube's absence is already recognized during backward compatibility tests.
The company notes that resolving this gap is currently under investigation. For users trying to access YouTube on Switch 2, attempts currently result in a notification indicating that the software cannot start.
Other prominent video streaming apps—including Niconico, ABEMA, Hulu, Crunchyroll, and InkyPen—are also currently unavailable on the platform, according to a recent update excerpted from Nintendo sources. The YouTube application previously launched on the original Nintendo Switch’s eShop as a free download in 2018 and was well-received thanks to its seamless integration and accessibility.
This history of support for Nintendo hardware sets a strong precedent for the app's eventual arrival on Switch 2, even as current users wait for an official release. In summary, while Nintendo Switch 2 owners may have to remain patient for now, both YouTube and Nintendo have confirmed their intent to launch the YouTube app soon.
Updates are anticipated as development continues, reaffirming Nintendo’s commitment to multimedia support and its ongoing partnership with key streaming providers.
For further updates, users are encouraged to follow official Nintendo Direct announcements and Team YouTube's social channels.