First Nintendo Switch Video Streaming App Arrives, But You Can’t Have It

The Switch may have become our go-to console, but that doesn’t mean it’s without its flaws. For one, we’re still waiting for Nintendo Switch video streaming support, whether in the form of YouTube, Netflix, Amazon or any other streaming service going.

Well, Japanese gamers have got one step ahead of the rest with support for the very first Switch video streaming app hitting their consoles this week.

NicoNico, a Japanese video sharing platform very similar to YouTube, will be available to download on the Switch sometime this week, marking the very first Switch app ever.

The main difference between NicoNico and YouTube is that the Japanese service overlays all the comments over the screen synched to specific play times as you watch – just look at all that mad text action in the video above.

If they’re anything like your average YouTube comments, we’d rather they were relegated to the bottom of the screen out of sight, rather than speeding across the content like a PowerPoint presentation gone mad.

Thankfully, you can toggle the comment barrage off, but you will need a Japanese Nintendo account to download NicoNico in the first place – here’s how to access the Nintendo Switch Japanese eShop.

There’s been no word from Nintendo on when streaming services like Netflix or Amazon will arrive on the Switch. Back in March, Nintendo said support for such apps “will come in time”.

“We’re talking to a range of companies about other services, companies like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon – things that will come in time,” said Nintendo of America CEO, Reggie Fils-Aime. “In our view, these are not differentiators. What differentiates us is the way you play with the Nintendo Switch and what you can play. And that will continue to be our focus as we continue driving this platform.”

For now we’ll have to wait and just enjoy the brilliant games currently available on Switch, including Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Arms.