The Nintendo Switch 2 has been a massive success since its June 2025 launch, selling over 10 million units by September. But there’s been one glaring omission that’s frustrated users: the complete lack of streaming apps. No YouTube, no Netflix, no Hulu. Nothing. Recent developments suggest that might be changing soon, especially when it comes to YouTube streaming capabilities.
The Current Streaming Situation on Switch 2
When the Switch 2 launched in June 2025, it arrived without support for any video streaming apps. The YouTube app that worked perfectly fine on the original Switch became incompatible with the new hardware. Google acknowledged this almost immediately, stating they were working with Nintendo to bring YouTube to the Switch 2 soon. But eight months later, users are still waiting.
The situation has only gotten worse. Hulu quietly removed its app from the Nintendo eShop in early January 2026, with official support ending on February 5. Disney confirmed the app would be integrated into Disney Plus, which has never been available on any Nintendo console. Crunchyroll, Niconico, and ABEMA also remain unsupported on the Switch 2.
What the Reddit Leak Suggests
A recent Reddit post on the GamingLeaksAndRumours subreddit has sparked new hope for streaming enthusiasts. According to information spotted on YouTube’s support documentation, the platform lists modern gaming systems like PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo as capable of streaming directly from the console itself. The wording suggests that YouTube is preparing to enable direct streaming functionality for the Switch 2, not just a video watching app.
YouTube made a statement around the Switch 2’s launch confirming they were working on app support. If the documentation update is accurate, this could mean Nintendo’s console will finally get native streaming capabilities, allowing creators to broadcast their gameplay directly to YouTube without needing capture cards or external equipment.
Why Has It Taken So Long?
The delay likely comes down to technical compatibility issues. The Switch 2 supports new features that the original Switch doesn’t, including HDR, Dolby Atmos, 4K output when docked, and frame rates up to 120 fps. Many believe the console lacks HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) support, at least in its current firmware state, which is required for most streaming video apps.
The original Nintendo Switch didn’t get YouTube until November 2018, over a year and a half after launch. While Google promised a quicker turnaround this time, the complexity of supporting the Switch 2’s upgraded hardware specs may be causing delays. Some community members speculate that streaming apps are waiting for firmware updates from Nintendo before they can properly launch their services.
Built-In Features That Already Support Streaming
Interestingly, the Switch 2 already has some streaming-adjacent features built into its online service. GameChat, accessed by pressing the C button on the right Joy-Con, allows players to group up with friends in Discord-like calls. Users can stream live footage of their gameplay to friends, and those with the Nintendo Switch 2 camera accessory can even video stream themselves during calls.
There’s also GameShare, which lets you mirror your gameplay to another Switch 2 console. These features suggest Nintendo built the infrastructure for streaming into the hardware. The pieces are there – they just need YouTube and other platforms to activate full public streaming capabilities.
What This Means for Content Creators
If YouTube streaming does come to Switch 2, it would be a game-changer for casual streamers and content creators who don’t want to invest in expensive capture cards and streaming setups. Being able to go live directly from the console would lower the barrier to entry significantly. However, the quality and features remain question marks until an official announcement is made.
For now, creators who want to stream Switch 2 gameplay need external capture cards and computers running streaming software like OBS. Some workarounds involve disabling HDCP through specific capture card settings, but that’s far from the plug-and-play experience most users want.
FAQs About YouTube Streaming on Switch 2
Can I watch YouTube on Nintendo Switch 2 right now?
No, the YouTube app is not currently available on Switch 2. Google confirmed in June 2025 that they’re working with Nintendo to bring YouTube to the console soon, but as of January 2026, there’s still no release date.
Will the original Switch YouTube app work on Switch 2?
No, the YouTube app from the original Switch is not compatible with Switch 2. Users will need to wait for a dedicated Switch 2 version of the app.
What streaming apps work on Switch 2?
Currently, no streaming apps work on the Switch 2. Apps like Hulu, Netflix, Crunchyroll, and others that were available on the original Switch are not compatible with the new console.
Can I stream my Switch 2 gameplay to YouTube or Twitch?
Not directly from the console yet. You’ll need an external capture card and a computer with streaming software to broadcast Switch 2 gameplay. However, the Switch 2 does support GameChat, which allows you to stream gameplay to friends privately.
Why doesn’t Switch 2 support streaming apps?
The Switch 2 has upgraded hardware with HDR, 4K support, and Dolby Atmos capabilities that weren’t present in the original Switch. Streaming services need to develop new apps that support these features, which takes time. Some speculate the console may lack proper HDCP support in its current firmware.
When will YouTube streaming come to Switch 2?
There’s no official release date yet. Based on recent Reddit leaks and YouTube’s support documentation updates, it appears the feature is in development. Some community members estimate it might arrive by mid-2026, though this is purely speculation.
Did the original Switch have YouTube at launch?
No, YouTube didn’t arrive on the original Nintendo Switch until November 2018, about 20 months after the console launched in March 2017. The delay for Switch 2 is frustrating but not unprecedented.
Looking Ahead
The Nintendo Switch 2 has been a commercial triumph, with predictions suggesting it will sell 19 million units by the end of Nintendo’s business year. The console’s backward compatibility with thousands of original Switch games has made the transition smooth for most players. Adding YouTube streaming functionality would address one of the few major complaints about the system.
Whether the recent documentation changes spotted on Reddit indicate an imminent launch or just preliminary groundwork remains to be seen. What’s clear is that both YouTube and Nintendo are aware of user demand. The question isn’t if streaming will come to Switch 2, but when. For content creators and casual users alike, that day can’t come soon enough.