Switch 2 YouTube App Coming Soon: What You Need to Know
If you’ve recently upgraded to the new Nintendo Switch 2, you might have noticed something frustrating: the Switch 2 YouTube app isn’t available yet. Unlike the original Switch, where YouTube arrived over a year after launch, the new handheld currently doesn’t support the YouTube app—at least not out of the box. But don’t worry, Nintendo and YouTube are working to bring the app to Switch 2 users soon. This guide answers the most common questions about the Switch 2 YouTube app, what to expect, and why the delay happened.
Why Isn’t the YouTube App Available on Switch 2 Yet?
The Switch 2 YouTube app isn’t showing up on the Nintendo eShop for the new device, and if you try to transfer the app from your original Switch, you’ll encounter an error message saying it can’t start. This happens because the app isn’t compatible with the new hardware or software environment of the Switch 2. Nintendo’s latest handheld features upgraded components and a refreshed system architecture, which means apps designed for the original Switch, like YouTube, need updates or complete rebuilds to work smoothly on the new console.
What Is Nintendo Doing About the Switch 2 YouTube App?
Good news is on the horizon. According to the official TeamYouTube account on X (formerly Twitter), YouTube is actively collaborating with Nintendo to release a compatible app for the Switch 2. While there’s no official release date yet, this partnership suggests a faster rollout compared to the long wait experienced with the first Switch. Whether YouTube plans a universal app for both Switch generations or a dedicated Switch 2 version remains unclear. Still, it’s clear they understand how important the YouTube app is to gamers and streamers who enjoy on-the-go video content.
What About Other Streaming Apps on Switch 2?
YouTube isn’t the only streaming service missing from the Switch 2 at launch. Apps like Hulu, Crunchyroll, and Japanese services Niconico and Abema also aren’t currently compatible. Nintendo hasn’t confirmed updates for these yet, but if YouTube’s progress is any indication, more streaming apps may soon follow. The Switch 2’s improved screen and processing power make it an ideal device for media consumption, so users can expect enhanced app support over time.