Despite the Nintendo Switch having been around for nearly two years, it has always lacked apps and services, but as of now, YouTube is now available on Switch.
Arguably one of the most innovative gaming consoles to date, the Nintendo Switch has gone above and beyond what anyone thought possible, and where the Wii U failed, the Switch has risen prominently. The Switch’s success is appealing to a constantly increasing amount of developers and publishers, which has produced a surge of new Switch games and ports. But now, as YouTube has been added on the Nintendo eShop, Nintendo’s newest console is beginning to morph into an all-in-one entertainment console.
Last week rumors of a YouTube app being added to Switch surfaced when a leaked YouTube icon began appearing under ‘recommended applications’ on a Nintendo Twitter account. While Nintendo gave no confirmation of the truth of these rumors, today Switch owners received one of Nintendo fans’ most-desired apps for the extremely popular console. Although Nintendo added a Hulu app last November, Switch owners have been wanting all of the popular streaming services since the Nintendo Switch’s release in early 2017. But even though there were some reports that a Netflix Switch app is ready to release, Netflix denied them, stating it had “no plans” to bring its service to the Switch.
Despite having no Netflix app, it is certainly encouraging for fans that the long-awaited YouTube app has finally been confirmed and released. Although it took nearly a year and a half, this could be the beginning of a series of non-gaming apps to come to Switch. Because of Nintendo’s focus on the Switch becoming more of a service, it is likely that fans may see other popular streaming services join the eShop. And since the console lacks music apps specifically, Switch owners may finally see Spotify or another popular music service, though this mere speculation.
Even though the Nintendo Switch has seen extreme success thus far, it has received some negative feedback due to its lack of games and apps, whereas the PS4 and Xbox One have plenty of both. However, while it may lack in games and apps, it is important to remember that the Switch is still fairly new. Being over three years younger than the PS4 and Xbox One, Nintendo’s portable console will presumably still be around after Sony and Microsoft release their new consoles. And despite Nintendo’s announcement of a new Switch model, it still may take some time for the eShop to receive new apps and services.
