Netflix Is Still 'Exploring The Opportunity' To Release A Nintendo Switch App

When the Nintendo Switch was released last year, it didn’t support video streaming apps because Nintendo wanted to focus on games first. Hulu eventually arrived in November 2017, but it looks like the Netflix app for the Switch won’t be arriving anytime soon.

Over the weekend, a user asked Netflix’s Twitter support page (@Netflixhelps) on when can fans expect the launch of the Nintendo Switch app. The Netflix support page responded by saying that there are “currently no plans for Netflix on Nintendo Switch.” Unsurprisingly, this alarmed some users and Netflix had to be reached for further clarification.

“We are still exploring the opportunity with Nintendo, but don’t have definitive plans to share at this time,” a Netflix spokesperson told Polygon. The original Tweet from @Netflixhelps has already been deleted and has been replaced with a new tweet that reflects the spokesperson’s statement to Polygon.

Based on Netflix’s new statement, it does look like the video streaming giant is still interested in releasing its own app for the Nintendo Switch console. What’s really uncertain at this point is what exactly is stopping the company from releasing the app sooner than later.

It’s possible that Nintendo is holding off from releasing the Netflix app for the Switch. When Hulu was first made available on the Switch, Nintendo really didn’t make a big deal out of it and it was a bit of a surprise, even. Perhaps Nintendo wants to slowly release video streaming apps for the Switch, so that its fans will mostly be busy waiting for new games instead of new TV shows and movies. This also reflects the company’s plan of prioritizing games first for its hybrid console.

“We built the Nintendo Switch to be a world-class gaming device, meaning we want you first and foremost to play games on the system and have an incredibly fun experience,” Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime told The Washington Post March 2017.

“We’re talking to a range of companies about other services, companies like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon — things that will come in time. 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 into the future as we continue driving this platform.”

All things considered, it seems like Netflix will arrive for the Nintendo Switch at some point in the near future. But fans shouldn’t really hold their breath as it looks like it really isn’t a priority for Nintendo.