YouTube is officially available on Nintendo Switch

Giant joins Nintendo’s console platform

YouTube is launching on Nintendo Switch today. This biggest name in the online video streaming industry will become the second largest video application released on the Switch since the console was launched in March 2017 (Hulu took the lead last November) . YouTube is free to download from the Nintendo eShop.

YouTube’s interface and navigation on Switch

The app delivers exactly what you’d expect, giving users access to YouTube’s vast library of endless videos. The Switch version has been confirmed to support 360-degree video viewing. You can control YouTube with normal gaming keys or partly using the touch screen like on a phone. Using the phrase “partial” because you can’t swipe up and down in the app is a big shortcoming. Hulu does not yet have support for touch screens.

Sync across accounts

Switch users can sign in to YouTube with their Google account to view their subscribed channels, recommended videos, and even their personal video library. Another option you have is your Movies Anywhere library; This feature may not seem suitable for the Switch in handheld mode, but is still a big plus when you attach the Switch to your dock.

The original Nintendo Switch didn’t have a streaming video app when it first launched in March 2017. Hulu joined the Nintendo Switch after nearly a year in November 2018. Last January, Netflix said it was also planning to join. and was in discussions with Nintendo at the time. The third streaming service, Niconicao, is only available in Japan.