YouTube App Still Missing on New Nintendo Switch 2
YouTube Confirms App Still Missing on New Nintendo Switch 2
The Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo’s highly anticipated next-generation hybrid console, launched across the globe almost half a year ago. It boasts significant upgrades in power and display technology. However, one key piece of software remains noticeably absent: the YouTube application. While the original Nintendo Switch eventually supported a range of entertainment apps, the new console is currently a media consumption desert.
The Continued Absence of the App
The first-generation Nintendo Switch featured a simple, processing-friendly UI. It deliberately limited entertainment applications to ensure instant game access. The original YouTube app was one of the few media apps eventually made available. When the Switch 2 launched, it was confirmed to support almost all games and software from its predecessor. Yet, the YouTube service did not carry over.
This absence has left players reliant on older hardware for video content. Over the past few months, the worldwide player base has consistently asked for updates. They have taken to social media platforms, including X, to voice their desire for a native app.
Official Confirmation and Development Status
The pressure from players prompted a public statement from the video service. The official YouTube account responded to user inquiries on X. They confirmed that the application is “not ready to service yet.” The statement went on to express hope. YouTube anticipates the app will be available “in the near future.”
This social media confirmation aligns with previous industry reports. These reports indicated that the development team is actively continuing work on a native application. They are reportedly trying their utmost best to launch the app on the new hybrid hardware.
Nintendo Switch 2 Hardware Upgrade
The upgraded hardware of the Switch 2 makes the lack of a native media app particularly frustrating. The console features a larger 7.9-inch screen with HDR support. It can deliver 120 FPS in handheld mode or 4K resolution when docked to a television. Furthermore, the Switch 2 supports a robust suite of modern features. These include full Voice Chat and Video Call capabilities. The system also comes with a generous 256 GB of internal storage. All these features make the console an ideal platform for a premium video streaming experience.
Our Take: The Wait for a Proper Media Hub
It’s genuinely wild that a console powerful enough to push 120 FPS gaming and 4K output can’t seem to figure out how to stream a cat video six months into its life. We hope YouTube is taking its sweet time to build a native app that doesn’t feel like a clunky web browser port from 2017. The Switch 2 is a dream platform for a media hub, complete with its great screen and voice chat capability. Nintendo and YouTube need to prioritize this. Otherwise, the best way to watch video on the Switch 2 remains balancing your phone on the top bezel.
