For years, the Nintendo Switch has been more than just a gateway to the Mushroom Kingdom; it has been a reliable, portable entertainment hub for millions. However, that “all-in-one” convenience is about to take a significant hit.
Nintendo has officially confirmed that Hulu will be removed from all Switch models on February 5, 2026. The news comes as a blow to users who rely on their consoles for late-night binges of The Bear or Only Murders in the Building. If you haven’t downloaded the app yet, you’re already too late—as of January 7, 2026, the app has been scrubbed from the Nintendo Switch eShop, preventing any new installations.
The Timeline of the Shutdown
The phase-out is happening in two distinct stages to prepare for a total discontinuation of the service on Nintendo hardware.
January 7, 2026: Hulu was officially removed from the eShop. Current users can still use the app, but new users are blocked from downloading it.
February 5, 2026: Full support ends. On this date, the app will cease to function entirely on the console.
Why Is Hulu Leaving? The Disney+ Factor
While it might feel like Nintendo is pulling the plug, the evidence suggests this is a strategic move by Disney. The House of Mouse has been aggressively moving toward a “one-app” future, integrating Hulu content directly into the Disney+ ecosystem.
By phasing out the standalone Hulu app on older hardware like the original Switch, Disney is likely attempting to streamline its technical support and push users toward the unified Disney+ experience. While the content you love isn’t disappearing, the way you access it on Nintendo hardware is being fundamentally rewritten.
The Switch 2 “Downgrade” Dilemma
This news is particularly stinging for those looking to upgrade to the Nintendo Switch 2. Despite the new console boasting massive hardware improvements, its “entertainment” side is looking surprisingly sparse at launch.
Currently, the Switch 2 lacks support for several major streaming pillars:
- Hulu: Discontinued and unsupported.
- Crunchyroll: Completely incompatible with the new hardware.
- YouTube: Listed as “unsupported,” meaning its functionality is either severely limited or unverified for launch.
For anime fans, there is a small silver lining: Crunchyroll will remain on the original Nintendo Switch models. Nintendo has indicated no current plans to remove the anime streamer from the older hardware, even as Hulu makes its exit.
The Future of Handheld Media
The removal of Hulu marks the end of an era for the original Switch, which was once one of the few mainstream devices to successfully bridge the gap between a high-end gaming console and a tablet-like media player.
As we move closer to the February 5 deadline, Switch owners will have to look toward other devices—or perhaps wait for Disney to eventually bring the unified Disney+ (with Hulu integrated) to the Switch 2. Until then, your portable TV sessions might need a new home.
