Hulu Shutdown Begins: Disney Sets Date to Phase Out Popular Streamer

The Nintendo Switch has long served as both a gaming console and a portable device for streaming entertainment. However, it is set to lose one of its key features that many users have appreciated, namely Hulu.

Despite the Nintendo Switch 2 boasting significant improvements in hardware, those who enjoyed using their devices for streaming TV shows and movies will face a setback. The new system does not currently support major streaming apps, and the original Nintendo Switch will also see the discontinuation of Hulu, one of its primary streaming services.

Nintendo has officially stated that Hulu will be discontinued on all Switch models starting February 5, 2026. A notification was released on January 7, 2026, indicating the upcoming removal of the app. It has already been withdrawn from the Nintendo Switch eShop, blocking any new installations. The service will completely cease on the specified date.

For a considerable time, Hulu stood as one of the primary mainstream streaming services available on the Switch, making it a favored choice for users who sought a versatile handheld device for both gaming and viewing entertainment. The removal of Hulu considerably diminishes the streaming functionality of the console, which was already somewhat restricted.

The introduction of the Switch 2 compounds the disappointment for consumers, as it lacks support for not only Hulu but also Crunchyroll and YouTube at launch. YouTube is currently labeled as “unsupported,” which suggests it might work in a restricted capacity, if at all, though its compatibility has not been confirmed as of this writing. Crunchyroll, on the other hand, is entirely incompatible, potentially alienating a significant segment of anime enthusiasts.

While Hulu will be removed and Crunchyroll is not available on the Switch 2, the anime streaming service will continue to be available on the original Nintendo Switch. Nintendo has not indicated any plans to remove it in the near future.

The decision to remove Hulu appears to be primarily driven by Disney rather than Nintendo. This move is in line with Hulu’s upcoming integration into Disney+, where the platform’s content will continue to exist but under a unified streaming service.