Nintendo is killing off Netflix support for the 3DS and Wii U; still no sign of a Switch...

[midian182]

In brief: Bad news for the few people who still watch Netflix on a 3DS or Wii U. Nintendo has announced it is discontinuing the service on these devices from June 30, with the app having already been removed from its eShop.

Despite the removal of the app, anyone who downloaded Netflix onto one of the aging devices can still use and re-download it until June 30. After that point, it will cease to function.

"Starting Dec 31st, 2020, the Netflix app will no longer be available for new users to download from Nintendo eShop on the Wii U console or Nintendo 3DS family of systems," Nintendo wrote on its website (via Nintendo Life). "During that time, it will be possible for existing users to re-download these applications. Service for existing users will continue until June 30th, 2021. Thank you to everyone who enjoyed Netflix on these platforms over the years."

Mario discovers there's still no Netflix app for the Switch

After June 30, no Nintendo device will support the streaming service. Even the incredibly popular Nintendo Switch, which analysts expect will be the best-selling console of 2021, lacks Netflix. There are other streaming options on the hybrid console, of course, including a Hulu app in the US and video-sharing app NicoNico in Japan.

Back when the Nintendo Switch launched in 2017, Nintendo president Reggie Fils-Aime said Netflix "would come in time." Fils-Aime a year later said that talks between the two companies were "on-going," but we've heard nothing since then. Could Nintendo be holding off until a 4K-capable Switch Pro arrives, possibly this year? We'll have to wait and see.

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https://www.techspot.com/news/88187-nintendo-killing-off-netflix-support-3ds-wii-u.html

 

[stewi0001]

Rob is on a Nintendo kick today. Maybe he'll get a hat trick! XD

 

[CrisisDog]

I'm sorry, I just can't "Nintendo" any more. This is just another reason for me to stay away.

 

[SirDigby]

I don't really know who's still using these apps anyway now. Who was old enough to have a 3DS or WiiU who doesn't now (or wont in 6 months) have access to a Smartphone, Tablet, Laptop, SmartTV, PC or other console?
I am still surprised Netflix never made it to Switch, when both prestigious games, and trash games alike have made it - It can output 1080p when docked, what's the problem? If you have a 4K telly, most likely it's a smart telly with a Netflix app?

 

[mbrowne5061]

Considering the Switch is running very similar hardware to the nVidia shield, it seems likely that Netflix (and many others) already have apps for the Switch - meaning it is likely Nintendo that is holding up the Apps. My bet is they, like Google and Apple, want a cut of the subscriptions - and they are probably demanding too much for it. But I'm also betting that Nintendo is looking at their expenses from the Netflix apps on the Wii and Wii U, and basing their estimates on those (never mind that very few used the Netflix App on either, given its relatively poor implementation and limited resolution)