It’s no secret that the Nintendo Switch 2 boasts an impressive library, featuring anticipated titles like Pokémon Pokopia, Mario Kart World, and Donkey Kong Bananza. Yet, despite the console’s prowess, it currently lacks a native YouTube application.
Judging by the flood of social media pleas, there is a clear, high demand for the service. If you simply can’t wait for an official release, a rather unorthodox workaround exists. It comes with notable limitations, but since it’s free, it’s a viable option if you absolutely must access YouTube on your Switch 2.
Image: Pixile via PolygonAs Reddit user JampyL recently pointed out, the multiplayer indie hit Super Animal Royale features a scrolling news feed on its main menu that includes related videos. Selecting one of these videos and opting to “watch on YouTube” triggers an external browser. Once inside this browser, you can freely search for and enjoy YouTube content on your console.
Image: Ford James/PolygonBe aware, however, that this experience isn’t seamless. For starters, you are locked into full-screen viewing, preventing you from browsing comments while watching. Furthermore, video resolution is capped at 360p; while acceptable in handheld mode, it appears lackluster when the console is docked. Finally, the web interface itself can be glitchy—you might encounter missing thumbnails or broken assets, though the videos themselves typically play without issue.
Will YouTube arrive officially on the Switch 2? Given its presence on the original console, it seems like a logical progression. The official TeamYouTube X account previously teased that the app was “scheduled to become available soon.” That message was swiftly deleted, suggesting it may have been premature or inaccurate. In the meantime, you might as well dive into Super Animal Royale; this 64-player cartoon battle royale holds “very positive” reviews on Steam and is well worth your time.
Source: Polygon
