Can You Watch Amazon Prime on the Nintendo Switch?

Current Status and Availability

As of my last update in August 2023, the Amazon Prime Video app was not available on the Nintendo Switch. Users typically access streaming services like Amazon Prime Video on devices such as smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, and dedicated streaming devices. However, you can check the Nintendo eShop or official announcements for any updates regarding app availability on the Switch, as the situation may have changed since then.

Nintendo's Focus on Gaming

Nintendo, as a pure gaming company, primarily focuses on creating and distributing gaming-related products. They have a specific vision for the Nintendo Switch, which is to remain a dedicated game console rather than a general media device. This approach is evident in their stance on software availability; other than one exception (YouTube), all the software installable on the Switch are games. This policy is intended to protect the integrity and purity of their gaming console market.

The exception to the "only games" rule is YouTube, and its inclusion is highly speculated to be the result of a significant financial incentive from Google. If entitled, the integration of YouTube on the Switch enables users to leverage the console's social media features, which are primarily intended for friendmatching and sharing screenshots.

Exploring Alternative Methods

While there is no direct app for Amazon Prime on the Nintendo Switch e-Store, some users have attempted to find alternative ways to access Amazon Prime Video. The Nintendo Switch does have a built-in browser, but it primarily supports social media integration and interactivity, rather than conventional browsing. This browser is not well-suited for manual URL entry, and attempts to do so have met with limited success.

I experimented with a method to access the Amazon Prime Video URL, but the limitations of the Switch's built-in browser made it refuse to load the site. Therefore, it remains a hard 'no' to loading Amazon Prime Video on the Switch at present. If you're curious about the method I used, you can find it in the comments section. However, it's important to note that this approach does not guarantee a seamless experience, and using such workarounds may violate user agreements or harm your device.

Current Services Available on Nintendo Switch

Nintendo's current software offerings on the Switch are limited to a few major services. Primarily, these include:

Hulu: A popular streaming service in the United States that offers ad-supported TV shows and movies. YouTube: Highly accessible due to the integration of social media features.

There are a couple of other video apps available, but Amazon Prime Video is not one of them. This limited set of services supports Nintendo's strategy of maintaining the Switch as a pure gaming console over a versatile media player.

While users may feel constrained by the current limited set of services, it's important to consider Nintendo's long-term vision and the primary target market for the Switch.

Conclusion and Future Expectations

Despite the lack of Amazon Prime Video on the Nintendo Switch, the platform continues to evolve. Users can hope for updates and new integrations in the future. Nintendo, as a company known for balancing functionality with its pure gaming focus, is likely to make decisions that benefit its core audience while also considering the broader entertainment landscape.

For the latest information, keep an eye on official Nintendo announcements and the eShop for any changes. While the current situation may seem restrictive, stay tuned for potential updates that could expand the entertainment options on your Nintendo Switch.