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The anime service behind the Nintendo Switch headline is Crunchyroll. Its app launched for the original Nintendo Switch on February 17, 2022, and supports docked, handheld, and tabletop play. The important current catch: Crunchyroll is not supported on Nintendo Switch 2, according to the service’s Switch 2 support information.
Which anime service came to Nintendo Switch?
It was Crunchyroll, a dedicated anime streaming service—not Funimation. The distinction matters because Funimation arrived on Switch earlier, in December 2020, while Crunchyroll’s app launched on February 17, 2022. Funimation content subsequently began moving to Crunchyroll as the services consolidated their catalogs and platform strategy. See TechRadar’s report on Funimation’s Switch arrival and Crunchyroll’s consolidation announcement.
Calling Crunchyroll “the best” is a judgment, not a technical designation. It is a strong match for viewers who prioritize anime breadth and seasonal releases; it is not automatically best for someone seeking general entertainment, a particular exclusive, or a native streaming app on Switch 2.
When did Crunchyroll launch, and what can the app do?
Crunchyroll announced that its Switch app was available through the Nintendo eShop on February 17, 2022. On original Switch hardware, it supports viewing in docked, handheld, and tabletop modes. Subscribers on eligible plans can also download supported shows for offline viewing. These launch details are in Crunchyroll’s announcement.
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#1 Best Overall
- The next evolution of Nintendo Switch
- One system, three play modes: TV, Tabletop, and Handheld
- Larger, vivid, 7.9” LCD touch screen with support for HDR and up to 120 fps
- Dock that supports 4K when connected to a compatible TV*
- GameChat** lets you voice chat, share your game screen, and connect via video chat as you play
- Docked: Watch on a television while the console is connected to its dock.
- Handheld: Watch on the console screen while holding it.
- Tabletop: Set the console on a surface and watch with controllers detached.
- Account continuity: Sign in to the same Crunchyroll account used on other supported devices.
- Offline viewing: Download eligible titles when the account tier and title permit it; downloads are not permanent ownership.
Crunchyroll’s device guide, dated August 26, 2024, described its catalog as more than 50,000 episodes and over 25,000 hours of anime series, music, and movies. Catalog size and availability can change and vary by country; the figures are Crunchyroll’s, not a guarantee that every title is available in every region. See its guide to supported devices.
How to install Crunchyroll on an original Switch
- Connect the original Nintendo Switch to the internet and open Nintendo eShop from the HOME Menu.
- Search for Crunchyroll and select the official application.
- Choose the free download option. The app itself does not require a Premium subscription to download.
- When installation finishes, launch Crunchyroll from the HOME Menu.
- Sign in to an existing account or create one, then choose a title and start playback.
The exact eShop wording can vary with region and software version. App availability and the catalog may depend on the country or region associated with the Nintendo Account and on Crunchyroll’s licensing. Crunchyroll lists Nintendo Switch among its supported devices, subject to the current firmware supported by the relevant app update; it does not establish a specific firmware number in the cited device information. Check its supported-device information if the app is missing or will not start.
Rank #2
- 6.2” LCD screen
- Three play modes: TV, tabletop, and handheld
- Local co-op, online, and local wireless multiplayer
- Detachable Joy-Con controllers
- Nintendo Switch is the home of Mario & friends
Is Crunchyroll free on Switch?
The app is free to download, but that does not mean the full service is free. A free account may provide access to some content, subject to current policy and regional licensing. Premium is intended for benefits such as ad-free viewing and access to content or features restricted on a free account. Do not assume every series, episode, dub, or current-season release is included for free—or available in your country.
| What you want | Free account | Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Download the Switch app | Yes | Yes |
| Watch some available catalog content | May be available; policy and selection vary by territory | Available subject to the catalog and licensing |
| Ad-free viewing | Not a free-account benefit | Premium benefit; check current plan terms |
| Access to restricted or newer catalog items | May be limited by title and policy | Often the intended Premium use case; title and region still matter |
| Offline viewing on Switch | Not included as a free-account feature | Crunchyroll’s launch announcement named Mega Fan and Ultimate Fan as eligible; title restrictions apply |
Plan names, prices, trials, and features can change, so check the live Crunchyroll Premium page before subscribing. The cited Switch launch announcement specifically named Mega Fan and Ultimate Fan for offline viewing; do not treat that historical tier naming as confirmation that today’s plan names or terms are unchanged.
Rank #3
- Play your way with the Nintendo Switch gaming system. Whether you’re at home or on the go, solo or with friends, the Nintendo Switch system is designed to fit your life. Dock your Nintendo Switch to enjoy HD gaming on your TV. Heading out? Just undock your console and keep playing in handheld mode
- This model includes battery life of approximately 4.5 - 9 hours.
- The battery life will depend on the games you play. For instance, the battery will last approximately 5.5 hours for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (games sold separately)
- Model number HAC 001( 01)
Does offline viewing work on Switch?
Yes, offline viewing was part of the Switch app’s launch feature set. Crunchyroll’s February 2022 announcement identified Mega Fan and Ultimate Fan subscribers as eligible. A qualifying account does not guarantee that every title can be downloaded: availability can depend on the title, licensing, account status, and storage on the console or microSD card. Downloads should not be treated as permanent copies; service validation, subscription status, and other account or licensing restrictions may affect access.
Does Crunchyroll work on Nintendo Switch 2?
No. Crunchyroll’s current support information says the app is not supported on Nintendo Switch 2. A Crunchyroll icon transferred from an original Switch may appear on the newer console, but the app will not launch. Crunchyroll says there is no current announcement for Switch 2 support. This is separate from the original Switch app, which remains supported. Check the Switch 2 FAQ for updates.
Rank #4
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- 6.2” LCD screen.
- Three play modes: TV, tabletop, and handheld
- Local co-op, online, and local wireless multiplayer
- Detachable Joy-Con controllers
If you own only a Switch 2, watch on another supported device—such as a phone, tablet, computer, smart TV, PlayStation, Xbox, Roku, or Fire TV—rather than subscribing on the assumption that the console has a working Crunchyroll app. The service’s supported-device list is the place to verify a particular device. Do not assume that another video service available on a television or phone also has a Switch app.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is Crunchyroll the best anime service for you?
Crunchyroll makes the most sense when anime is the main reason you are subscribing and you will watch on original Switch hardware or another supported device. A dedicated service can be a better fit for anime discovery and seasonal viewing than a broad entertainment subscription, but no one catalog covers every license, dub, or region.
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Best Value
- One player can use a Joy-Con in each hand
- Two players can each take one
- Multiple Joy-Con can be employed by numerous people for a variety of gameplay options (additional Joy-Con sold separately)
- Slip a set of Joy-Con into a Joy-Con grip accessory, mirroring a more traditional controller. Or, select an optional Nintendo Switch Pro Controller.
- Choose Crunchyroll when you want a dedicated anime service, value a broad anime catalog and seasonal releases, or want anime on an original Switch.
- Compare with Netflix, Hulu, or another service you already pay for if you mainly watch general entertainment or only want a few titles. Their anime selections and licensing vary; they are not interchangeable with Crunchyroll.
- Check the specific show first if your priority is an exclusive, a particular dub, or a title that may be licensed to another service such as HIDIVE or Prime Video.
- Do not subscribe for native Switch 2 playback unless Crunchyroll announces support. An original Switch app does not imply compatibility with the newer console.
Troubleshooting common Switch problems
Crunchyroll is missing from the eShop
- Confirm you are using an original Switch-family console, not Switch 2.
- Update the console software, restart the system, and search the eShop again for “Crunchyroll.”
- Check the Nintendo Account country or region and confirm you are in the intended eShop.
- If the app was installed but its icon is missing from HOME, check whether it remains installed before downloading again.
- Consider temporary eShop or network problems; regional availability is not necessarily identical everywhere.
A video will not play
- Test another title to distinguish a show-specific restriction from a broader playback problem.
- Check Wi-Fi, restart the app and console, and install available app or system updates.
- Sign out and back in if playback still fails, and confirm that the account can access the selected title in your territory.
- If the issue continues, try another supported device and consult Crunchyroll’s current help information for account- or title-specific restrictions.
An offline download will not work
- Confirm the account has an eligible plan and the selected title permits downloads.
- Check available console or microSD storage.
- Reconnect to the service if account validation is needed, and confirm the subscription remains active.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
