Nintendo users can say goodbye to streaming Netflix on their Wii U and 3DS devices, as the app is no longer available for download for new users. Existing users can still access the app, but not for long. Nintendo says it will be completely deactivated on June 30, 2021.
“As of December 31, 2020, the Netflix app will no longer be available for new users to download from the Nintendo eShop on the Wii U console or the Nintendo 3DS family of systems,” Nintendo said in a statement about Wii U listings and 3DS Netflix app. “During that time, it will be possible for existing users to download these applications again. The service for existing users will continue until June 30, 2021. Thanks to everyone who has liked Netflix on these platforms over the years. “
Nintendo discontinued the 10-year-old 3DS in September, so it’s no surprise that they’re turning off streaming from Netflix. Nintendo appears to be eliminating support for this type of old game consoles and focusing on newer devices. We’ve seen this before, when Nintendo pulled Netflix streaming from the Wii in early 2019, when the device was 12 years old.
With that said, there is still no sign of a Netflix app for the Nintendo Switch, although the hybrid video game console is almost 4 years old. Nintendo said it was in talks to reach deals with major streaming apps when it launched in March 2017, but so far only Hulu is available.
Tmera Hepburn