Unlike its console rivals, the Nintendo Switch doesn't feature a plethora of streaming apps. As of yet, you won't find a dedicated app to Netflix on the handheld, and you'd be wasting your time trying to find alternative streaming platforms like Apple TV and Disney Plus. However, there is good news for Pokémon fans this week as the company has added a free streaming app, Pokémon TV, to the console.
The Switch marks the latest platform to receive Pokémon TV after its previous releases for mobile devices and Smart TVs. Nintendo announced the console format of the app on its website before also updating fans on Twitter.
Attention all Trainers! #PokemonTV is now available on #NintendoSwitch, featuring full episodes of #PokemonTheSeries, exciting matches from the world of @PlayPokemon, new Junior content for tiny Trainers, and more! https://t.co/LPK7APMqPK pic.twitter.com/5odHmNa2uI
— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) August 26, 2021
Pokémon TV is a platform fully dedicated to all things Pokémon. Budding trainers can stream a whole host of content on the app from full episodes of Ash's adventures with Pikachu and friends to long-form specials and tournament highlights. In addition to its mainstream content, the app also includes a Junior category which is brimming with sing-along songs and popular nursery rhymes to entertain younger trainers.
The lack of Netflix on Switch remains a point of irritation for many console owners. Back in 2017, Nintendo said streaming services like Netflix would come to the Switch 'in time', with Netflix saying that it was exploring the opportunity to add a Switch app. Several years later, not only has a Netflix app not emerged, but Wii U and 3DS saw their Netflix apps shut down.
The announcement of Pokémon TV's arrival on the Switch isn't the only recent Pokémon news. During its recent Pokémon Presents broadcast, The Pokémon Company shared a more detailed look at Pokémon Legends: Arceus. During the event, the company showed off the game's landscape, which many have been comparing to that of Zelda's Breath of the Wild, and new Hisuian Pokémon like Wyrdeer and Basculegion before also releasing a new trailer for the game. Pokémon Legends: Arceus is set to be released for Nintendo Switch on January 28, 2022.
Jared Moore is a freelance writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter.