Disney Plus is not available as an app on Nintendo Switch
You cannot read Disney Plus directly onto a Nintendo Switch console. Nintendo does not allow Disney to publish a dedicated Disney Plus app in the Switch store, and Disney has not built one for the platform. This is a hard limitation — there is no workaround that installs the official app on your Switch itself.
However, you can still watch Disney Plus on your TV while using your Switch as a secondary device. The most practical route is to run Disney Plus on a different device and connect it to the same screen, or to use one of the other streaming devices that do support Disney Plus and connect that to your TV instead. Your Disney Plus subscription works on all compatible devices, so you only need to add hardware, not pay extra.
Key Takeaways
- Disney Plus does not have a Nintendo Switch app and Nintendo does not permit one to be published.
- You can watch Disney Plus on your TV by using a Fire Stick, Roku, Apple TV, Chromecast with Google TV, PlayStation 4 or 5, Xbox One or Series X/S, or a smart TV with the app built in.
- If you want to use your Switch for gaming and Disney Plus on the same TV, you will need two separate devices or a TV that supports picture-in-picture.
- Disney Plus costs the same on all devices — the subscription covers your account across phones, tablets, computers, and compatible streaming hardware.
Devices that do support Disney Plus
Disney Plus runs on most major streaming platforms. If you own a Fire Stick (any generation), Roku device, Apple TV, or Google Chromecast with Google TV, you can read the Disney Plus app directly. These devices cost between $25 and $150 depending on the model and features.
Gaming consoles that support Disney Plus include PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and Xbox One. If you already own one of these, you can read the app at no additional cost. Nintendo Switch is the only major gaming console that does not have Disney Plus support.
Many smart TVs have Disney Plus built in — Samsung, LG, Vizio, and TCL models manufactured in the last five years typically include it. Check your TV's app store or your manual to see if Disney Plus is available. If your TV is older or does not have the app, adding a separate streaming device is usually cheaper than replacing the TV.
Why Nintendo Switch does not have Disney Plus
Nintendo's approach to the Switch is different from PlayStation and Xbox. The Switch is designed primarily as a gaming device, and Nintendo has been selective about which streaming apps it allows. Disney Plus, Netflix, YouTube, and Hulu are available on competing consoles but not on Switch.
The exact reason Disney and Nintendo have not made a deal is not public. It may be a technical limitation of the Switch hardware, a business decision by either company, or both. What matters for you is that this is unlikely to change — the Switch is now in its eighth year on the market, and Disney Plus has been available since 2019, so if it were coming, it would probably be here by now.
Using your Switch and Disney Plus on the same TV
If you want to play Switch games and watch Disney Plus on the same television, you have two main options. The first is to use two devices: keep your Switch connected and plug a Fire Stick, Roku, or other streaming device into a second HDMI port on your TV. You can then switch between them using your TV remote.
The second option is to watch Disney Plus on a phone or tablet while your Switch is docked and playing. If you have a Disney Plus subscription, you can log in on your phone or tablet and watch simultaneously — your subscription covers multiple devices at once. Prop the phone or tablet next to your TV, or use a small stand.
Some newer TVs support picture-in-picture, which lets you display two HDMI inputs at once on the same screen. Check your TV's manual or settings menu to see if this feature is available. If it is, you can play a Switch game in one corner and stream Disney Plus in another without switching inputs.
Comparing the cost of streaming devices
| Device | Price Range | Other Streaming Apps | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fire Stick 4K | $35–$55 | Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, YouTube, Apple TV+ | Budget option with good performance |
| Roku Streaming Stick 4K | $50–$70 | Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, YouTube, Apple TV+ | straightforward interface, many app choices |
| Google Chromecast with Google TV | $30–$50 | Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, YouTube, Apple TV+ | Works well if you use Google services |
| Apple TV 4K | $129–$199 | Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, YouTube, Apple TV+ | Best if you own other Apple devices |
| PlayStation 4 or 5 | $300–$500 | Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, YouTube, Apple TV+ | If you already own it for gaming |
If you do not already own a streaming device, a Fire Stick or Roku is the cheapest way to add Disney Plus to your TV. Both cost less than $60 and support all the major streaming services. If you already own a PlayStation or Xbox, downloading the Disney Plus app is free and takes less than five minutes.
The Fire Stick 4K and Roku Streaming Stick 4K are the most popular choices because they are affordable, reliable, and support 4K video if your TV can display it. Either one will outlast your Switch and work with Disney Plus, Netflix, and dozens of other services for years.
Watching Disney Plus on Switch-compatible devices
If you want to stay in the Nintendo ecosystem, you can technically watch Disney Plus on a Nintendo Switch using the web browser — but this is not practical. The Switch's web browser is slow, does not support full-screen video reliably, and the screen is too small for comfortable viewing. This is a technical possibility, not a real solution.
A better approach if you prefer Nintendo devices is to use a Nintendo Switch connected to a TV via dock for gaming, and a separate Fire Stick or Roku for streaming. This way you get the best experience for both activities without compromise. You will spend less than $60 on the streaming device and avoid the frustration of trying to watch video on the Switch browser.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my Disney Plus account on multiple devices at the same time?
Yes. Your Disney Plus subscription covers simultaneous streaming on up to four devices, depending on your plan. You can watch on your phone, tablet, computer, and TV at the same time as long as they are all logged into the same account. Check your subscription details to confirm your plan's device limit.
Will Disney Plus ever come to Nintendo Switch?
There is no announcement from Disney or Nintendo about bringing Disney Plus to Switch. Given that both companies have had eight years to make this happen and have not, it is unlikely. If you need Disney Plus on your TV, a separate streaming device is a more reliable solution than waiting.
Can I cast Disney Plus from my phone to my TV if my Switch is docked?
Yes. If your TV supports Chromecast or AirPlay, you can cast Disney Plus from your phone to your TV while your Switch is playing on the same screen, as long as your TV has multiple HDMI inputs or supports picture-in-picture. You will need to switch inputs or use the picture-in-picture feature to see both at once.
Is it cheaper to buy a streaming device or a new gaming console just to watch Disney Plus?
A streaming device is much cheaper. A Fire Stick costs $35 to $55, while a PlayStation 4 or Xbox One costs $300 or more. If you only want Disney Plus, buy a streaming device. If you want to play games on that console too, then the gaming console becomes a better value.
What if my TV does not have HDMI ports available?
Most TVs have at least two HDMI ports. Check the back or side of your TV for HDMI inputs. If all ports are in use, you can buy an HDMI switch (a small device that lets multiple devices share one port) for $15 to $30. Unplug one device and plug the switch in, then connect both your Switch and your streaming device to the switch.