14 DAY TRIAL // Netflix is currently the world’s number one video streaming service, and this means it must be everywhere where its users currently are.
And this involves less popular platforms as well, though the parent company doesn’t think it makes any sense to continue offering a dedicated client for Nintendo Wii U and 3DS.
And the reason is as simple as it could be: the small number of users on these platforms isn’t reason enough for Netflix to keep its client alive here, so the company is now planning to invest in the platforms with a bigger share.
The company has already pulled its Nintendo clients, explaining that users on the two platforms would be allowed to watch videos until mid-2021.
However, the apps have already been removed, so if you want to download them on your Nintendo Wii U or 3DS, sorry, but that’s no longer possible.
“Starting Dec 31st, 2020, the Netflix app will no longer be available for new users to download from Nintendo eShop on the Wii U console or Nintendo 3DS family of systems. During that time, it will be possible for existing users to re-download these applications. Service for existing users will continue until June 30th, 2021. Thank you to everyone who enjoyed Netflix on these platforms over the years,” Netflix says in a notification.
Audio-only mode coming?
In the meantime, the company remains committed to improving its clients elsewhere, so while the Nintendo apps are pulled, all the other versions will continue to be updated.
Needless to say, its mobile apps are getting plenty of love these days, with Android and iOS clients currently being updated regularly with new capabilities.
More recently, it’s been rumored Netflix is working on an audio-only mode that would allow users to play content even when driving, all without any video but only to listen to the sound. No confirmation for this feature has been provided though.