Nintendo Switch

You can now watch YouTube videos on the Nintendo Switch. You’ll be able to view your subscribed channels, search for content, and use your mobile device as a remote.

Sign in or out

Navigate to Sign in.
Sign in with your Google Account. If you have multiple Google Accounts, be sure to select the account you use with YouTube.
After signing in, you may be presented with a list of Google identities associated with your account. Be sure to choose the account that is linked to your YouTube channel. If you select a Brand Account that doesn't have a YouTube channel, you won't be able to sign in.

Note: When launching the app, you’ll be prompted to select a Nintendo account to use. Accounts that are logged into the YouTube app can be accessed via any Nintendo account on the device.

Download the app

You can find the YouTube App in the Nintendo eShop by searching for “YouTube.”
Visit the Nintendo eShop for more information on how to download.

Navigate the app and play videos

You can use the left joystick or the D-pad on any connected controller to navigate YouTube. Swiping gestures currently aren’t supported in the YouTube app.

Once you select a video to play, a player control bar will appear allowing you to perform the following actions:

Go home : Returns you to the home screen.
Play : Play or resume your video.
Captions : Show the video's closed captions, if available.

When playing a video, select “More Actions” to find additional options:

Subscribe to the channel.
Rate the video.
Flag the video for violating community guidelines.

Note: The screen capture function on the Nintendo Switch is not supported on the YouTube app.

Search

On YouTube’s main menu, press X to search for videos. When searching, press Y to add a space, and B to delete a character.

Browse videos: As you search, relevant videos will appear at the bottom of the screen. Press left or right on the D-pad or left stick to browse the video results.
Edit your search query: Press X again or click on the keyboard icon to open up the keyboard for typing.

Note: The touch screen feature works with Search keyboard when the device is used in handheld mode.

Search & Watch History

To clear Watch or Search history:

Go to Settings .
Select “Clear watch history” or “Clear search history.”

This will clear your account’s watch or search history from all devices and your stories watch history.

Nintendo Parental Controls and Sign in

The Nintendo Switch App has Parental Controls, which can be found in the console’s system settings. Access to the YouTube app may be locked if Parental Controls are enabled.

To enable or disable Parental Controls on your Nintendo Switch:

Go to System Settings.
Select Parental Controls.
Select Parental Controls Settings.
Select Use Your Smart Device or Use this Console.
Select your desired Restriction Level.

For “Pre-Teen” and “Child” Restriction Levels, the Nintendo Switch app is locked. For “Teen” and “Not Restricted”, the app is unlocked.

Note: If you want to enable Parental Controls but not necessarily for the YouTube app, go to Custom Settings and then Restricted Software.

Pair your mobile device

Use your mobile device as a remote control. Learn how to pair your Nintendo Switch with your mobile device through m.youtube.com, the YouTube for Android app, or the YouTube iOS app.

Watch Purchased Content

You can access and watch your purchased content in the Library tab of the YouTube app.

Note: At this time, you cannot purchase content directly on the device.

Watch 360 Videos

You can also watch 360 degree videos on your Nintendo Switch. When watching 360 videos, both the left and right joysticks on the attached controller can be used to pan around the video.

Video quality

In handheld mode, the built-in display has a maximum resolution of 720p. In docked mode, the maximum resolution is 1080p.

To adjust video quality while watching:

In the video player, select More options .
Select Quality .
Select your preferred video quality.

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