Anime Abroad: Streaming, Dubs and Licensing — 2026-09-02
The global anime streaming landscape sees significant shifts as Crunchyroll confirms the shutdown of its Nintendo Switch app, while Netflix and Disney intensify their legal crackdowns against major piracy sites. Meanwhile, September brings a robust slate of new titles to Netflix and Crunchyroll, including the highly anticipated second part of *JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Steel Ball Run*, and Spanish-language outlets report on dubbing gaps for classic titles like *Naruto Shippuden* on Disney+.
Anime Abroad: Streaming, Dubs and Licensing — 2026-09-02
Top developments
Crunchyroll to Shut Down Nintendo Switch App in October
Crunchyroll has officially announced that its dedicated anime application for the Nintendo Switch will cease operations this October. The service, which allowed users to stream anime on the handheld console, is being retired as part of broader platform consolidation efforts. This move signals a potential shift in how Crunchyroll prioritizes device support, focusing resources on other platforms while leaving Nintendo users without an official native app for the service.
Netflix and Disney Target Miruro and 123Movies in New Legal Action
In a significant escalation of anti-piracy efforts, Netflix and Disney have filed new legal actions targeting major unofficial streaming sites, including Miruro and 123Movies. This "major streaming crackdown" involves working with domain registrars and legal watchdogs to suspend domains and disrupt access to these platforms. The action follows previous successful takedowns of sites like HiAnime and Bato.to, indicating a sustained, coordinated effort by major rights holders to reduce global piracy traffic.
Netflix’s September Anime Slate Includes JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Part 3
Netflix has released its lineup for September 2026, headlined by the arrival of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Steel Ball Run (Part 7). The platform continues to expand its anime library with high-profile simulcasts and exclusives, catering to both new and long-time fans. This release reinforces Netflix’s strategy of securing exclusive or early-window access to major franchise installments to drive subscriber engagement in international markets.
Naruto Shippuden Arrives on Disney+ Without Castilian Spanish Dub
Spanish media outlet Ramen Para Dos reports that Naruto Shippuden has launched on Disney+ in Spain without subtitles or a Castilian Spanish dub. While the first two seasons are available with Latin American Spanish dubs, the lack of local language options for the European market highlights ongoing inconsistencies in regional licensing and localization strategies for legacy anime titles on newer streaming platforms.
Local view
Brazil: Local coverage from Fast Company Brasil highlights Crunchyroll’s September lineup, emphasizing the steady flow of new simulcast titles that keep the Brazilian market engaged. The outlet notes that despite the competitive landscape, Crunchyroll remains a primary destination for fans seeking simultaneous releases from Japan.
Spain/LatAm: El Comercio Perú focuses heavily on Netflix’s September offerings, framing the JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure release as a key event for regional subscribers. The coverage underscores the importance of major franchise releases in retaining Latin American audiences on global streaming platforms, often highlighting availability across different regional catalogs.
Context & numbers
The global anime market continues its upward trajectory, with recent reports valuing the sector at USD 37.7 billion in 2025. The anime streaming segment specifically is projected to grow from USD 7.5 billion in 2024 to USD 14.65 billion by 2030, driven by simulcast strategies and weekly release formats that boost recurring revenue. These figures frame the current aggressive licensing and anti-piracy moves by giants like Netflix and Crunchyroll, as they seek to capture this expanding value pool.
On the radar
- October Shutdown Date: Fans should prepare for the complete removal of the Crunchyroll app from Nintendo Switch consoles in October 2026.
- Continued Piracy Takedowns: Following the recent announcements regarding Miruro and 123Movies, further domain suspensions and site closures are expected in the coming weeks as the legal processes unfold.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
Powered by
