Crunchyroll has made another bold move by expanding its Manga app into the U.K., Ireland, South Asia, and the ANZ region. This expansion is a significant step for the platform, which originally debuted its Manga app in October 2013, was shut down in December 2023, and was later relaunched in its current form in October 2025. Now, Crunchyroll is broadening its reach, allowing a wider global audience to access its vast manga collection.
This latest expansion is part of Crunchyroll's wider strategy to cater to the growing global appetite for Japanese pop culture, which has surged in popularity over the past few years. Co-owned by Sony Pictures Entertainment and Aniplex, a subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment Japan, Crunchyroll has been at the forefront of bringing anime and manga to international audiences. The company's efforts to expand its reach are not only about increasing accessibility but also about reinforcing its status as a leading player in the anime and manga distribution market.
Crunchyroll's history is marked by strategic decisions that have propelled its growth. In 2021, Sony acquired Crunchyroll from AT&T for approximately $1.175 billion, and shortly thereafter, it merged with Funimation, its former competitor. This merger was a game-changer, allowing Crunchyroll to expand its library and improve its service offerings, effectively consolidating its position in the market. However, the journey hasn't been without its hurdles. In 2023, Crunchyroll faced a major legal challenge when it settled a nationwide class action lawsuit in the U.S. for $16 million. The lawsuit alleged violations of the Video Privacy Protection Act, accusing Crunchyroll of improperly sharing user data with third parties like Facebook and Google.
Shifting Platform Dynamics
In addition to content expansion, Crunchyroll has also made significant changes to its platform availability. The decision to discontinue its app on the Nintendo Switch by the end of October 2026 underscores the shifting dynamics of digital content distribution. While the Crunchyroll app remains available on platforms such as Xbox, PlayStation, and mobile devices, the move away from the Switch suggests a strategic pivot towards platforms with a broader user base and enhanced integration capabilities. This aligns with Crunchyroll's increasing focus on monetization strategies, as evidenced by the subscription price increases announced in February 2026 and the cessation of free ad-supported streaming in December 2025.
As Crunchyroll continues to expand its global footprint, whether it can maintain its growth trajectory remains to be seen. However, its strategic expansions and platform decisions indicate a strong commitment to meeting the demands of its international audience. Navigating legal and market challenges is part of the journey, and Crunchyroll's influence in the industry remains significant. For fans, this expansion means greater access to a diverse range of manga, offering new opportunities to explore and appreciate Japanese culture. For Crunchyroll, it represents another step forward in its ambitious plan for global expansion, solidifying its position as a key player in the world of anime and manga distribution.