Netflix Instant Watch announced for PS3. Due November 2009

26 October 2009

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Posted by:Josh

Big news for PlayStation 3 owners, Netflix Instant Watch is coming this November!

Just like on the Xbox 360, PS3 owners will finally be able to instantly stream thousands of movies and TV shows as long as they are signed up for the Netflix service for $9. This had been rumored for a while, but not many people thought it would happen so soon. It’s not a coincidence though, as Netflix for PS3 will happen exactly a year after the service first went live on Xbox 360. Meaning Microsoft had a one-year exclusivity deal.

Netflix CEO Reed Hastings eventually wants Neflix to to be on all game consoles, all Blu-ray players, and all the Internet TVs as we reported when we said Netflix renting/streaming coming to all consoles eventually.

In any case, in order to watch movies via Netflix for PS3, you’ll have to have a “free instant streaming disc” in your disc drive before the movies are accessible. According to the press release, “The free instant streaming disc leverages Blu-ray’s BD-Live technology to access the Internet and activate the Netflix user interface on the PS3 system, which must be online via Wi-Fi or Ethernet.”

The best aspect of this though, is the fact that the PS3 supports wi-fi and is Internet-enabled for free. Unlike the Xbox 360, where you have to be a Gold member AND sign up to Netflix, which amounts to about $60 bucks.

Netflix members and PS3 system owners can now reserve a free instant streaming disc for PS3 systems by going to www.netflix.com/ps3. Upon availability, the instant streaming disc will be delivered for free by first-class mail, generally one business day after members request it.

“The PlayStation 3 system has always been about more than just gaming, and it will soon be the only platform in the industry to offer consumers such a variety of convenient options for enjoying movies and TV shows,” said Jack Tretton, president and CEO, SCEA. “Whether you want to watch content on Blu-ray disc and DVD, download it from the PlayStation Network’s video delivery service, or stream videos instantly from Netflix, the PS3 system is the only solution that offers it all.”

“As instantly watching movies and TV episodes streamed from Netflix becomes an increasingly popular way to enjoy the Netflix service, our goal is to rapidly expand the devices that stream to our members,” said Netflix CEO and co-founder Reed Hastings. “As a leading game console and Blu-ray disc player, bringing Netflix to the PS3 system is a real win for both Netflix members and PS3 system owners.”