Netflix Instant Movie Streaming coming to Wii in Spring 2010
Netflix is coming to the Wii in Spring of 2010 announced Nintendo!
Like with the PlayStation 3 functionality, you will need to order an “Wii Netflix Instant Streaming Disc” in order to make use of the Netflix feature on the Wii. But once you do you will have the ability to instantly watch thousands of movies and TV episodes streamed directly from Netflix to your TV. Of course, you will have to be already subscribed to Netflix or sign up for $8.99 a month. You’ll also need a broadband Internet connection.
Nintendo says having the expanded audience of the Wii with the ability to access Netflix will greatly expand the reach of Netflix to so they can “reach more consumers than any other device that currently supports streaming movies from Netflix.” They go on to say “In December 2009, Nintendo sold well in excess of 3 million Wii consoles in the United States. Wii is the top-selling home video game system of this generation, and as such brings the Netflix experience to a broad and diverse mass market, as the Wii remains the fastest-selling home console in history.”
“Our research shows that 86 percent of all U.S. Wii consoles are located in the living room,” said Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime. “The Wii console is the social hub around which friends and family members gather to play games and have fun. Soon both new and longtime Wii owners will enjoy the benefits of Netflix – and a variety of informational and entertainment options – by being Netflix members and connecting their consoles to the Internet.”
“Our goal is to offer Netflix members as many ways as possible to watch movies and TV episodes streamed from Netflix right to their TVs and to give non-members more and compelling reasons to consider the service,” said Netflix co-founder and CEO Reed Hastings. “Joining forces with Nintendo, which has been so immensely popular with consumers since its introduction, is a very meaningful step in that direction.”
With 11.1 million U.S. subscribers as of Sept. 30, 2009, Netflix continues to expand the ways in which its members can watch movies and TV shows streamed directly to TVs via a range of Netflix-ready devices such as the Wii console, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 (as well as PCs).
Netflix memberships start as low as $8.99 a month, and members also can receive unlimited DVDs delivered quickly to their homes. At the same time, consumers continue to demonstrate a preference for Wii consoles, which offer tremendous value, whether measured in fun games, shared experiences or the suggested retail price of just $199.99.
When the instant-streaming disc is inserted into a member’s Wii system, an array of movie and TV choices will be displayed right on their TV screen. These titles will be conveniently organized into a variety of categories based on members’ personal preferences and will include popular genres, new arrivals and members’ individual instant Queues. Using the Wii Remote controller, members will be able to choose a movie or TV episode to watch from their instant Queues or pick one directly from any of the lists. They will also have the ability to read synopses and rate movies, and will have the option of fast-forwarding and rewinding their selection.
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