Netflix announced for 3DS

Netflix 3DS announced
Netflix is coming to Nintendo 3DS this Summer in what I believe is one of the smartest moves the company has ever made.

Those who have a Netflix subscription (which starts at $8 a month) will be able to access a Netflix Channel to view movies and TV shows that they can instantly stream to their Nintendo 3DS system from a wireless hotspot or over a wireless broadband connection just as Netflix users can on the big three consoles (Wii, Xbox 360, PS3).

Of course, the huge advantage of the 3DS is that users will be able to watch those movies on-the-go anywhere they have access to a wireless Internet connection! You can even start watching a movie on Wii and pick up watching that same movie on-the-go later on using the 3DS!

“Nintendo’s aim is to make getting connected easy for everyone… to automatically connect to AT&T Hot Spots at restaurants, book stores, coffee shops and airports across the country… 3DS will be the most connected Nintendo device ever.” – Satoru Iwata, Nintendo President

Impressive stuff. What’s just as impressive is a new collaboration Nintendo announced with AT&T which will provide Americans with automatic and free Internet access at over 10,000 Wi-Fi hotspots all across the nation. These Wi-Fi hotspots will be accessible via a system update this May.

And if the Netflix announcement wasn’t enough video for you, Nintendo announced that a new short-form Video Channel will be offered for 3DS users which will allow them to view stereoscopic 3D trailers for Hollywood movies as well as video game trailers, short-form comedy shorts, music videos, screenshots, background information and links to publishers web-sites. However all content will be selected by Nintendo and delivered to those users who choose to receive them.

“Nintendo’s aim is to make getting connected easy for everyone, so people who opt in to the system’s SpotPass service will tell their Nintendo 3DS systems to automatically connect to AT&T Hot Spots at restaurants, book stores, coffee shops and airports across the country.”

These features were announced at the Game Developers Conference during Nintendo President Satoru Iwata’s keynote address, titled “Video Games Turn 25: A Historical Perspective and Vision for the Future.”

During his speech, Iwata stressed how the 3DS gives developers new tools to create games and experiences never before possible while enabling them to reach the public in new ways.

“There is great potential to increase the number of people who enjoy video games by opening up new game-play opportunities that are only available through the use of 3D.” Iwata said. “Nintendo 3DS will be the most connected Nintendo device ever, with its ability to link people via local wireless connections, while at the same time connecting them to people and content worldwide via hotspot connectivity.”

Nintendo 3DS launches March 27 in the United States at a suggested retail price of $249.99 and allows users to view stereoscopic 3D content without the need for special glasses.

Does Netflix accessibility increase the chances that you will buy the system?