Years back — before the Wii even came out — Nintendo discussed plans to release an enhanced Wii in Japan with support for DVD playback. As far as I know that never happened, and right about now I’m guessing it never will. Well, at least not in the US.
However, Nintendo is adopting the next best thing. Beginning this spring, the Wii will gain the ability to stream TV shows and movies via Netflix!
To enable Netflix streaming, you’ll first need to register for an instant-streaming Wii disc at www.netflix.com/Wii — these discs are free of charge and will be shipped out when the service goes live. Then, as long as you have a broadband connection and are already a Netflix subscriber, you can begin streaming video content straight to your TV at no additional cost (Netflix is $8.99 a month). Once you have the instant-streaming disc and a subscription, you’ll be able to pop the disc into your Wii and begin browsing the Netflix online storefront, setting up streaming Queues, rating movies and more with your trusty Wii Remote.
“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.”
I’ve never seen the Wii as being much of a living room “media hub” like the PS3 and Xbox 360 are, so it’ll be very interesting to see whether the service takes off or not. What are your thoughts?
Matt Litten is the full-time editor and owner of VGBlogger.com. He is responsible for maintaining the day to day operation of the site, editing all staff content before it is published, and contributing regular news, reviews, previews and other articles.
Matt landed his first gig in the video game review business writing for the now-defunct website BonusStage.com. After the sad and untimely close of BonusStage, the former staff went on to found VGBlogger.com. After a short stint as US Site Manager for AceGamez, Matt assumed full ownership over VGBlogger, and to this day he is dedicated to making it one of the top video game blogs in all the blogosphere.
Matt is a fair-minded reviewer and lover of games of all platforms and types, big or small, hyped or niche, big-budget or indie. But that doesn't mean he will let poor games slide without a good thrashing when necessary! 
“I’ve never seen the Wii as being much of a living room “media hub” like the PS3 and Xbox 360″
That is it in a nutshell – this is just a ‘me too’ effort, something to prevent folks from shifting consoles solely to stream Netflix. I see my kids making use of it – but they have the Wii hooked up to a 20 year old 27” TV.
This is definitely not a game changer, but is a nice addition for folks with a Wii who already have a Netflix subscription.
I actually found this this website by looking for movies to stream Online. Will you do an article on the best movies to watch online thx