RUMOR (Again): Netflix Coming to the Wii Next Year?

It's technically possible to stream video to the Wii (I've demonstrated it using Playon), and now Dan Rayburn from The Business of Online Video claims to have seen screen shots of Netflix Streaming on the Wii.

"Last week I received some images that showed Netflix streaming on a Wii console. I didn't run with the story at the time as I didn't know if the images were legit and it's taken me until today to confirm they are in fact real. I'm not disclosing who confirmed it for me but someone involved in the project has confirmed that Nintendo is currently in testing stages with Netflix to bring their streaming service to the Wii very soon."

What I'm hearing is that Nintendo originally planned to bring the Netflix service to the Wii before the end of this year, which still might take place, but that Nintendo is also considering holding off on the Netflix service until they release their next generation Wii HD unit in early 2010.

Making the Wii available for Netflix Streaming would give Netflix access to 21 million Wii's (for comparison there are an estimated 16 million Xbox 360's and 8 million PS3s), unless they limit streaming to the new Wii HD. No wonder Netflix just raised their forecast.

Here's a screen capture of Netflix Streaming on my Wii using Playon:

 

There was also the survey that mentioned a Wii disc, similar to the free disc being offered for the PS3:

 

Are you interested in Netflix Streaming on the Wii?

Thanks to Kevin for sending this in.

Comments

[Crow550]

Yes I am interested in streaming and no I'm not in a hurry to fork cash over for the Wii HD yet. In a few years? Maybe....

It's not freaking hard to add a Netflix channel either or provide a disc till the 360 contract runs out.

I'll buy another Roku before I get a Wii HD.

[striatic]

if they announce that this will be WiiHD only, we're buying a Roku for our household.

i wouldn't mind buying the streaming software from nintendo via wiiware, for 20 to an absolute maximum 40 USD - but absolutely will not be buying WiiHD for Netflix streaming.

[Nick]

I'd love streaming for the WiI! and I'd pay a one time fee, but no way I'm buying a wii HD.

[Seth]

Netflix and Reed Hastings = awesome. What else can you say???

[Kilroy]

I can stand the video quality of the Wii for the types of video games that are on the Wii...

But I don't think I'd be able to stand watching 480i TV and Movies. Standard definition cable television is basically 480i, right? And I avoid that whenever possible. Since I have a PC hooked up to my TV, I would just go that route. If only they would allow HD streaming from PCs...

[bob]

Wow, I'm surprised to see all the hate for a high def Wii system. I, for one, would welcome it with open arms.

[Prozac]

Bring streaming to the Wii...Alot of people I know are asking for it!

[CMHDave]

I'd be VERY disappointed if this was available on Wii HD only. I would get some other consumer hardware (like a Blu-ray with Netflix streaming) before I bought a Wii HD.

It's not that I'm necessarily against Wii HD but I wouldn't reap the benefits since we don't have any HD TVs in our house. We just bought a couple of converters and put them on our existing TVs. What would be the point in getting an HD Wii other than for Netflix streaming.

[david]

I have a techincal question about streaming to the Wii: Will all the movie characters have big cartoon heads?

[conedude13]

SQUEAL!!! :P

ps
I WANT!!!

[wiiremorse]

Have a Roku upstairs and a Wii downstairs. I'd pay a one time fee for netflix on the Wii, but won't buy a WiiHD. It's good for shooting and golf games and that's it.

[Mike]

I would like Netflix to get rid of the requirement for "Gold" membership for the 360. But for the Wii, it sure wouldn't hurt! I won't buy another player for the kids so hopefully this would'nt be limited to some new HD Wii that will come out in the future.