NY Times Confirms Netflix on Wii in Spring 2010

Update: Netflix posted a press release confirming the news.

The NY Times reports that Netflix is expected to announce a deal today (Wednesday) with Nintendo to offer streaming on the Wii this spring:

The Wii has had only minimal video material, but it will take a big step forward in this regard with Netflix, when the Wii adds the service this spring. Wii owners with a broadband Internet connection who have at least a $9-a-month subscription to Netflix’s DVD-by-mail service will be able to use the online service at no additional cost.

But Wii owners will need to receive a free software disc in the mail from Netflix and put it into their console when they want to watch a movie, as on the PS3.

The Wii is the only major game system that does not support HD video (Nintendo has denied an upcoming Wii HD), so the video will be displayed at SD resolution (480i/p).

Nintendo has sold more than 26 million Wii's in the US, an interesting number because Comcast has 25 million TV subscribers. When you consider that Netflix streaming is available on the Wii, PS3, Xbox 360, Roku Player, Internet-ready TVs and Blu-ray players, Netflix will be available on the widest number of devices by far of any movie and TV show rental service.

Comments

[Drew]

Well I guess Microsoft can kiss my Gold subscription goodbye...

[me]

way to go, netflix.

[Crow550]

Sounds good. I have an SDtv in my room.

I still think if they work at it they can get the Wii to output 720p.

Well see.....480P isn't so bad.

[Dave]

Maybe one of these days I'll be able to get 720p on my computer.

haha, what am I saying?

[Crow550]

LOL! Yeah.....Or how about Linux support?

[Prozac]

Thank you...

[Prozac]

Reserve your copy now...

Netflix.com/Wii

[PS3Wiiowner]

I'm a PS3 user who recently added a Wii to the mix for the kids. Since my PS3 is my main media server box, I haven't tinkered too much with the Wii. However, from what I've seen so far, it is very limited as a media server. While it's definitely not HD, I'm not sure if it even meets the same SD quality my PS3 can put out. Either way, I wish Nintendo the best of luck with it.

Also, "HD" streaming that I know of (e.g. Roku, or PSN) is only at about 5 Mbps, so still far below Blu-ray quality. We will all need to get fiber-optic cables to our homes before we ever see that kind of streaming.

[Bob]

Isn't 480p ED not SD? I have a 52" 1080p tv and the difference on the Wii between it's standard (SD) and component (ED) cables is very noticeable.

[Billy]

Bob,

The article says, "The Wii is the only major game system that does not support HD video (Nintendo has denied an upcoming Wii HD), so the video will be displayed at SD resolution (480i/p)."

ED means "enhanced definition." SD, standard definition means up to 480p, or up to DVD quality. HD, high definition, starts at 720. ED is somewhere between 480 and 720, then, although some people might call 480p "ED".

The thing is that the Wii only puts out a maximum resolution of 480p. It's SD, not HD, no matter what your TV is like.

I can't figure out what you mean by "standard" or "component" cables. But in any event, no matter what cable you use, you won't do any better than 480p on the Wii.

[Rod]

Exciting!!

[O'rly]

Most netflix movies aren't HD, so how is this a problem for the Wii?

[bob]

Very exciting! Wonder if the disc can be ripped to work with USB loaders.

[From the Right]

When am I going to receive a Will basic language program disk so I can input my own basic language games? Oh, never mind. I forgot that the Wii isn't some cheap programmable Atari 400.

[kamagra online]

In my humble opinion is the best console out there, the others simply follow the way when Nintendo has innovated in the market with games like Mario Bros, Zelda, Donkey Kong has always topped the list of the games number one, my respect for Nintendo.

[Carte ds]

I am planning to buy a wii and now the price is good, so this is really good news to me and other players.

[Jordan Trunner]

Religion is realizing inside your cardiovascular system that excellent can conquer evil, that the sun can shine in a very rainstorm. Religion starts by believing in your own coronary heart that what exactly is ideal includes a prospect. Did you concur with me?