Wii Also Gets Disc-Free Netflix Streaming
Just days after Sony announced the PS3 would no longer need a disc to stream Netflix content, Nintendo has made the same announcement for the Wii.
"At this time of year, consumers have a near-insatiable demand for family entertainment," said Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime in a company statement. "And this simplified Netflix access will help bring families together more quickly, more easily and in more ways than ever before. More than 3 million Wii systems have already connected to Netflix, demonstrating how easy the service is to set up and use."
Previously, Wii owners with Netflix accounts could only stream movies and shows if they inserted a disc with the requisite software. With the latest update, the Wii can now access Netflix content without the hassle of using a disc.
Anyone with a Netflix account ($8.99/month or higher) can access their account through the Netflix app in the Wii Shop Channel. Logging in grants access to all the same streaming content available through other devices. There is a downside, though. The Nintendo is not equipped to handle high-definition content, so HD Netflix content will not be available through the Wii like it is through the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 .
