Coming Soon: Netflix Streaming Movies to Wii
Wii owners are one step closer to getting Netflix movies through their console as Netflix has started shipping out the critical discs that enable streaming to the Wii.
Back in January, Netflix announced that it would its extend movie streaming service, which allows users to stream films through an internet connection rather than having the disc mailed to them, to the Nintendo Wii gaming console.
In order to work, Netflix must send a special DVD that contains the software needed to stream Netflix movies to the console. Netflix is now sending those discs out to select testers, likely one of the last steps before the company launches the service for all members.
"Netflix via Wii will be available soon," Jessie Becker of Netflix Marketing said.
Netflix promised the service would go live sometime this spring. So this phase of testing seems to be right on schedule.
Game consoles are used for much more than just gaming these days, which is why Netflix has been putting its movie streaming service on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. The Wii is just another way to reach Netflix subscribers who don't want to wait for a disc in the mail.
The service to the Wii will come free to those who already subscribe to the $9/month Netflix service. Netflix is still accepting sign-ups for Wii owners who want a Wii streaming disc. But Netflix subscribers should remember that the Wii can't handle high definition content, so it will not offer HD movies through the Wii.
