Netflix coming to Wii, PS3?

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23 Mar 09 17:35 by Randomus in category Uncategorized To news archive

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The streaming Netflix service available to Microsoft Xbox 360 console owners has been extremely popular, and it could be only a matter of time before Nintendo Wii and Sony PlayStation 3 gamers also get the service.

Nintendo already publicly disclosed its interest in offering movie downloads to Wii owners, so streaming movie support may not be surprising.

A recent survey sent to some Netflix customers states "imagine that, as an added benefit to DVDs by mail, Netflix offers its members the ability to watch movies & TV episodes instantly on their TV via their Nintendo Wii."

Microsoft has support through its Xbox Live service, but Wii owners would be forced to use a "Netflix Instant Streaming Disc" if they look to stream content through the online rental service. It’d make sense for Nintendo, if this news is true, to issue a firmware update so the DVD doesn’t need to be inserted for a streaming Netflix service.

Netflix is transitioning away from shipping out DVDs, and will rely more on streaming content directly into the living room. The company has agreements with Microsoft, Roku, and several standalone Blu-ray players that also have streaming Netflix service, with additional partnerships likely to be announced in the future.

8 Comments

DR_CJK: Posts: 18; Posted on: 23 Mar 09 22:23

If it is true that "Netflix is transitioning away from shipping out DVDs," then what is the point of their "recent" survey in which they stated that there would be "an added benefit to DVDs by mail"?
DR_CJK

Dr. Who: Posts: 4502; Posted on: 23 Mar 09 22:44

They plan on phasing out physical disc for rentals.

Blu-rayFreak: Posts: 225; Posted on: 23 Mar 09 23:52

Go Netflix on PS3! Can't wait until that is available.

I also urge PS3 owners to submit a request to Sony asking them to support Netflix instant viewing on the PS3. You can contact the Sony PS3 team here: http://playstation.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/playstation.cfg/php/enduser/ask.php

DR_CJK: Posts: 18; Posted on: 24 Mar 09 01:42

It would appear to be rather difficult to offer "an added benefit to DVDs by mail"--if they plan on phasing out DVDs by mail. I do recall the CEO of Netflix suggesting that his company is looking into the idea of making greater use of streaming content. However, I do not recall him saying that they plan on making sole use of it. Perhaps someone here has reliable information on Netflix's plans.
DR_CJK

guest: Posts: 15288; Posted on: 24 Mar 09 04:27

I wish they would bring this feature to the PSP too. Streaming movies while on the go would be a cool way to pass the time specially when you're stuck in traffic. definately a better way to spend time other than to just play wow and gather wow gold.

Chuckwagon: Posts: 163; Posted on: 24 Mar 09 18:27

"Phasing out dvds by mail"...does that include Blu-ray discs? Is that the same as saying "Phasing out the overwhelming majority of our customers?" Streaming video sux ass in comparison to Blu-ray in my setup. If they phase out the discs, I'll phase out my monthly payment to them.

DR_CJK: Posts: 18; Posted on: 25 Mar 09 18:06

Well said, Chuckwagon! I will immediately cancel my long-standing subscription to Netflix and use my precious bandwidth for something else. Newsgroups, anyone?
DR_CJK

Blu-rayFreak: Posts: 225; Posted on: 25 Mar 09 18:17

To be clear, Netflix has stated that they do not plan on phasing out physical media for many years, like 10 years or so. They do, however, plan to offer a discounted "streaming only" plan later this year, reports have indicated.

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