Skip to main content

Netflix Streaming Reaches Nintendo’s Wii

Nintendo’s Wii is no longer just a platform for swatting virtual tennis balls and leaping around in front of your TV. On Thursday, Netflix shipped out discs that will turn Internet-connected Wiis into streaming movie machines, just like the competing Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.

A post on the Netflix blog alerted Wii owners that discs were on their way to those who preordered them earlier this year. Netflix won’t call it an official launch: Initially, the company will only ship them to a limited number of customers to collect feedback.

Netflix pulled the same routine with the PlayStation 3 rollout, and launched officially just five days after its initial testing period. Wii owners who want to get on the queue for the next batch of discs can enter their e-mails addresses at Netflix’s Wii launch page.

Just as on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, access to Netflix streaming on the Wii is free with a Netflix subscription costing $8.99 a month or more.

Editors' Recommendations

Nick Mokey
As Digital Trends’ Managing Editor, Nick Mokey oversees an editorial team delivering definitive reviews, enlightening…
What is Tidal? The hi-fi streaming music service fully explained
Two Tidal UI screens on smartphones.

Most big-name music streaming services have a lot in common. Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, Pandora, and YouTube Music all have similar choices in music and quality -- it's just a matter of picking your preferred platform.

Tidal, on the other hand, breaks the mold. The business structure emphasizes the artists having more control over the platform, and it offers higher-quality audio in comparison to the big names. We have all the details on how this service works so you can decide if it's right for you.
What is Tidal?

Read more
How we test streaming video devices
The box for the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max.

One of the benefits of being Digital Trends is that we get to test a lot of things that simply aren’t easily available or replaceable should they not work out for the average person. That’s why we put so much work into testing TVs, for one example. Or full soundbar setups, for another.

Other times it’s because we’re able to take products for a test drive before they go on sale. Like video games, or computers and phones. That’s good because it helps you make a relatively expensive and important purchase decision.

Read more
DirecTV Stream will have NFL RedZone, for what it’s worth
DirecTV Stream app icon on Apple TV.

One of the most exciting things about the 2023 NFL season is that NFL Sunday Ticket is going to be available to a lot more people — basically, everyone, since it'll be streaming on YouTube TV and YouTube proper. This raises a good question: Does DirecTV have anything left for football fans?

Today, the NFL answered that question: NFL Network and NFL RedZone will be available on the legacy satellite service, on the DirecTV Stream streaming service, and on the old U-verse DSL service, keeping the dream alive after two decades. NFL RedZone is a channel that shows scoring opportunities as they're about to happen, hoping from game to game in the process. And NFL Network has the occasional game and plenty of news and features beyond that.

Read more