Iwata: Nintendo considering Wii to DS video-on-demand
by Randy Nelson 
{ Apr 7th 2009 at 10:55PM } 
During an interview with the Wall Street Journal (registration required), Nintendo president Satoru Iwata hinted that the company's Wii no Ma Channel, intended to bring video-on-demand to its latest console, may be extended to allow video content transfers to Nintendo DS for viewing on-the-go.
"If the Wii and the DS are connected, it should be possible to download video through the Wii and take it with you on the DS," Iwata told the Journal, explaining that, "When the service begins, you'll see how we're going to do it differently in a Nintendo-like way. There are a lot of on-demand video services, so there's no reason to do the same thing, so we're going to do something different."
Iwata also indicated an overseas version of the service could happen, saying, "We'll start the service in Japan, and if it does well, we'd like to take it overseas."
[Via Nintendo Everything]
"If the Wii and the DS are connected, it should be possible to download video through the Wii and take it with you on the DS," Iwata told the Journal, explaining that, "When the service begins, you'll see how we're going to do it differently in a Nintendo-like way. There are a lot of on-demand video services, so there's no reason to do the same thing, so we're going to do something different."
Iwata also indicated an overseas version of the service could happen, saying, "We'll start the service in Japan, and if it does well, we'd like to take it overseas."
[Via Nintendo Everything]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Shimrra @ Apr 7th 2009 11:03PM
Hmmm interesting. But I still rather have higher quality games.
Brodo @ Apr 7th 2009 11:30PM
"When the service begins, you'll see how we're going to do it differently in a Nintendo-like way"
Somehow I have a feeling that isnt a good thing... Perhaps the creators of the revolutionary friend codes will now introduce video codes. Each video has a 12 digit password that you punch in on your DS!!! That would be SICK
Ignatius @ Apr 8th 2009 12:17AM
No, you'd have to write it, perfectly.
KVN @ Apr 7th 2009 11:07PM
Seems cool.But i would rather be able to play Vc games on a Dsi.If they did that i'll buy a dsi tomorrow.
Sly (PSN slycooper_rocker) @ Apr 7th 2009 11:24PM
that would justify the purchase of a dsi for me too.
Frostybolts @ Apr 8th 2009 2:08PM
Semi-legal chinese DS boot loader FTW
Tyler @ Apr 7th 2009 11:12PM
Netflix on a Xbox 360 is different enough for me.
Gavin @ Apr 8th 2009 12:43AM
The Netflix service combined with updated Divx support has turned my 360 into the core of my entertainment center. My Divx playing DVD player is now a dust collector because the firmware can't be updated, yet my 360 can. I've never used a console this much as video playing device. In fact, I use it for Netflix more than I do games at this point. Because I work at home, I like to have movies and TV shows running while I'm on the computer.
Fernando Rocker @ Apr 7th 2009 11:15PM
Well... they want to offer original shows, cartoons, anime and Nintendo related stuff, like Metroid cartoons or Mario cartoons... they already said that in previous interviews.
And I agree with that. I mean, why compete againts the 360 and Netflix? A multiplatform user will never choose a Netflix Wii if the 360 offers the same service with HD resolution.
Better offer something different.
Tyler @ Apr 7th 2009 11:26PM
You're not talking about... http://www.gamesetwatch.com/mariomovie9.jpg are you? :(
Feba @ Apr 7th 2009 11:36PM
Because everyone has HDTVs, and nobody would ever set up a cheaper, less powerful console on their cheaper, less powerful TV.
Ignatius @ Apr 8th 2009 12:20AM
Well EXCUUUUSE me, Princess.
esposch @ Apr 8th 2009 3:20AM
Mah boi, this Samus is what all true TOASTERS strive for.
That old Space Pirate is no match for the king.
Can't wait.
Gun Barrier @ Apr 7th 2009 11:24PM
I hope more DS to Wii software comes along. Pokemon revolution was decent, but a game that takes more advantage of it would be better, like a zelda 4 swords. I can't wait to see what ninty does with this service though.
time @ Apr 7th 2009 11:37PM
nintendo like way is more like headache-inducing way
Rawrmander @ Apr 8th 2009 12:26AM
After you pay for the service it'll give you a 15 digit code you must enter every time you wish to watch a show.
A new 15 digit code will be generated daily for added security.
m-p{3} @ Apr 7th 2009 11:41PM
I guess he means Wii to DSi right?
flameofdoom666 @ Apr 7th 2009 11:56PM
I was thinking the same exact thing
jonathan @ Apr 8th 2009 1:13AM
Because of the storage? Wii and DS have always been able to communicate, but I gave up on them doing anything useful with it.
Danny @ Apr 8th 2009 9:06AM
Iwata I dnt want different. I heard it's all anime shows. Americans would much rather download family guy or simpsons, you know shows that don't embarass you to watch.
Paul @ Apr 7th 2009 11:55PM
A "Nintendo-like way"?
Bissy Boy (PSN johnnynumber5) @ Apr 8th 2009 2:09AM
No one cares about movies ... this is a gaming device not an entertainment console. Amirite?
esposch @ Apr 8th 2009 3:21AM
Wait... Wii has games now!? I thought it was a storage space for dust. And kiddies.
Jamesology @ Apr 8th 2009 5:05AM
LMAO... but I bet you still have one though.
Everyone I know owns a Wii, including me, and 100% sure none of us use it. It's either the 360 or PS3 that is getting used.
But anyways, was this not a Sony Idea with the BD.
esposch @ Apr 8th 2009 6:16AM
No James, I use mine A LOT.
The 360 is a sad excuse for a console in my opinon as all it really has going for it is Braid (which is out on PC in 2 days), and inferior ports of Portal, Bioshock, and many other titles on the PC.
Pretty much every other game is an FPS (blegh) or shit (Fable 2), or Ikaruga (On Wii!). And yes, I am aware BioShock is an FPS, but it's different because it is actually OK. :)
PS3 is a bit better because of some great PSN games, and LBP, MGS4, and Ratchet & Clank.
Wii is the Best though because of the amount of high quality first party games. Although the big drought has sucked, but it's ending now with Madworld, HoTD and other games I don't care about. Although Wii de Asobu Pikmin 2 seems OK...
P.S. Last Wii game I bought was about 12 hours ago. =þ
Cody @ Apr 8th 2009 10:38AM
esposch,
You're alright in my book!
esposch @ Apr 8th 2009 6:57PM
Cody, you're alright in mine.
AWWWWWWWW.
P.S. Buy Elite Beat Agents. Best game EVAR!!!
Bissy Boy (PSN johnnynumber5) @ Apr 8th 2009 9:44PM
The reason I made this comment in the first place is because thats the first thing people say about the PS3 when it added similar functionality with the PSP. I say the PS3 is easily the best, Wii is second because it is at least reliable though it has shit games and 360 is last though it has some of the best games it still has shit hardware.
Dv8thwonder @ Apr 8th 2009 8:25AM
How much money does Nintendo need before their satisfied?
SoshiKitai @ Apr 8th 2009 4:14PM
It needs enough to create its own country.
...and then it'll make its move.
Hardy @ Apr 8th 2009 8:57AM
Not looking too optimistic about this.
Like people have stated, Nintendo has a way of making things MORE complicated when it comes to stuff like this.
I doubt they'll ever trump Microsoft with a service like this.
rarestock @ Apr 8th 2009 9:51AM
This would be awesome if they used the service to distribute more difficult to find shows instead of the stuff you'll find on Hulu or Tv.com.
I'm thinking .hack//, Thundercats, Voltron, etc...
Of course porn is always popular too, so it might have a bigger draw.
Anthony @ Apr 8th 2009 5:02PM
Well this is the best news so far. Lets hope this Wii/DSi connectivity continues and makes here to the U.S.A.!
Hopefully Nintendo will be offering their own content such as a WarioLand: The Shake Dimension animated series. The game WarioLand: Shake It had wonder animated cutscenes that would make for a perfect television program.
I'd also like to see an Animal Crossing and New Super Mario Brothers animated program and manga here in North America, furthermore I'd also like to see a Zelda anime on this new Wii/DSi video service created utilizing the same art style as The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, Phantom Hourglass, and Spirit Tracks, only 2D and not CGI like Star Wars The Clone Wars but cgi mixed with 2D animation as in Prince of Egypt or Atlantis The Lost Empire.
Russ @ Apr 8th 2009 12:02PM
It sounds cool but I really just want to be able to download a flash player for my DSi so I can watch YouTube and Hulu.
Aerolite @ Apr 8th 2009 11:35PM
As of right now, all I care about is having more DSi ware games to download.