Rumorang: Survey suggests Netflix streaming on Wii

by Alexander Sliwinski { Jun 23rd 2009 at 10:05PM }

A survey we reported on back in March about the possibility of Netflix video streaming on the Nintendo Wii has popped up again on our radar, but this time with one very noticeable difference. Today, a former Joystiq staff member was given a similar survey to fill out, but instead of the $10 charge for the "Netflix Instant Streaming Disc" mentioned in the previous questionnaire, this time it noted the disc would be "available for free."

We contacted both Nintendo and Netflix for comment. The House of Mario had nothing to say on the matter. A Netflix spokesperson informed us, "Netflix is always looking for ways to expand its service, but for now our game platform is the Xbox 360."

We'll say exactly what we said last time: This survey in no way validates that Netflix support is confirmed for the Wii, but it wouldn't be the least bit shocking that the service would want to tap into the Wii's "particular" demographic.

Tags: netflix, rumorang, survey, video, video-streaming

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Markez @ Jun 23rd 2009 10:11PM

Spendy or not, whether this even happens or not, I think NFLX is a going to be a good keeper for awhile.

Adv2k1 @ Jun 23rd 2009 10:13PM

What Nintendo making a channel that American consumers would enjoy and like and has no benefits to Japan, that's crazy talk. Everyone knows Nintendo 1st priority is Japan and Netflix isn't really a Japanese company so this is all crazy talk.

Ben @ Jun 23rd 2009 11:09PM

Pretty sure it would be Netflix making the "channel", not Nintendo. It wouldn't be a channel either as the description specifically says "disc", if it were just a channel, it would most likely be downloadable (although Mario Kart and WiiFit have channels that get loaded from their discs).
Also, I'm pretty sure this is a Netflix survey, not a Nintendo survey.

nukee @ Jun 23rd 2009 10:16PM

This is pretty simple and I'd love to see it come to the PS3. That being said, getting Sony to hop onboard when they've got their own video system would be a bitch.

DangerMouse @ Jun 24th 2009 12:12AM

I would too, but chances of that happening are probably rather slim. I have no intention of "renting" or buying a movie on the PS3 with their annoying policies and unimpressive pricing strategy. And this is just a small part of it. They're really lagging behind this gen in other aspects while their competitors are bringing new and interesting options to the table.

Ozzman_79 @ Jun 23rd 2009 10:23PM

I'm not sure how much your average "Wii Fit-using soccor mom" or "Wii Sports playing Senior in the care home" would use this service. And all the "hardcore" gamers probably already use it in HD on their 360. I smell a flop.

dimethios @ Jun 23rd 2009 11:11PM

Are you kidding? Family dvd rentals are through the roof. I know, we have 4 kids. I am a hardcore gamer, for that I use my PC. But my wife the soccer mom is not. Either way we watch a ton of videos and we have Netflix, this would kick ass! I wouldn't have to buy any more equiptment to stream it to the TV.

Vidikron @ Jun 24th 2009 2:44AM

Yeah, you act like core gamers are the only people that like movies. That's a bit insane. No HD streams, as you mentioned, but that won't likely be a huge deal to most of the Wii demographic.

KaBob799 @ Jun 24th 2009 5:14AM

Yeah just you wait, now were gonna see casual movies for all those soccer moms. Oh wait...

Ozzman_79 @ Jun 24th 2009 9:31AM

Y'all really think that many soccor moms and seniors have their Wiis setup to an internet connection, would take the time to install the channel/disc/whatever, and learn the interface? I guess I don't give the average consumer much credit for stuff like that. I don't deny that streaming movies would be a great feature to a lot of people (not me personally, but for many others), but I don't think the average "casual" user would understand and/or go through the process to get it setup.......unless they know someone that will do it for them, which I assume most of them probably do.

Girugamuk (Moptimus Slimed) @ Jun 24th 2009 1:12PM

yeah, casual gamers dont understand this new fangled "Interweb" or these fancy pants "Compact Discs".

Yan @ Jun 23rd 2009 10:28PM

My non-gaming parents would finally find the Wii's position in the living room justified if Netflix ends up on this current generation console. Gamers they may not be, movie-goers are a whole 'nother story.

OMGOMG @ Jun 23rd 2009 10:37PM

If this is Nintendo's answer to the lack of DVD support, then wow.

SoshiKitai @ Jun 23rd 2009 10:40PM

I think this is Nintendo's answer to a lack of Netflix support. :P

.....and are people STILL complaining about the Wii not playin' DVDs? ... seriously? Does no one have a DVD player anymore?

Mr Khan @ Jun 23rd 2009 10:49PM

Nintendo certainly doesn't seem to need it

CH3BURASHKA @ Jun 23rd 2009 10:53PM

Agreed; at least it's better than a DVD-playing peripheral or some crap.

GordoJones @ Jun 23rd 2009 10:50PM

It's just a survey. It doesn't mean it's happening. They could make surveys asking if people would be interested in a porn channel on their Wii.

Yes, I know, the Wii Wii channel.

uncle jesse @ Jun 24th 2009 10:11AM

There isn't a porn channel?

The what the hell is 'motion plus'?!

Girugamuk (Moptimus Slimed) @ Jun 24th 2009 1:15PM

THEN WHO WAS PHONE?

Mr Khan @ Jun 23rd 2009 10:51PM

Could go over quite well, so long as it is properly aired to the masses

I might line it up myself. My parents do have a limited account that they don't seem to utilize fully

THE WICKER MAN (BWF) (GT: Dalek Prime) @ Jun 23rd 2009 10:59PM

"GHEY." - Shia

bknight @ Jun 23rd 2009 11:07PM

Wii seems a really strange device for me
1. Cant play HD
2. Nintendo wants the WII to have a very simple interface with very few features

Also strange that Microsoft didn't enter in some type of exclusive deal with Netflix

cuteSAVAGE @ Jun 23rd 2009 11:14PM

Last time I used Netflix, 99% of the videos weren't in HD. Also, have you used a Netflix device other than 360 and through your browser? Most of them are extremely simplistic with even more basic interfaces than Wii's Channel menu.

Seems like the perfect fit for those that want instant Netflix on their tellies and only own a Wii.