Nintendo has announced that the Wii will finally receive Netflix streaming capabilities. The video service has been available on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 for some time, and will arrive on the Wii this spring. Anyone with a Wii, an Internet connection and at least a $9 per month Netflix subscription will be able to access the service, which will require the use of a special streaming disc like the PS3.
While the added functionality is great news, the Wii can't handle HD content, so Netflix users will be stuck with SD videos. Although, this probably isn't a concern for the average Wii owner, rumors suggest that Nintendo may update the console to add HD-capable hardware.
Considering the number of Wii units in circulation, Nintendo has a great opportunity to offer content – despite the company's stance that the Wii is nothing more than a gaming console.