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All of the big 3 are now in the Netflix biz. First came the Xbox, then the PS3, and now – the Wii! The New York Times](http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/13/technology/companies/13netflix.html?ref=business) reports that the Netflix streaming video service will be available for the Nintendo Wii starting this spring. As long as you have at least the $9/month subscription to Netflix’s DVD-by-mail, you can use your console to watch movies at no additional cost. However, like the PS3, a free software disc will be necessary to take advantage of the partnership.
This certainly gives the Wii a new perk alongside its maniacal gesture games, but there is also a big fault when it comes to Nintendo’s offering – unlike the other consoles that offer streaming video, the Wii can’t handle high definition. So, should you not care, or just want to see some plain ol’ regular-definition flicks, all will be fine. Then again, the Times notes: “Some analysts and industry observers expect Nintendo to announce a new Wii HD version of its console next year.”
Personally, I think merging the gestures with the films is much more attractive than buying a new console for HD. Think about it – while the home theater experience has way too many bells and whistles these days, imagine the ability to train the remote to a certain character and shut them up if the dialog is crappy, or, if you want to add your own. It would be like movies-meets Choose Your Own Adventure-meets-MST3k!
Then again, I’d be happy if Netflix streaming was simply available in Canada.