Image courtesy of Joystiq

When the Wii came out there was much consternation over the fact that it wouldn’t play DVD video, compared with the HD options on the XBOX360 and PS3. Since then, both of those consoles have gotten Netflix streaming capabilities, allowing gamers to enjoy ‘Watch it Now’ movies through their consoles. Now – after months of rumors – Nintendo and Netflix are announcing that the Wii will gain video streaming capabilities (presumably through a ‘Netflix Channel’) this spring.

Reggie Fils-Aime, president of Nintendo of America, said the Wii had always been primarily about bringing video games to the mass market, including people who normally would not play a violent shoot-’em-up or pick up a traditional video game controller.

But, Mr. Fils-Aime said, “from Day 1, we always had other capabilities within the console.” The deal with Netflix, he said, “is a continuation of an effort to bring more and more entertainment to consumers who interact with the Wii.”

So – will you watch movies using your Wii? I can definitely see our kids making use of this – they have the Wii on a TV in their area of our basement, and this will be a great way to watch what they want.

Source: New York Times via Joystiq