14 DAY TRIAL // Netflix was hugely successful when it arrived on the Xbox 360 gaming consoles from Microsoft as part of the New Xbox Experience updated. Until now, more than 1 million subscribers have used it to watch at least one rental movie on a console initially designed to focus on videogames. And it seems that Netflix is actively pursuing the possibility of bringing the same kind of concept to the Nintendo Wii, the best selling home gaming console of the current generation.
Joystiq has seen at least one report talking about the move and is looking for feedback. It seems that a new disc will be sold for the Wii, called the “Netflix Instant Streaming Disc,” and that the library will initially offer around 12,000 TV show episodes and full feature movies.
It's not clear whether an initial fee will be required or whether potential Netflix users on the Nintendo Wii will be paying individually for each item that they will watch. Another previous survey mentioned a 9.99-dollar tag.
Nintendo is talking of launching its own, in house video streaming service that is already on a test run in Japan, which might be an obstacle to a Netflix partnership. On the other hand, the two could be seen as complimentary, with Nintendo offering more videogaming-oriented programming through its service and Netflix bringing actual movies to gamers.
As always, the statements coming out from the Netflix leadership are not too revealing. Steve Swasey, who is the vice president for corporate communications at the company, said that “We're always interested in expanding the Netflix streaming functionality, but Xbox 360 is the exclusive console for now.” This might mean that no deal is done with Nintendo but that the technical possibilities exist and are being explored by both companies.