July 15th, 2011

Netflix to support 3D streaming “soon” (update)

24 Comments

3D movies can be streamed via Netflix. It’s technically possible. The problem is their streaming library just doesn’t have any 3D content. But in light of Netflix’s partnership with Nintendo, it seems like it may be on the way. Pay close attention to the following section from a recent press release:

The new Netflix application for Nintendo 3DS displays movies and TV episodes in 2D on the system’s upper screen. Users will soon have access to an additional library of select movies that can be viewed in 3D without the need for special glasses.

A few people interpreted this as referencing the Nintendo Video application which is yet to launch in North America. But I’m pretty confident that it’s referencing Netflix specifically. What do you think?

Also, if you haven’t downloaded the app yourself or you don’t have a Netflix account and want to find out more, then you may want to read this or this. They’re walkthroughs from Engadget and Joystiq.

Update: I’m terrible at assuming things. The folks at Joystiq reached out to Nintendo for clarification. Here is what they said:

The press release announcing the new Netflix service for Nintendo 3DS also references the system’s upcoming short-form video service,” Big N said in a written statement. “Nintendo 3DS owners soon will be able to enjoy free, specially selected video content that includes 3D movie trailers, comedy clips and music videos

…this means that this 3D content mentioned in the press release is in reference to the Nintendo Video application rather than 3D streaming. Bummer.

  • ManByMyles93

    Cool.

    • Kaizar

      “The new Netflix application for Nintendo 3DS displays movies and TV episodes in 2D on the system’s upper screen,” the press release reads. “Users will soon have access to an additional library of select movies that can be viewed in 3D without the need for special glasses.”

      The ambiguous wording led me to contact Nintendo which confirmed that 3D streaming will indeed one day be provided by Netflix and that 3D movies wouldn’t be part of the stand alone service Nintendo is unveiling down the line.

  • MountApple

    Cool! Soon=tomorrow. Or it did last time anyway.

  • Yes Man

    Allright. Soon then.

  • NightlyFlag

    So… tomorrow.

  • http://www.youtube.com/user/ReligiousHero Dan

    I’ll pick it up in a few hours then.

    • http://www.youtube.com/user/ReligiousHero Dan

      Also, 3D Rugrats ftw.

  • Kinvara

    I hope Netflix starts supporting 3D movies for the 3DS. I might just get a Netflix account if they start doing that.

    • Kaizar

      They’d said in E3 2010 that Netflix would have 3D movies

      Not all of them but a lot of them.

  • Dr. D

    Well Nintendo has been advertising 3d full-length movies and so far we have no clue how we’d see that, this sounds like a likely move for 3d movies via Netflix instead of ANOTHER service. Also more devices are supporting 3d so i think it’s soon.

  • http://N/A supermario

    Anybody else have the same problem as me?:
    I do have Netflix available on the eshop and i downloaded it,so did my brother.But,my other brother and my cousin dont have Netflix on the eshop.:P
    Does some one know why this is happening?

    • Sean

      They will need the most recent wireless update to get netflix. hope that helps!

  • gilmaster63

    I don’t know, but this Netflix this is kinda dissapointing for me. I mean, Why Mexico can’t downlad this app? There are people that not only use their 3DS to play. Nintendo Video should came out for Latin America along with the Netflix 3D support.

  • randomguy

    I want a Youtube app. I have Netflix on my 3DS which is cool but the price is about to get ridiculous.

  • Rik

    Since the eShop streams 3D trailers (i.e., Pilotwings) then one would think that Netflix either has or can get the same technology. Nintendo may not want to deal with the bandwidth issues of full-length feature films, but Netflix already does that. There are already a few 3D smartphones and rumors of iPods and iPads with 3D screens so using the 3DS user base (~4 million) as guinea pigs for portable 3D would seem to be make business sense.

  • http://OperationMoogle.wordpress.com/ Brian L.

    Good news, guys! I found this bit of new looking for Netflix for our friends overseas! It’s an article from March 2011, but it’s still fresh–Netflix is apparently working on bringing Netflix overseas!:

    http://venturebeat.com/2011/03/31/netflix-overseas/

    Let’s hope they do so that our Australian and European friends gets Netflix, so that way, the possibility of Netflix on 3DS for them will be available!

    I mean, they should, because it’s money in the bag! They tried to do this with Northern Europe it back in 2004, but wanted to focus on local business first.

  • CamCam281

    I personally disagree with you on the update David. I believe (I may be alone on this one) that Nintendo and Netflix arnt as stupid as we may think. For me personally, I feel that if you have Netflix, and have either a tv that supports it, or an iPod, IPhone, or iPad, i see no real reason to use the 3DS application UNLESS there was a 3D movie section. So in my opinion, Nintendo and Netflix need to add this section in order to get people to use the app. Also, the app uses a WiFi signal, so it is useless outside of your house. I am not dissing the app, I am happy we get it, but Joystiq may not be completely right about that. Just my opinion!

    • Kaizar

      Actually the 3DS has a way more better than the iPhones and a bigger screen

      3DS: 3.53

      IPhone: 3.50

      The iPhone only has a resolution of 3XX or 6XX while the 3DS has a resolution of 800.

    • Kaizar

      Way more better “resolution”

  • Mucrush

    Netflix is only for American 3DS, right? Cause I couldn’t fint it on the eShop (not that I was looking for IT) xD

  • http://www. My-moms

    That would be cool watching iron man 2 in 3d, and they should put transformers on instant streaming but i realy want 3d youtube app becuase if lg can do it so can nintendo

  • http://www. My-moms

    By the way everyone saying “the 3ds has better qouality than the iphone” needs to clarify what iphone because if its the iphone 4 youre way off.

  • My-momies

    By the way everyone saying “the 3ds has better qouality than the iphone” needs to clarify what iphone because if its the iphone 4 youre way off.

  • Kaizar

    Hey David,

    “The new Netflix application for Nintendo 3DS displays movies and TV episodes in 2D on the system’s upper screen,” the press release reads. “Users will soon have access to an additional library of select movies that can be viewed in 3D without the need for special glasses.”

    The ambiguous wording led me to contact Nintendo which confirmed that 3D streaming will indeed one day be provided by Netflix and that 3D movies wouldn’t be part of the stand alone service Nintendo is unveiling down the line.