Netflix has announced their service will be available in the UK and Ireland in early 2012. It is not confirmed that 3DS owners within that region will also get access to the service via their 3DS and Wii, but there’s no imaginable reason why this will not be the case. There’s no word yet on pricing or what available content.
Netflix has started testing a “Just for Kids” section via their streaming service. It’s only available to a limited number of subscribers at the moment, but I’m assuming it’ll become wide open soon enough before being viewable via the 3DS. There’s content from Spongebob, Popeye, and episodes from the Mario cartoon.
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.
In case you haven’t paid attention for the past couple of days, Netflix has been made available for the Nintendo 3DS in the United States and Canada. If you have a streaming account with Netflix, which costs $7.99 per month, then you’ll be able to use the application, downloadable via the eShop.
As reported by GoNintendo though, a user of the app is having a system issue:
I activated Netflix on my 3DS, and while using the service my system home button and power button aren’t working, while Netflix is running. I can’t back out of it and can’t shut my system off.
Other people have reported similar problems, but supposedly the solution is to continue holding down the power button. Eventually it’ll force the system off despite its other functions not working. When you turn it back on there’s supposedly no longer a problem.
We reported recently that Netflix was coming soon, but it seems we won’t have to wait too long. It’s been revealed that Netflix will be included in tomorrow’s update to the eShop in North America. The application will allow those with an unlimited streaming plan to watch TV shows and movies directly on their 3DS.
In a statement sent to Joystiq, Nintendo has confirmed that “Nintendo’s short-form video service that delivers special video content for Nintendo 3DS systems will launch in North America later this summer.” This is the same Nintendo Video that has launched in Europe and Japan, but with its own content unique to the region. It is also mentioned that support for Netflix will be arriving “soon,” but that’s as specific as it gets.
The full quote is after the break.