What we heard: Last year, Microsoft's "New Xbox Experience"
introduced a host of new features to the Xbox 360, including a new
interface, avatars, and group chat. But perhaps the best received of
the NXE additions was the integration of Netflix, which allowed more than 1 million of the online rental service's subscribers to stream films through the console. Now
it seems Netflix might begin offering its online catalog to Wii users,
according to the Joystiq report. The gaming blog cites a Netflix user
survey for the information, with the rental service apparently in
search of feedback on one possible implementation of its streaming
video program for Nintendo's console. The described program would
require member Wii owners to run a "Netflix Instant Streaming Disc" on
their system and would provide access to more than 12,000 movies and TV
shows. A previous survey proposed a similar system, but with a $9.99
initial charge attached for the start-up disc. It's no secret that Netflix wants to get its goods to subscribers' homes any way it can. An April job listing on the company's site sought an "Engineering Leader--Gaming Platforms" to direct "a small technology team to rapidly prototype and iterate on a variety of platforms." (Emphasis added.) The job description also said the ideal candidate would have experience on "one or more gaming consoles." Even
if Netflix wants to partner up with Nintendo, there may be other
obstacles to clear. For example, the company has plans to launch its
own video streaming service, and Nintendo president Satoru Iwata promised it would be quite different. The executive also added that if the program's initial run in Japan were successful, Nintendo would likely take it overseas. The official story:
"We're always interested in expanding the Netflix streaming
functionality, but Xbox 360 is the exclusive console for now."--Steve
Swasey, Netflix vice president of corporate communications. Bogus or not bogus?: Not bogus that Netflix would like to stream games via the Wii. Bogus that it's a done deal just yet.
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