Did you know that you can now use your Wii to stream instant Netflix movies and TV shows to your TV? I was excited when I heard about it several months ago since we got a Wii for Christmas. Prior to that, I had been considering purchasing a Roku player for streaming...but now I don't have to. Note: you can also stream if you have an Xbox 360 or PS3.
How Does It Work?
- You need to have the $8.99/month Netflix plan, which includes unlimited streaming. You will also need to have a Wii (or other streaming device) and wireless internet.
- Previously, you needed to have a Netflix DVD that you had to insert into the Wii each time you wanted to watch something on Netflix. However, you can now download the Netflix Channel in the Wii Shop for free and access Netflix via the main menu
- Select the Wii Shop Channel in the menu
- Select "Wii Channels" from the Wii Shop Channel main menu and then select "Netflix Instant Streaming for Wii." (it costs 0 Wii points)
- Once it's downloaded, you can simply choose the Netflix channel.
- Search for a good movie or TV show to watch and enjoy
If you don't already have Netflix, you can get a FREE 30-day Netflix trial.
Karen
How do you link up your Wii to your wireless internet?
Is it easy?
Corrie @ "Cents"able Momma
Karen,
I believe it was pretty intuitive to hook it up on the menu screen. I hooked it up when we got it for Christmas. I think you have the option for wired also, if your router is right by the Wii.
We actually love the ability to play other people worldwide in Mario Kart (with the wireless internet). It's fun to think that you're playing people in Europe, Japan, etc.
Karen
I managed to hook up the Wii to the Netflix 🙂
I do have another question referencing your post above......is it free to link up with others through the internet for game play?
Corrie @ "Cents"able Momma
Yay! I'm glad it worked.
It is free to link up with others for game play. If you have friends who have Mario Kart you can even play against them. We haven't done it...I'm thinking you need to know some ID number to get them in there.
Jill
Are there new release movies to rent for the Wii from Netflix?
Corrie @ "Cents"able Momma
Jill,
You don't actually rent movies from Netflix. Instead, you have a monthly subscription fee that is charged each month. With the $8.99/month subscription you get 1 movie out at a time in the mail and unlimited instant movies streamed.
I just checked, and it doesn't appear now that they have the really new releases available for instant download, but they do have movies such as Julie & Julia which is fairly new. You can browse through the list of instant movies to see if it's worthwhile for you.
Hope that helps!
karl hansen
We've got wii wireless and everything is powered up but we can seem to get the wii image on the screen...
Any tricks to this!?!?!?!?
🙂
Corrie @ "Cents"able Momma
You have the Netflix Wii DVD in the Wii? When I put it into our Wii, it came up in the menu as if it were any other game. Then, I chose Netflix, and the first time it gave me a code to enter online into our Netflix account to activate the streaming.
Hope that helps! Leave another comment if you have any additional questions.
karl hansen
Corrie,
Thanks for note! I'll see if that works:)
Karl
Carleen
We have a wii and just subscribed to Netflix. Can you continue to use the computer while the wii is playing the instant downloads from Netflix?
Corrie @ "Cents"able Momma
Carleen,
Yes, you can still use your computer. The Wii actually just connects directly to your wireless internet, rather than your computer.
Hope that helps!
DebateShark
I havent tried it on my Wii, but the Ps3 can do it with no disc, gotta love that!
ellen
We have the Wii and Netflix hooked up but no sound can be heard. Also it takes 15 minutes, at least sometimes more, to load a movie. Help