Nintendo and Sony both remove Netflix 'Watch Instantly' disc

by Steven Mostyn - Oct 19 2010, 12:10

Yesterday Sony successfully increased the appeal of its powerhouse PlayStation 3 games console by removing the need to use a transition Blu-ray disc before accessing the 'Watch Instantly' streaming service on Netflix.

Following on from the introduction of Sony's firmware update, fellow gaming titan Nintendo is doing the same by giving users the opportunity to download a specific Netflix application directly from its Wii Shop Channel – thus cancelling out the need for a transitional DVD.

However, it should be noted that the enhanced user interface, 1080p Full HD visuals, and Dolby 5.1 stereo sound also included in Sony's update are not available via the Wii.

“This simplified Netflix access will help bring families together more quickly, more easily and in more ways than ever before,” said Nintendo of America boss Reggie Fils-Aime. “More than 3 million Wii systems have already connected to Netflix, demonstrating how easy the service is to set up and use.”

Nintendo has been shipping the 'Watch Instantly' discs to Wii-equipped Netflix subscribers since late March of 2010, before formally rolling out the online movie streaming service from April.

With PlayStation 3 and Wii owners now able to stream Netflix content instantly, Xbox 360 manufacturer Microsoft is now the only major gaming power left to remove the necessity for a 'Watch Instantly' disc.

In related news, the Japanese gaming giant's classic Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) celebrates its 25th birthday today. Netflix movie streaming directly accessible through a Nintendo home console, how things have changed since 1985.

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