Netflix hits Wii in UK and Ireland

Netflix has this week expanded the reach of its hugely popular TV and movie platform by bringing streamed entertainment services to Wii users in the UK and Ireland.

The arrival on Nintendo’s market-leading home console coincides with the general availability of Netflix in the UK and Ireland (January 9) and grants users access to a wealth of content for a monthly subscription price of £5.99 GBP.

“Netflix has been a partner of Nintendo of America for many years now and we’re delighted to be able to extend the service to our fans from the UK and Ireland,” trumpeted Nintendo UK marketing director Dawn Paine.

“I for one look forward to being able to view my favourite TV shows and films via my Wii,” she added dutifully.

In order to use the Netflix platform, which is a free download, Wii owners need only visit the Wii Shop Channel and select “Netflix Instant Streaming for Wii” from the “Wii Channels” menu.

Once signed up, users can grab movies such as The Aviator or The Expendables, watch full seasons of popular TV shows such as Top Gear, Breaking Bad and Torchwood, or even catch-up with the latest episode of everyone’s favorite cultural train wreck The Only Way Is Essex. Reem.

According to Netflix, the Wii has already become one of the most popular devices used by Neflix members in North America to enjoy unlimited TV shows and streamed movie releases.

The California-based company has also said it fully expects that momentum to be mirrored now that Netflix services are widely available to Wii owners across the pond.