Nintendo to launch Wii video service

Japan’s largest ad agency Dentsu Inc has teamed up with Nintendo to launch a video distribution service on Wii.

The two companies plan to offer original programmes created for the service, a Dentsu spokesman told Reuters (via Nikkei) – in contrast to Xbox 360 and PS3, which tend to carry existing TV shows and movies.

The two firms have not decided exactly what type of programmes they will offer, but the Nikkei business daily said cartoons and other entertainment content will be distributed.

Viewers will need to pay to see some of the new programmes, while others will be offered free of charge and accompanied by advertisements.

Dentsu and Nintendo will launch the new service in Japan thisyear, while the timing for overseas sales has yet to be set.