US: Netflix coming to Wii this spring

Nintendo is set to announce a new partnership with leading US rental giant Netflix that will see the movie streaming service launch on Wii.

The New York Times expects a formal announcement to be made today, with the service due to go live some time this spring. Once active, Wii owners will be able to access a variety of films and TV shows whenever they want.

Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime said: From day one, we always had other capabilities within the console. [The Netflix deal] is a continuation of an effort to bring more and more entertainment to consumers who interact with the Wii.”

Netflix is already available on the Xbox 360 and PS3 in the US. Unless there are already Netflix customers, Wii users will have to pay a subscription fee and all will require a special software disc in order for the service to work.