Netflix to Stop Working on the Nintendo Wii

The Nintendo Wii streaming party is coming to an end. Come January 2019, all video streaming services currently available on the Wii will stop working. And that includes Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, and Hulu Plus. Still, the Wii IS old technology.

Putting the Nintendo Wii to Good Use

Nintendo launched the Wii in November 2006, and it promptly broke console sales records as people fought to get their hands on one. This was the console even non-gamers bought, but after a few nights of fun most non-gamers shoved their Wiis in cupboards.

However, even after the novelty factor had worn off, some bright sparks put the console to other uses. Including as a streaming media device for Netflix et al. Unfortunately, with Nintendo shutting the Wii Shop, streaming services will soon stop functioning.

Nintendo Stops the Streaming Party

As first reported on Reddit, Netflix has been emailing users informing them that Nintendo is suspending all streaming services on the Wii. Users who have launched the Netflix Channel on their Wii have also been seeing a similar message to this one:

“Unfortunately, Nintendo will suspend all video streaming services on Wii—including the Netflix Channel—after January 31, 2019. We hope you’ll soon enjoy an even better Netflix experience with additional features on a supported device. Please visit netflix.com/wii for our device list.”

Other Options for Streaming Netflix

While many of us will wonder what all the fuss is about—the Wii is 12-year-old tech, after all—those people using their Wii as a streaming device are being forced to make alternative arrangements. Which means buying a new device capable of streaming Netflix.

This shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone, and you can hardly blame Nintendo for shutting everything down. The good news is that there are lots of alternatives for streaming Netflix, including smart TVs and any of Roku’s many and varied devices.

Image Credit: Katherine/Flickr

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