Wii owners can now get streaming movies via Lovefilm Instant on their consoles, though folks who've splashed out on the newer Wii U console will need to wait.
If you pop into the Wii's Shop Channel, you should spy the Lovefilm app available to download right now. You might need to dig your Wii out of the attic first though, and then find fresh batteries for Wii Remotes that died years ago. Even then you won't get HD streaming, thanks to the Wii's resolution limitations.
The Wii U will see Lovefilm added to its video-on-demand roster "soon", but it's not ready yet, it would seem. I've asked Lovefilm why this much more useful version of the app is delayed, and I'll update this story if I hear back.
The Wii U hit shop shelves last week, and will need all the help it can get if it wants to compete with high-flying consoles such as the Xbox 360 in terms of its video services.
The Wii U currently features streaming service Netflix, but that's about it. Other concerns regarding Nintendo's newest console were raised in our in-depth review, including the strong possibility that developers won't bother using the GamePad's second screen for anything worthwhile, relegating it to map duty instead.
Lovefilm Instant is already on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, as well as devices such as the Kindle Fire HD and iPad. Conspicuously absent are iPhone and Android apps, meaning Lovefilm's streaming library is absent from little screens, with the Amazon-owned company only offering a separate app for managing your physical film-delivery queue.
It seems a bit late to be bringing Lovefilm Instant to the Wii, which was released six years ago. Are you still using your Wii for video? And have you tried the new app on the Wii? Let me know in the comments, or on our Facebook wall.
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anonymous 5 December, 2012 14:34
Eh, I've had my Wii for about 3 years and there was almost NONE noteworthy channels. Now, that Wii U is released, they are finally appearing. I think I will just stick to my Xbox 360 and its pretty impressive Home entertainment options (if you have Xbox Live).
anonymous 10 December, 2012 15:39
Yes - I still use my Wii for video.
I use Netflix and BBC IPlayer. The IPlayer app is very useful and I spend more time watching IPlayer than 'real time' TV. Netflix is particularly good for stand-up comedy which is something I Iike and have found a few comics I would never have heard of otherwise.I also use SkyGo on my PC and phone, and 4OD on my PC. Occasionally, I will use ITV Player on my PC.
I haven't tried the LoveFilm app properly yet, but will at least sign up for the free month.
I have looked at the LoveFilm menu system which is not so smooth,but there seems to be a lot more recent stuff than on NetFlix. However, I'm sure there are lots of films and TV shows available which don't show up unless you know exactly what you're looking for. (I suspect the same about NetFlix.) NetFlix does have some stuff that I couldn't find on LoveFilm such as the TV series Damages.
I would be happy to swap Netflix for LoveFilm except that I also watch a lot of NetFlix on my smart phone. I'm not sure I'll pay for Lovefilm until they bring out an Android streaming app.
Also, I can watch Netflix on my Wii in London (where I live in the week) and my Wii in Eastbourne (where I live at weekends) - all on one subscription. If I can't watch LoveFilm on two Wii's, I'm definately not bothering wih it.
Would I pay for both Netflix and LoveFilm? Probably not - and definately not if I can't watch LoveFilm on my phone.