Netflix on the Wii

May 18, 2011 | Filed under: Articles | Posted by: Kristofer Brozio

So yesterday I got my Wii disc from Netflix, and today I’ve got many screenshots for you of the interface. You could call it a review or maybe an overview, but this will show you everything you need to know about it I hope..

Using Netflix on the Wii is obviously not going to be in HD, but still the quality is very good, though I am running via component connection at 720×480 resolution on an HDTV so most everything looks good for me. If you don’t have the component cable for the Wii I highly suggest you grab it as it does make a difference in the quality of the picture for both games and videos.

I do use Netflix on my Xbox360 and on my PC, but now I’ve got another option, options are nice to have I guess, but I’m not sure I’ll be using the Wii that much for Netflix. The interface is quite a bit different than that of the Xbox360, it’s made for the Wii of course and it works for what it is.

So here’s the ‘box shots’, on the inside of the envelope you’ll find the instructions.

Inside the envelope is the DVD in it’s own sleeve with the instructions on it. Yes you must use the disc every time you want to watch Netflix, it would be nice if we could add a Netflix channel to the Wii so we don’t have to use it every time though.

All the screenshots below are done in actual size, so you can click on them for the full 720×480 view.

Just put your disc in the WIi and go to your computer to access you Netflix account to activate it with the code the Wii shows you on the screen, in about 2 minutes your synced and ready to start watching your favorite movies and TV.

Clicking on it gives you the familiar start screen, and then the Netflix loading screen. Load time is about 30 seconds, until the second screen appears with the Wiimote on it and then it loads for about another 30 seconds. It’s at least a minute before you hit the actual Netflix screen with you Instant Queue. For me that’s not too bad really. Just so you know I do have a nice fast 20/30 FIOS internet connection.

When it loads you’re greeted with your Instant Queue. I tossed some stuff in there and yes I’m watching Weeds…

Netflix gives you many categories including the ‘Like’ suggestions which personally I don’t care for too much. Just because I watched ‘The Big Lebowski’ again, Netflix thinks I want to watch more movies like it!?!

The categories besides Instant Queue that I’ve got listed on my dashboard are these, of course yours might differ from mine:

Foreign:

Documentary:

Horror:

Children & Family:

Television:

Thrillers:

Romance:

Independent:

Sci-Fi & Fantasy:

Drama:

Action & Adventure:

Comedy:

New Arrivals: TV:

New Arrivals: Movies:

There’s three ‘Like’ categories listed for me:

British Movies:

Gritty Movies:

Exciting Movies:

Scary Psychological Thrillers:

Recently Watched:

You can click on the movies to see more about them with the option to add or play.

Here’s what it looks like when I watched Weeds, since it’s a series you can continue watching or select another episode, remove or play from beginning.