Netflix Added to Nintendo 3DS

Netflix has brought its services to the Nintendo 3DS making it easy for users to watch films, documentaries and sitcoms as they demand it.

Nintendo announced Thursday that those 3DS owners across the U.S. and Canada can download a free application allowing Netflix members with unlimited streaming plans to instantly watch TV episodes and movies streaming from Netflix.

Nintendo added the Netflix support to its 3D system Thursday through software update. The free Netflix app was added to the Nintendo 3DS eShop.

Netflix users can download the service from the eShop and activate it through standard procedures. That is, go to the Netflix page; enter the code shown on your 3DS; and your device will be activated and voila - Netflix's 2D content is available on 3DS' small screen.

Netflix has already been available on other home gaming systems, and its interface is similar to that found PlayStation 3 and Blu-ray players and HDTVs.

Nintendo 3DS now joins the Wii console in streaming Netflix content.

Nintendo said on an average day, more than 1.5 million Netflix members instantly watch TV shows or movies via the Wii console.

The new Netflix application looks great, plays great and is a fantastic consumer experience, said Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime. It gives Nintendo 3DS owners access to an amazing wealth of movies and TV shows, which they can watch conveniently from thousands of free Wi-Fi access points across the country. Nintendo 3DS truly offers something for everyone.

The 3DS is a Nintendo handheld system with two screens. The widescreen display on top works on an 800 x 240 pixel resolution. The bottom LCD touch screen operates at a resolution of 320 x 240.

While the Netflix service only offers 2D content, Nintendo said users will soon have access to an additional library of select movies that can be viewed in 3D without the need for special glasses.

To use the Netflix application on Nintendo 3DS users will need a broadband Internet connection and a Netflix streaming membership starting at $7.99 a month. Netflix members with unlimited streaming plans can instantly watch on their Nintendo 3DS systems and other devices to include the Wii console.

Recently a Netflix price increase of about 60 percent for subscribers who wish to buy both the DVD and streaming packages, left some customers outraged.

Netflix previously offered a base plan for $9.99 that included unlimited streaming content plus one DVD rental a month. Now, the streaming and DVD rental options are being offered separately, at $7.99 a piece. For those willing to pay the difference, it will add six dollars to their monthly entertainment budget.