How to Get Netflix to Work on the Nintendo Wii

Netflix is well known as a rent-by-mail movie company, but many Netflix users are not aware of some of the newer options available to them. Owners of many gaming consoles, such as the Microsoft Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii and Sony Playstation 3 have the ability to stream a portion of Netflix's movie catalog directly to their television via an Internet connection. This, combined with the disc-by-mail options, which are still available to those utilizing Instant Streaming of movies, makes Netflix an affordable entertainment option for any family. Setting up Instant Streaming on your Nintendo Wii requires a few more steps than on the Xbox 360, but once the activation process is complete, you can enjoy movies anytime from the comfort of your living room.

How Do I Get Netflix to Work on the Wii?

Create a Netflix account at www.Netflix.com. If you already have an account, sign in to your account.

Request a Netflix instant streaming disc from www.Netflix.com/wii. You should receive the disc within a few days. While waiting for your disc, take this time to populate your instant queue so that you will be ready to stream movies as soon as your disc arrives.

Once you receive the disc, log into your Netflix account on your computer in order to activate your Wii for Netflix Instant Streaming. Insert your Netflix disc into your Wii console. Select the "Disc Channel" from the Wii's main menu and select "Start."

An activation code will be displayed on your television screen. At www.Netflix.com/wii click "Activate your Wii console." Enter the code in the field displayed on your computer. Then click "Activate."

Once the activation process is complete the instant queue will be displayed on your television. If you have not yet done so, you will need to add the movies to your instant queue from your computer when signed into your Netflix account.

Considerations

Do not use the internet channel on the Wii to activate the console. It must be done from the computer or an internet enabled phone.

You will need to insert your Netflix Instant Streaming Disc into your Wii and navigate to the disc channel and select "Start," every time you wish to watch a streamed Netflix video.

You may find that with the Instant Streaming feature offered by Netflix you no longer use or rarely use the rent-by-mail service. Consider downgrading your Netflix subscription to a cheaper plan.