Netflix Gets An Update, But Not On The Console You Were Perhaps Expecting

Netflix misses out on ma dollaz for another day then.

>inb4 people complaining they don't want Netflix on Switch because extra features + additional value for money = bad.

Noticed that last night, didn't see any difference except it cut out randomly and froze for 2 mins between episodes

Blimey. Still use my WiiU to watch Amazon (though struggle to find anything worth watching) but surprised by this update.

The update was probably a just a security patch.

At this point I suspect Nintendo is holding Netflix and YouTube back on Switch to release alongside the paid online service as a way to draw further attention to that update when it finally drops. Sometime around December 2378...

Netflix isn’t out on Switch and therefore couldn‘t get an update so unless this was an article about the 360’s Netflix I don’t see how the tagline is even close to being correct.

Got a smart tv and other consoles, keep Switch pure. I don’t need something to die on me mid movie and with Switch’s battery that’s a real concern.

I guess they will launch all the online services at the same time, with the Nintendo's official online service. Netflix, Youtube, Hulu, Youporn, ...

@RusevDay didn't take long!

Awesome!

@RusevDay Have you read the article? The update is for the Wii U.

@RusevDay Technically you could watch it in docked mode... Or just not use the service if you have it somewhere else

@smashboy2000 Maybe not the last one. We'll see.

@Heavyarms55 I don't think Netflix will be locked behind a paywall. At least, it better not be, and it shouldn't be. I already pay for Netflix.

@Mogster Hey, can you tell me when Pikmin 4 is coming out? Seems like you have a knack for these things!

@Octane Fall 2018. Get your preorder in now

@RusevDay How is the headline not correct? Netflix got an update on a console that you wouldn’t expect, that’s exactly what the headline says. Considering it’s effectively dead I sure wouldn’t expect the Wii U Netflix to get an update.

And the tag line is implying that surely it’s time to release it in Switch, not that it IS on switch, as in its time for Netflix to make a switch from Wii U to Switch

@smashboy2000 unless I'm mistaken, Hulu is on Switch, giving reason that Nintendo may not be the ones holding back anything regarding streaming services.

Ah, Youtube is the Best.

@RusevDay Hulu is on Switch and has movies though, Rusev. And your day is GLORIOUS!

No really, tell us why the the title headline didn't make it obvious this was an update for Wii U and not for Switch. Can't be because this site is once again trying to trick people into clicking on this article? No that would be really silly.

@SanderEvers was on the wii had to use a disc to use netflix.

@Mogster OMG, the mental gymnastics some people come up with for justifying going backwards... I've been wondering if that's unique to certain Nintendo fans, but maybe I just haven't listened around enough. I've heard of "less is more", and believe it's a good philosophy, but the only other people I've heard espousing "more is bad, REALLY bad!" are technophobes and the elderly.

It makes me wonder how many primary console users (of the pro-minimalist, anti-web services Nintendo variety in particular) are not really techie people, they just happen to use tech because they were born into this era...

@YamAsereht It's obvious because you can't update a service which doesn't currently exist (on NSW). The joke was that modern extra features would typically be expected by now, but Nintendo's multimedia strategy is... unique, in mostly shunning such services on NSW, at least for now...

@Captain_Gonru You can download shows/movies for offline viewing.

@Captain_Gonru The point is some people prefer taking the blue pill. Let them live the way they chose. (But seriously, Nintendo is trying to stem the tide of console modding through the NSW browser exploit... by not officially releasing it. Thus, hotspots are a no go.)

If you don't want to use a feature then just don't use it. That's not a reason not to bring it to the system.
No need to be so self-centred.

@PlywoodStick Gotcha

@Captain_Gonru now don't you go bringing your logical and sensible thoughts round here, many of the locals don't like it 😉

You're 100% right of course, if you look at it objectively then the Switch would be a very poor mobile option for Netflix and in my own house it's be about 5th choice

@sillygostly how would Netflix be missing out on "dollaz" by not being on the Switch? They don’t charge extra per device, you’re paying the same amount of money whether you have it on 100 devices, or have it on zero devices and only watch it in a web browser. Unless you think that people who currently don’t subscribe to Netflix will suddenly pay for it just because it’s on the Switch, which is a ridiculous theory. If you didn’t want to pay for Netflix before, most likely you’re not going to want to pay for it now.

@SanderEvers The thought of watching my favourite programs in amazing standard definition gets my juices flowing.

Sweet! I only watch Netflix on the Wii U

+1 Wii U
-1 Switch

@Almighty-Koz Yes, you had to use a disc at first but then the app came out. The disc was no longer needed. Netflix is on the Wii.

@SLIGEACH_EIRE Yeah, the Wii U didn't do well commercially, yet it continues to be a surprisingly decent multimedia device. It still has the best web browser experience of any console, too! (In fact, I'm using the Wii U right now...)

@Thisismycomment It's really not ridiculous, you really think no one out of millions of Switch owners could be pushed into subscribing/rejoining/not cancelling based off of the added support?

@Captain_Gonru Each web browser going from the Wii, 3DS, then Wii U have been instrumental for console modding, and the Switch web browser would have been no different. Nintendo really wants to prevent or slow down Switch modding, so that's a valid reason for cutting off the browser's release. (Though they may not publicly admit it.) Debateable, but understandable at least.

That being the case, Nintendo probably needs to develop another, much broader "Nintendo Zone" sort of service to get through hotspots. Much more difficult to deploy than a web browser, but that would seem to be the only way, given the current plan. More Switches have been sold than 3DS consoles in the corresponding time frame leading up to the Nintendo Zone program's full deployment, so I'm sure they could justify a new and improved successor program.

Still waiting for Netflix on my SNES

@chucknorris078 I KNOW, RIGHT!? Oh well, at least we can still watch Netflix on the good ol' NES.

https://gizmodo.com/netflix-on-an-nes-is-the-best-worst-way-to-watch-netfli-1690585053

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=womt2t_GES0

That modem port on the bottom finally found it's purpose! It just took 30 years to find it...

Still don't care at all about streaming apps on tbe Switch.

That is the Console I was expecting

I use the OG Wii app all the time, wish they'd update that one instead, after like 2016 many titles have the tendency to skip frames.

BTW I just gave the Wii Shop Channel a quick look, and noticed they removed Hulu, though I'm not a user, it kinda sucks I had no idea, at least YouTube gave a warning, and Crunchyroll still exists in the Shop despite not working.

Basically only Amazon and Netflix still work on Wii.

if you don't have a netflix capable device still you have bigger problems

It's good for those who still use it but me I stopped watching Netflix a long time ago so I wouldn't care about this. I'm just waiting for Nintendo to launch their online service.

The update adds the option to skip intros 🤙

@SanderEvers it is.

@Heavyarms55 Beginning to think Nintendo operates with ‘Valve time’. It’s the only possible explanation!

@Captain_Gonru I took my switch to Vegas with me a few weeks ago and had no problem connecting to the hotel wifi. It too required terms acceptance. When selecting the hotel wifi it automatically forwarded me to a web page at the hotel to enter my room number and name and submit the form. I had no problem doing this on the switch. After connecting to the wifi the web page closed and I have internet.

I'm hoping hulu will fix their Wii U app because it hasn't worked at all for a couple months...

@stevenw45 I'm pretty sure the Wii servers were shutdown recently.

@ReanSchwarzer7

I'm pretty sure it still works on Wii. The app connects to the same servers that your current-gen smartphone/tablet/or Smart TV would. It just displays it differently, and with Netfllix's old logo of course.

If you mean the Wii Shop Channel, it's still gonna be up until next January.

Why not make a Switch version, and at that point, why hasn't Nintendo updated to have a browser yet? Luckily it's a system for games, and there are plenty of those

I want YouTube and Crunchyroll since I don't need to pay to watch

I'm happy as long as the Switch gets a browser.

But until then, Wii U is still the best console as far as I'm concerned.

Typical. Wii U owners getting preferential treatment again. What about us poor Switch owners???!

does the WiiU need to be connected to the Nintendo network for Netflix to work? trying to make sense if they are waiting for Switch to have a proper online first

They really need to update the 3DS Netflix app and make it work more than 50% of the time. Seems so pointless to update the Wii U one when the 3DS is still an active platform, and that app has been half broken for 6 years.

I still have my Netflix disc that was used for the Wii. Good times~

Still watch Netflix on Wii U, perhaps just security stuff update - oh well

Wii U netflix always needed a way to control which screen you were watching on instead of always showing video on both. Would be cool if they fixed that.

Sounding more and more like Hulu did a timed exclusivity deal for streaming media on switch

How dense can the comment section be, obviously Nintendo made a deal with Hulu, or is pushing some insane ToS garbage that Netflix thinks is not worth it. Nintendo does have a history of being thick headed and the success of the Switch might have pushed them back into their 1990s mindset when it comes to apps. The absolute lack of apps does point to this as well.

@SmaMan The logo is the current one, at least in the US version.

You can actually see the UI and logo for yourself in a browser:
https://secure.netflix.com/us/htmltvui/release-bowser_bowser_member_2014_11_04-7/3_1/t/853x480/html/bowser.html?dh=480&dw=853&dar=16:9
Or
https://secure.netflix.com/us/htmltvui/release-bowser_bowser_member_2014_11_04-7/3_1/t/640x480/html/bowser.html?dh=480&dw=640&dar=4:3
For 4:3 mode. If you get a "file not found" simply return (go back to previous page, it should load to an error screen.)

Interestingly since we're talking about NF here, the code names the app versions get come from Nintendo characters.

-Disc version that would run MPEG-4 ASP video (According to NF this profile doesn't exist anymore):
Link
-Wii Shop Channel version, UI change:
Kirby
-H.264 main and baseline support:
Bowser

You can actually see the Bowser name in the url.

@Thisismycomment There are likely still people who don't own smart TV's or media sticks and the switch may be the only device they have that connects to their big screen. Though really I imagine they should just get a cheap Roku or something if that's the case.

@Captain_Gonru to answer your question, picture this scenario : family trip, parents have mobile phones with data but not willing to let little Timmy start mucking around with it, especially since they're listening to Spotify via Bluetooth, so they can tether instead to the switch Netflix.

It's always possible that the main device owner simply doesn't want it used for Netflix at that time. Could be a restaurant or car trip or hotel, parent won't want their phone unavailable or out of commission.

@stevenw45 The blame is on Nintendo. Netflix stated that they could have a working app in no time, when the Switch came out.

So much disinformation...

@bound4earth Basically this. Hulu did a deal with Nintendo. No other reason Netflix would have
1. NOT been on Switch first
2. STILL not be on Switch or have current plans to

Netflix wants to be on as many devices as possible folks. Facts.

@Octane Yeah I don't think they'd do that. But they might be waiting to launch it at the same time to generate hype.

I wish they would update the 3DS one to be more stable and to be able to use profiles.

@SanderEvers I have had Netflix on my Wii.

Hey, is this where we file complaints about Netflix? I might have one...

Funny, I just finished BotW on my Switch, and decided to start playing it on my Wii U. I guess I can update my my Wii U now!

Still waiting for Netflix on my Gamecube.

Netflix will appear with the new Switch OS along with other new things like themes and voice chat. (well I live in hope)

@maceng And to everyone else with looney conspiracies about Nintendo holding Netflix back.

Explain Hulu then.

It was there since day one.

@RickD is it wrong that when I read your comments I hear it in my head like Harrison Ford / Rick Deckard is saying it? Pulling out my Blade Runner 5 disc Collector's Edition with Briefcase so I can watch it tonight when kids are in bed.

@Captain_Gonru I wouldn't say it is a perfect scenario which is why I also laid out a few other quick scenarios at the end. Many people have phones and tablets but many don't.

I don't understand why Nintendo wants me to use Xbox/PlayStation instead of my Switch. I would use my Wii U but it seems to be frozen now.

@Captain_Gonru ah I just went back and reread the start of the article and completely agree with you about the perfect label.

Maybe Nintendo is trying to push/protect their "family friendly" image here? Netflix shows can be pretty violent with plenty of profanity--not a good fit for the wholesome Mario/Nintendo crew?

I just hope the switch version will work for another few years until I get a switch. It's the best way to watch Netflix and it totally redeemed buying my wiiu for me!

I've been a long time subscriber to Netflix, but honestly, keeping in mind the Switch's battery and 720p screen, I don't think I'd ever use it for watching netflix.. I'd rather use my phone, which has a brighter screen and better resolution for watching movies and tv shows.

This is one of many reasons why I prefer Hulu over Netflix.

Nice, but darn it, I want to watch Netflix on my Switch.

I was still using Netflix on my old Wii (the Wii U is parked at the office) and I don't think you guys warned me in advance that the service would end when the Wii Shop Channel closed, so I was a bit disappointed.

I had hoped this news item would be about extending the Wii service, so truly, this was not about the console I was expecting it to be about.

It's true the switch really sucks at online voice chat, online party features, streaming TV movie packages.

Nintendo have said they will fix this one day.........

Approximately 1.5 to 2 years into the consoles life.

@SanderEvers It was released on Wii, unless you mean updating on that.

Makes no sense that Netflix isn't on Switch yet. None at all. Hottest console on the market right now and they're just cool with missing out on those dollars?

There's only 2 reasons I haven't put my Wii U out to pasture yet:

1) Wii U Browser
2) Netflix

I enjoy being able to use these services as alternates to my phone, laptop, etc. on my TV or gamepad at a whim. Guess it'll sit under my Switch dock til further notice.

I use Netflix on my Wii U every week,and my son still uses it on our original Wii. When it comes on the switch, I will certainly use it all the time.

@Paddle1 Hulu is on Switch, I don’t know a single person that subscribed just so they coulda watch it on Switch. Everyone I know that watches Hulu on Switch already had subscriptions.

@Thisismycomment Sure but it's hard to know the impact that it really has. There's bound to be at least one person if not more where it affects their decision.

@Thisismycomment
I already had a long-standing Hulu account before it came out on Switch, but that was a factor in my decision to cancel my Sling subscription and go with Hulu's Live TV service instead.

@AlienX

Huh, that's really interesting! Thanks for sharing.

The update i want, is the availability to turn off the video stream to the Gamepad, and replace it with a control panel or something.
You know, how it was the first year. And on 3DS. And on smart devices if you connect them to TV.
It would be great if it did that, on the console that has two screens as a standard.
So i no longer have to put a cloth over the Gamepad.