As dominant as the Wii has been since its launch, a consistent knock on the system, as well as a soapbox for some who have called it a fad, is that it doesn't feature video functionality. Of course this isn't necessary for the Wii to succeed as a gaming device. It has done that and more. But with the Xbox 360, and to a lesser extent the PS3, attracting non-gamers with their video on-demand options, Nintendo will be offering a streaming video option in 2009. This Nintendo specific service will apparently be separate from the anime downloads that will also be available to Wii owners in Japan via Fuji Soft's 'Everyone's Theater Wii service.'

The catch to the Nintendo specific video option is that like all things Nintendo, the service will launch first in Japan and no releases information has been made available for the rest of the world. No problem. It will get to the masses eventually and it looks like it will be a VERY stripped down version of what, for example Xbox 360 owners enjoy both via download on LIVE Marketplace and via streaming video through Netflix. Nintendo is partnering with Japanese ad firm Dentsu Inc. to develop the functionality, which will feature original Nintendo programming, possibly with advertising, priced anywhere from free to a few hundred points. So, that said we are almost certainly looking at an entirely gaming centric offering here, versus diversification into movies, TV and the like that is available on the other consoles. Sorry middle America, but you might want to put down those popcorn bowls because that sounds very different from video on-demand.

It could be that Everyone's Theater Wii Service could fill this niche to some extent, but if not, is Nintendo shooting itself in the foot by not taking the leap? Not at all. A quick peek at November '08 sales confirms that the Wii continues to dominate the console gaming roost, and will almost certainly continue to do so for some time to come. The PS3 seems to be lagging in sales as the new year closes in, leaving very manageable competition from Xbox 360. Even if this functionality ends up being little more than a new and improved version of the existing Nintendo Channel, Nintendo may be fine with that. They are a gaming company and figure that they are safe sticking with what works. It would seem that they are right.

--Hobson's Choice

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