Nintendo 3DS receives Netflix support, no 3D movies just yet

Just days ago Nintendo reiterated plans to bring the popular instant streaming service Netflix to its new handheld, the 3DS. The company vaguely stated it would happen "later this summer." Turns out that what it really meant was "later this week."

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On Thursday Nintendo announced that Netflix members in North America and Canada can instantly stream movies to the 3DS thanks to a free downloadable app now available in the device's eShop.

"The new Netflix application looks great, plays great and is a fantastic consumer experience," said Reggie Fils-Aime, Nintendo of America President, in a statement. "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."

Reed Hastings, Netflix CEO, called Nintendo a "terrific partner" and said that he was "excited" to see the relationship that started on the Nintendo Wii last year reach a new handheld audience.

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One noticeable exception (for now, anyway) is 3D flicks. No firm time frame beyond "soon" was given by Nintendo for the anticipated feature, so customers eager to watch their favorite movies on-the-go in 3D will need to wait a bit longer. A free 3D trailer for "Green Lantern: Rise of the Manhunters" was offered in June.

Many analysts have commented on recent commercial troubles facing the novel handheld, and even Nintendo itself confirmed the system's sales figures haven't quite measured up to the company's internal expectations. A research report published by IHS iSuppli in April just two weeks after the 3DS was released in North America speculated that the 3DS wouldn't be able to replicate its predecessor the Nintendo DS' amazing success, though would still enjoy a healthy user base in the coming years.

Will you be watching movies via Netflix on your Nintendo 3DS? Let us know in the comment section.

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