Netflix (Wii)

To do: Add version differences and more changes made from the streaming disc to the full Wii channel release.

This game is defunct. Do note the game no longer works at all without modifications. This is most likely due to the game's servers being shut down (as of January 30, 2019). As a result, further official developments with the game are unlikely to happen.

As if watching Netflix on the PlayStation 2 wasn't crazy enough, in 2010, you can now watch Netflix on the Wii in glorious 240p.

Streaming Disc changes#

From the transition from being a Netflix streaming disc in March 2010 (as a means of circumventing an exclusivity deal with Microsoft) to a downloadable channel in October 2010, a bunch of changes were made.

Streaming Disc version (March 2010)	Channel version (November 2010)

The channel version of Netflix has those little white(?) stripes near the bottom and top. The disc version is plain red.

Streaming Disc version (March 2010)	Channel version (November 2010)

The Wii Remote and control instructions has been completely removed. White background color has been replaced by a more brownish color. The "Just a moment..." text in the top left has also been removed.

Streaming Disc version (March 2010)	Channel version (November 2010)

The menu has been completely redesigned. Advertisement for certain Netflix shows appear in the header, and you do not need to use your computer to add shows to your "queue" as all of the streaming is done by the console itself.

Streaming Disc version (March 2010)	Channel version (November 2010)

Mostly the same. The Play/Pause icon is now completely gray instead of yellow.

Streaming Disc version (March 2010)	Channel version (November 2010)

The white background has been replaced as seen in the menus. The color of the ratings has been changed from yellow to red.

Discontinuation of the streaming disc#

To do: Get a good screenshot of this, if it's somehow still able to trigger this message instead of a generic connection error.

This disc is no longer supported. To watch instantly, simply download Netflix from the Wii Shop Channel. See http://support.nintendo.com/downloadnetflix for details.

After the downloadable version was released, using the streaming disc would prompt users to download the new version of the app from the Wii Shop Channel. Oddly, this message was also displayed on the iOS version of Netflix on older unsupported devices.

Revisional Changes#

Old (v1 - 1794)	New (v2049)

'Corrupted save file' error#

If you somehow managed to corrupt your Netflix save file on the Wii, a error message will appear saying that Netflix has been "deactivated due to a outdated or corrupt activation file" and tells you to reactivate it. The message is identical on the Streaming disc version, the only difference is the different UI.

Streaming Disc version (March 2010)	Channel version (November 2010)

Development-Related Text#

Present in the files of the Netflix streaming disc are several internal development strings;

Version 1 build date#

BuildID=20100227_1552
Branch Code=R
Perforce ChangeList=7847
buildtype=final targets=nfp_fs

The string 20100227_1552 was compiled approximately 2 weeks before the streaming disc's official release in the west: February 27, 2010 at 15:52 (3:52 PM).

Version 2 build date#

Hudson Build Number=26
BuildID=20100729_1524
Branch Code=R
Perforce ChangeList=10777
buildtype=final targets=nfp_fs

These indicate the game was compiled on July 29, 2010 at 15:24 (3:24 PM), from Perforce changelist 10777 on the "R" (possibly Release or Revision) branch. The "buildtype=final" and "targets=nfp_fs" suggest this is the final build intended for submission, with "nfp_fs" likely referring to Nintendo's final production (factory submission) filesystem target.

References#