Netflix now available on Nintendo 3DS

By Jeffrey Van Camp July 14, 2011

nintendo-3ds-netflix — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Netflix may be in a lot of hot water right now for raising subscription prices, but it continues to show its value–that is, it’s ability to be everywhere its users may be. Today, Nintendo announced that Netflix Streaming video is now available on the Nintendo 3DS in the United States and Canada. No 3D content is available from the service, but this is the first non-Nintendo application to grace one of its handheld systems. Last year, Netflix became widely available for the Kyoto game maker’s Wii console. Now, on an average day, more than 1.5 million people watch Netflix from the Wii.

Those with a $7.99/mo Netflix Streaming account can now download the Netflix application from the Nintendo eShop and connect it to their 3DS using a one-time activation code. After that, and as long as a Wi-Fi connection is present, owners can watch as many TV shows and movies as they can stomach. Content streams over the 3DS’s larger top screen. The application also comes with parental controls and Nintendo and Netflix promise a library of 3D movies will be available soon.

“The new Netflix application looks great, plays great and is a fantastic consumer experience,” said Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime. “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. Nintendo 3DS truly offers something for everyone.”

Outside of Netflix, Nintendo is adding its own Video app to the Nintendo 3DS in the near future. Below, is a YouTube video walkthrough of the app by a lovely Australian gentleman. Thanks to GoNintendo for the link.

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As DT's Deputy Editor, Jeff helps oversee editorial operations at Digital Trends. Previously, he ran the site's…

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You need to get this oddball Zelda game for free before the 3DS eShop closes

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The day of reckoning is fast approaching: The Nintendo 3DS and Wii U eShop isclosing down on March 27. When that happens, you’ll no longer be able to make any digital purchases on those systems. Considering that several games on each platform only ever got digital releases, it’s creating a bit of a preservation nightmare. Hidden gems that never came to another platform, like Affordable Space Adventures, will be totally lost to time.

But it isn’t just obscure indies that are impacted by that change: One of Nintendo’s biggest franchises is about to lose a piece of its storied history. You’ve only got just over a week to grab a certain Legend of Zelda game before it disappears forever -- though it’s probably not one you’re expecting.

Gaming

Grab these Nintendo 3DS games before the eShop closes

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While the Nintendo 3DS had a rocky launch, the handheld system recovered gracefully and ended up having one of the best game lineups of any Nintendo system. Many of these 3DS games, like Super Mario 3D Land and Fire Emblem Awakening, were very popular and well-known. Still, the 3DS had a lot of fantastic games that not as many people know about and threaten to be lost to time when the eShop closes down.
The 3DS eShop will shut down soon, preventing people from purchasing new games. As such, we've been reflecting on the system's vast library and all of the fantastic games that 3DS owners will no longer be able to buy digitally. From games that we think will skyrocket even further in price after the store shuts down to some enjoyable hidden gems that didn't get the attention they deserve, you might want to snag these 3DS games before you can't anymore after March 27.
Ever Oasis

Grezzo is one of Nintendo's most underrated developers. It's delivered top-notch The Legend of Zelda remakes like Ocarina of Time, Majora's Mask, and Link's Awakening. So what if I told you that it used that experience to make an original IP for 3DS that's one of the best-looking and expansive games on the system? Ever Oasis, a 2017 3DS game, follows a young kid as they help a water spirit named Esna build an oasis and try to save their brother from Chaos.
The result is a mix of 3D The Legend of Zelda and city management games. Players can venture out into surprisingly large open worlds and dungeons to restock and grow the number of "bloom booths." This mix of open-world exploration, dungeon crawling, and oasis-building will keep players engaged for dozens of hours, and it also stands as one of the deepest and best-looking action-adventure games on the platform.
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Nintendo confirms that it won’t be part of E3 2023

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