(Image source: CNET)
BY TRACY PFEIFFER
ANCHOR JIM FLINK
You're watching multisource entertainment video news analysis from Newsy.
Video-streaming service Netflix is coming to another handheld near you -- the Nintendo 3DS.
Most reports note -- the news comes amid some bad press for both companies.
For Netflix -- it’s over pricing changes.
CHRIS JANSING, MSNBC: “A social media firestorm has erupted after Netflix announced that they plan to raise prices by as much as 60 percent. …So we checked the Facebook page for Netflix -- more than 29,000 comments already. People are furious.”
And for Nintendo -- disappointing sales figures for the 3DS.
“The device, which allows users to play 3D games without the need for special glasses, hasn't been selling as well as Nintendo had hoped. ...The addition of Netflix to the 3DS seems to be part of [a] strategy to bring more players into the mix.” (CNET)
But a writer for PCWorld says -- the joint venture will likely appeal most to kids, not those who actually hold Netflix accounts.
“Watching movies or even TV shows on handhelds isn't for me ... but it might be of more than passing ‘hey, look what my handheld can do!’ interest to your children, who'll actually sit through something like Ponyo ... piped through a peewee 3.53-inch screen. The app may also at some point be of interest to ‘no-glasses 3D’ fans -- you know, when Netflix finally adds 3D content.”
The 3DS’ glasses-free 3D capability is supposed to be its big draw -- and a press release from Nintendo claims 3D movies will someday stream to the device.
But according to gaming site Kotaku -- Netflix apparently didn’t get the memo.
“Reached for comment Thursday [the] Netflix vice president of communication said that the company has not yet announced anything about 3D streaming. When pressed he declined to say whether Nintendo was incorrect in saying that Netflix was soon getting into the 3D movie streaming business.”
In the end, a writer for Geek.com says -- the addition of a Netflix app can’t hurt.
“The good news for Nintendo is not only does this make the 3DS more attractive, but it requires users to update their handheld to the latest firmware before Netflix will work. That update adds the eShop and Pokedex 3D app along with a number of security updates...”
3DS users with a Netflix account can download the free app from Nintendo’s eShop.
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Transcript by Newsy.
