How to Watch Online Movies and TV on the Wii U
The Wii U doesn’t have as many apps available as newer game consoles or the Roku, but if it’s all you have, watching Netflix on your TV using the Wii U beats watching movies on a laptop.
Streaming Video on the Wii U
The Wii U is capable of streaming video in full HD (1080p) and streams media in 1080i, 720p, 480p, and standard 4:3. The Nintendo Wii U is also compatible with stereoscopic 3-D televisions. In addition to this video versatility, the Wii U features an HDMI output with six-channel audio and the standard RCA analog stereo. This means that no matter the aspect ratio or quality of the video you want to watch, the Wii U supports playback.
How to Watch Streaming Video on the Nintendo Wii
Similar to how online TV devices like Apple TV, Roku, and Chromecast work, the Wii and Wii U have apps (also called channels) you can download to stream TV shows and movies from the internet. Some streaming services require a subscription, and you may need to set up an account using a computer before you can watch videos on your console. Others, like the YouTube channel, are free to use. There’s also an internet channel that allows you to search the web using an on-screen keyboard and the wireless controller. It’s no longer possible to download apps from the Wii store, but you can use services such as YouTube and Netflix if you downloaded the apps. To stream videos, the Wii requires a Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection as well as the standard RCA or S-video television hook-up. Because this console was released in 2006, it doesn’t support HD streaming.
