Nintendo is introducing Nintendo TVii, a free, integrated service for the recently launched Wii U console, in the US and Canada
The company claims TVii is going to change the way how we watch television, as “it combines what you watch and how you watch into one seamless, second-screen experience on the revolutionary new Wii U GamePad controller.:
“After Decemmber 20, you’ll never look at your TV the same way again,” said Nintendo’s America president and COO Reggie Fils-Aime.
“Wii U owners have already experienced the transformative effect that the GamePad has on game play and social interaction. Nintendo TVii shows how the integrated second screen of the GamePad can also transform and enhance the TV viewing experience. Welcome to the new world of TVii.”
Nintendo TVii combines Wii U owners’ current cable, satellite and video-on-demand services by pulling all of their available content sources, such as a Comcast cable package or Hulu Plus subscription, into one place. Once users find the show, sporting event or movie they want, they press an icon and Nintendo TVii does the rest.
Nintendo TVii also includes a series of social features that enable Wii U owners to share experiences and exciting moments with friends as they are happening on live TV.
People can engage with others by commenting and sharing on Miiverse, Facebook and Twitter. Or they can comment, post or tweet about an incredible touchdown, a remarkable performance or a shocking plot twist, all using the personal screen of the Wii U GamePad.
Nintendo TVii requires no additional equipment and can be enjoyed with very little setup, demonstrating what’s possible when the second screen is truly integrated with the TV.
Wii U owners can also discover more information about what they’re watching by easily accessing information on the GamePad via an Internet connection, including cast details, movie reviews from Rotten Tomatoes and sports data such as live stats and scores.
Nintendo TVii launches in the United States and Canada on December 20. At launch, the service will support cable and satellite providers in both regions, as well as direct integration with Amazon Instant Video and Hulu Plus subscriptions in the US. Further integration with Netflix subscriptions and TiVo are expected in early 2013.
All elements of the Nintendo TVii service are included in the purchase price of the Wii U system. Users will define which services they currently subscribe to – including the channel lineup in their cable package and video-on-demand service subscriptions – as part of the setup process.
