GDC 2011: Nintendo Announces Netflix, Super Mario For 3DS

In its keynote speech at the Game Developers Conference today, Nintendo announced that the 3DS will feature streaming video (films, TV shows) from Netflix, as well as 3D video content. Starting this summer, Nintendo will allow 3DS owners with Netflix subscriptions to instantly stream films and television content from the service on their portable, similar to the Netflix application for Wii. Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime also revealed that the company has partnered with Hollywood studios to make 3D trailers for feature films like the upcoming Green Lantern movie available on the portable. "We're offering [movie] studios a distribution vehicle to a large and motivated userbase to promote their upcoming releases in 3D without glasses," said Fils-Aime. "And those owners will want to share those experiences with others." He also detailed an exclusive short-form video service coming to the Nintendo 3DS, which will push a variety of content curated by Nintendo to the portable, including comedy, music videos and more. "It's about discovery, but that doesn't necessarily mean endless searches by you," he explained. "[It's about] pushing the most interesting and entertaining content to find you." Fils-Aime then mentioned a previously hinted at feature that will allow Nintendo 3DSes to record video in 3D to accompany the portable's current 3D photo capturing features, though extended details were not available. Fils-Aime went on to discuss Nintendo's plans for enabling as many 3DS owners as possible to connect online through a partnership with AT&T that will make over 10,000 WiFi hotspots available to users at restaurants, coffee shops, airports, and other locations. Nintendo president and CEO Satoru Iwata teased upcoming software releases for the 3DS, too, including a new EAD Tokyo-developed Super Mario game that will be further detailed at the E3 expo this June. A more in-depth Gamasutra write-up from our onsite reporter is coming in the near future.