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How to set up Amazon Instant Video on the Nintendo Wii

Amazon Instant Video is now available for Nintendo Wii console users. We'll show you how to set up the new app on your Wii.

Ed Rhee

Ed Rhee, a freelance writer based in the San Francisco Bay Area, is an IT veteran turned stay-at-home-dad of two girls. He focuses on Android devices and applications while maintaining a review blog at techdadreview.com.

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Ed Rhee

Jan. 15, 2013 9:25 a.m. PT

Amazon Instant Video for Wii — Screenshot by Ed Rhee/CNET

After expanding their streaming video service to the iPhone and iPod touch devices just a month ago, Amazon announced yesterday that their Instant Video service is now available on the Nintendo Wii. Here's how to set up the new app on your Wii:

Step 1: Go to the Wii Shop Channel on your Internet-connected Wii.

Step 2: Download the Amazon Instant Video app.

Step 3: Launch the Amazon Instant Video app from your Wii.

Select Amazon Instant Video app — Screenshot by Ed Rhee/CNET

Step 4: Select "Register Your Device" and make a note of the code that appears.

Step 5: Go to the Amazon Instant Video device registration page from your computer and enter the code that was displayed on your Wii, then complete the device registration.

Amazon device registration code — Click to enlarge. Screenshot by Ed Rhee/CNET

Step 6: Your Wii should now display a note saying that your Wii was successfully linked to your Amazon account. Click "Continue" and the app should now display videos for you to stream.

Device linked to Amazon — Screenshot by Ed Rhee/CNET

That's it. Keep in mind that the video quality from the Wii, even if you have it connected to an HDTV, won't look quite as good as, say, a Roku or Xbox 360, because it only supports SD (480p) video. Still, for those who currently own a Wii and want to watch Amazon Instant Video, especially Prime Video subscribers, the app is a welcome addition.