Lovefilm lurches onto Wii, Wii U version coming 'soon'

Wii owners can now get streaming movies via Lovefilm Instant on their consoles, though folks who've splashed out on the newer Wii U console will need to wait.

If you pop into the Wii's Shop Channel, you should spy the Lovefilm app available to download right now. You might need to dig your Wii out of the attic first though, and then find fresh batteries for Wii Remotes that died years ago. Even then you won't get HD streaming, thanks to the Wii's resolution limitations.

The Wii U will see Lovefilm added to its video-on-demand roster "soon", but it's not ready yet, it would seem. I've asked Lovefilm why this much more useful version of the app is delayed, and I'll update this story if I hear back.

The Wii U hit shop shelves last week, and will need all the help it can get if it wants to compete with high-flying consoles such as the Xbox 360 in terms of its video services.

The Wii U currently features streaming service Netflix, but that's about it. Other concerns regarding Nintendo's newest console were raised in our in-depth review, including the strong possibility that developers won't bother using the GamePad's second screen for anything worthwhile, relegating it to map duty instead.

Lovefilm Instant is already on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, as well as devices such as the Kindle Fire HD and iPad. Conspicuously absent are iPhone and Android apps, meaning Lovefilm's streaming library is absent from little screens, with the Amazon-owned company only offering a separate app for managing your physical film-delivery queue.

It seems a bit late to be bringing Lovefilm Instant to the Wii, which was released six years ago. Are you still using your Wii for video? And have you tried the new app on the Wii? Let me know in the comments, or on our Facebook wall.