I wasn’t planning to cover this, but the amount of attention it’s received (and the amount of pings I’ve received) have led me to say something: Netflix movie streaming to PS3 and/or Xbox 360 ain’t gonna happen any time soon. When conducting market research surveys, scenarios are often presented in the present tense, as if they currently existed. For example, last summer Netflix gathered opinions on the possibility of a $50 or $100 movie-renting set-top box. Seen one yet? So let’s be clear – gaming console Netflix movie viewing doesn’t yet exist and you probably won’t see anything like it for many months, if ever.
Having put it in perspective – I think this could be a killer app for any gaming console and something I’d personally appreciate. Tons of movies, perhaps unlimited viewing included with my monthly subscription on a box I already own, and the Netflix name to market the service (and console). However, Netflix will find several barriers to entry… Going beyond their technical challenges, Microsoft currently runs their own movie service on Xbox Live. Would they consider augmenting it or replacing it with Netflix? Because the only way Netflix will land on the 360 is with Microsoft’s blessing. Unless they go the extender route which isn’t as clean or elegant and would reduce their potential customer base exponentially.