Back in September, Nintendo announced TVii, an application that would allow users to search through, watch, and otherwise interact with a range of TV shows, movies, sporting events, and other programing. It’s a bit like a Nintendo-branded television concierge service, augmented through the Wii U’s nifty touch-screen GamePad. The service will use existing cable and satellite providers as well as streaming services like Hulu and Netflix. Nintendo TVii will be a free service, though some 3 rd party content providers will require a subscription (like Netflix).
Unfortunately, the Nintendo TVii service will not be available at the console’s launch. Nintendo has recently pegged the application with a December activation window. It will probably arrive via a simple firmware update, or perhaps a simple download from the Nintendo store.
TVii will allow you to chat with other Wii U users that are watching the same programs as you. You will be able to share your comments through Nintendo’s own Miiverse, Facebook, Twitter, and other social networking services.