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Posted by: Matt Liebl

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Hoping to replicate the success of the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 media content, Nintendo is reportedly meeting with "a select number of top content companies", including multiple cable networks and Web video producers, to explore the possibilities of content distribution for the upcoming Wii U console.

According to AdWeek, sources have noted that the preliminary talks have focused on sports and music content, but one source specifically mentioned Comcast met with Nintendo with the idea of using the Wii U as a cable box replacement similar to the the Microsoft deal.

While Sony and Microsoft have blossomed with their expanded content, Nintendo has been slow to adopt additional media content, adding Hulu just this year.  The Wii does offer Netflix, but many Wii owners don't even connect their console to the internet due to lack of necessity.  Nintendo is hoping to change this by enticing users with their recently announced Nintendo Network for the Wii U and 3DS.

Nintendo President Satoru Iwata revealed Nintendo is planning to provide gamers with a more involving online experience by including  "competitions and communication among users, as well as the sales of digital content, will be covered within the Nintendo Network."

With the Wii U's innovative tablet controller, the functionality possibilities are endless.  Sources have suggested the possibility that the tablet will allow users to be able to run apps separate from the console itself.  If true, it sets up the Wii U to truly be an all-around entertainment hub, which has been Microsoft's goal for quite a while.  Surveys have shown more than 30% of the time spent on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 is revolved around non-gaming activities like watching movies.  Whether or not Nintendo can pull it off, remains to be seen.

Nintendo has plans to release the Wii U around the holiday period of this year.

Tags: Wii U, Nintendo