Nintendo has selected Sonic to enable the DVD playback functionality in the Wii. The Wii is the only late generation console that launched sans DVD playback capability. This was a big deal for some as we talked about a while back.

Sonic Solutions are the folks behind the perennial Roxio CD and DVD software that seems to be issued to every new computer user along with their mouse and keyboard. Nintendo originally left the DVD playback function off the Wii to help cut costs, but is adding it back in for a premium version.
Personally, I think it is cool to give the option of a cheaper system without the DVD functionality. Being a PC gamer myself, I use the lowly PS2 as the DVD player in the kid’s room. Should I get a Wii at some point, I would care nothing for DVD playback features. It is also important to note that what Nintendo is adding is standard DVD playback, no Blu-ray or HD DVD. Story and image via DailyTech