REDMOND, Wash.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Thousands of episodes of anime shows are headed to Nintendo’s Wii U home console. Starting today, Wii U owners with a broadband Internet connection can access the Crunchyroll application, a leading global destination and platform for anime, manga and Asian dramas.

Now Wii U owners have access to more than 25,000 episodes and 15,000 hours of hit licensed content, including the most popular current and classic shows like Naruto Shippuden, One Piece, Sword Art Online and Hunter x Hunter. It’s a great match for Wii U, which continues to offer a wide variety of video game and entertainment options, from games like Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and Mario Kart 8 as well as on-demand movies and TV shows through various premium streaming services.

To access Crunchyroll, Wii U owners can download the free application in the Nintendo eShop, which will allow premium Crunchyroll members to begin watching immediately. Crunchyroll premium members have access to the newest episodes of currently airing shows as soon as one hour after they air in Japan, all ad-free. Wii U owners who aren’t yet Crunchyroll members can sign up for a 14-day free trial of premium membership via the application or at the Crunchyroll site.

For more information about Wii U, visit http://www.nintendo.com/wiiu.