LOS ANGELES - Nintendo is switching on a television service that transforms the tablet-like controller of the new Wii U game console into a remote that changes the channel on your TV and puts programs from the Internet just a few finger taps away.

The TVii service launches in the U.S. and Canada on Thursday.

The aim of TVii is to bring order to the hundreds of channels on regular TV and the thousands of shows and movies available through apps from Netflix, Amazon, Hulu Plus and YouTube.

It's the first time a video game console maker has integrated live TV controls in a device and could be the extra incentive any on-the-fence shoppers need before making a last-minute purchase ahead of the Christmas holiday.