For those of you unfamiliar with the Wii, here is a quick overview of the Wii Channels. If you want a more indepth look at the Wii Channels and using the Wii Online, then view another of our articles: Tips on using the Wii Online.

The multi talented Nintendo Wii. With features never seen before in a gaming console, the Wii has truly revolutionized the gaming industry. Wii channels has made available both extended personalized information and individual entertainment possible for each family member.

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The Nintendo Wii console comes with an inbuilt and user-friendly WiFi feature. The Wii WiFi feature is a wireless connection that allows you to get your Nintendo Wii online and play the latest Wii online games. The Wii online service is very similar to the other major game console’s online services (such as Microsoft’s Xbox Live service), in that you can surf the Internet, purchase Wii games, and of course play against your friends over the internet.

What do I need to get my Wii Online?

With the inbuilt Nintendo Wii WiFi feature, you can get online with very little effort, providing of course you already have a wireless modem or router set-up at your home. You simply need to change your Wii’s console settings to use the WiFi feature. If you don’t have wireless at home then you can buy a Wii LAN adapter that will allow you to connect to your broadband connection using an Ethernet cable.

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When you start up your Wii, you will notice a variety of Wii Channels that allow you to do a number of things. Most of them are Nintendo Wii online based options that can be customized to suit your individual needs. Let’s talk about the Wii Channels a little further…

The Mii Channel

You can use the Mii Channel to customize your own "Mii character", which is a computer generated caricatures of yourself. You friends will see this character when you "meet" them online.

Wii Weather Channel

The Wii weather channel allows you to select the area you live in so that you can receive real-time weather updates and forecasts via your Wii Internet connection.

Wii Message Board Channel

Another Nintendo Wii online option you can access through your gaming console is the Wii Message Channel, which allows you to send messages to friends who also own a Wii. Each console has a unique "friend code" which can be found in the Wii’s configuration menu. The "friend codes" provide a safe way for youngsters and teenagers to communicate with their friends online without parents worrying about predators.

Wii Shop Channel

On the Wii Shopping channel you can use Wii Points to purchase Wii accessories and download your favorite classic Nintendo games from Nintendo’s extensive games library. In order to get Wii Points you need to purchase a Wii Points Card, which for a 2,000 point card works out at around $20 in the USA , €20 in Europe, £14.99 in the UK, or $35 in Australia. You can play your Nintendo Wii download games via the Wii’s "Virtual Console".

Wii News Channel

When you turn on your Wii you can always check the latest news on your TV, both your local news and abroad.

Wii Internet Channel

The Wii Internet Channel turns your Wii console in to an Internet browser by using the full internet browser from Opera Software, which also supports Adobe Flash. Unfortunately, this will set you back 500 Wii Points to install it.

Some Great Wii Online Tips and Features

As long as your Wii is connected to the internet it can download critical system updates, which keeps your console up to date and provides you with new features as they become available.

Unlike the Wii’s competitors online service’s that allow open play with anybody, the Wii limits you to playing with friends online who have your "friend code". There is no blocking or accepting of a player invitation which bumps up the safety factor of the Nintendo Wii Online service. This means parents have total access and control as to who their children may be playing with on the internet.

Anonymity is the name of the game when it comes to the Nintendo Wii WiFi as no one would no who you are beyond a nickname and friend code. In addition, there is no voice chat option which serves as a great protective measure for kids against cyber bullies. The WiFi feature is free for Wii users and requires no additional accessories as it is already built into the system.

As time goes by, there will be even more features and channels available for the Nintendo Wii Online. Will additional free and paid downloads the options of this great gaming console make it a great buy for families with children because it offers safe internet browsing and safe game play with known friends online.