New Wii Channel

death1234567

This morning, many gamers woke up to a soft blue blinking glow emanating from their Wiis. The signal heralded the latest update to the console from Nintendo: the eponymous Nintendo Channel. Via a brief note on the console's messaging service, the cash-flush game maker announced that the service, which has been available in Japan since last November, is now available in North America and is expected to launch in Europe at the end of the month.

For those who own only a Wii, the Nintendo Channel adds several new features. It will offer downloadable videos for the console, including game trailers and commercials, along with instructional videos on how to use Wii services and games. Other content will also be available, such as a video interview with often-honored game designer Shigeru Miyamoto.

Wii owners will also be able to look up information and box art for both released and upcoming games on the Nintendo Channel. In addition, those who have downloaded the Wii's Web browser can order the games directly through the console. It also lets users rate Wii games that they've played by filling out various surveys about their playing habits and preferences. The demographic and preferential data from this information will then accompany games on the Nintendo Channel, allowing users to select games that people of comparable age or sex play, or to see other games liked by those who play their favorite games.

However, the service's biggest draw will be for DS users, given that, once downloaded, it will turn the Wii into a DS demo-download station. Via the two devices' Wi-Fi connection, the channel will let players browse demos on their Wii and then transmit them to their DSs much like demo kiosks at retailers.

For a guided video tour of the Nintendo Channel, visit Nintendo's official Web site.

Interesting

brainiac

death1234567 wrote: »

Interesting

This was already announced a few weeks ago when Ninty released their Q2 release list.

PGL

is it possible to download demos of the games like on the PS3? This is a great way of sussing out a game before actually buying it.....

The_B_Man

DS games, ye. Wii games, no!

valleyoftheunos

I'd like to be able to play some of my VC games on my DS, although I doubt that will ever happen. The lack of link up between Wii and DS is criminal.

nedd

the lack of link up is criminal, but the psp can be linked to the PS3 and its totally pointless. there is nothing (worth while) you can do with it.

valleyoftheunos

If nintendo cant figure out something interesting to do with a Wii and a DS then there is no hope.

Doodah7

Anyone know if this update will break a Freeloader??

Balfa

There's no new firmware. You download the channel separate from updating. The channel may not work unless you have the most recent firmware, though

JAMM222

Where do you download it from? ive looked in the wii menu and the shopping channel but cant find it there!

Crave

Info on the channel

http://www.nintendo.com/wii/channels/nintendochannel

Crave

JAMM222 wrote: »

Where do you download it from? ive looked in the wii menu and the shopping channel but cant find it there!

says from the wii shop channel

aidan_walsh

JAMM222 wrote: »

Where do you download it from? ive looked in the wii menu and the shopping channel but cant find it there!

Its not out here yet.

Takk

Nintendo Channel available to download today, for free, from the Wii Shop Channel.

DS Demos available to download: Big Brain Academy, Brain Training, 42 All Time Classics, Mario Kart, Maths Training, Sight Training, Picross.

You're able to send feedback on games/channels that you have played. You're asked the gender of the person who liked the title most, age of that person, how highly they would rate it (a bar scale is used), whether it appeals to gamers/non-gamers, hardcore/casual and whether it is better alone/with friends.

Kintarō Hattori

nedd wrote: »

the lack of link up is criminal, but the psp can be linked to the PS3 and its totally pointless. there is nothing (worth while) you can do with it.

Remote Play is a fantastic little thing. I love being able to access the music, pictures, video's on my PS3 no matter where I am.