Wii Channels

The Wii Channels are part of the operating system interface for Wii. They are designed around the concept of television channels, with a Wii Menu used to access them. Separate channels are graphically displayed in a grid, and are navigated using the pointer capability of the Wii Remote. The grid is completely customizable and users can place links to different channels or virtual console games in the menu's 48 slots.

Disc Channel
The Disc Channel allows users to play both Wii and Nintendo GameCube titles.

Mii Channel
The Mii (pronounced "me") Channel is an avatar creator, where users can design 3D caricatures of people by selecting from a group of facial features.

A Wired News interview of Katsuya Eguchi (producer of Animal Crossing and Wii Sports) held in 2006 confirmed that the custom player avatar feature shown at Nintendo's E3 Media Briefing would be included in the hardware. The feature was described as part of a "Profile" system that contains the caricature and other pertinent player information. This application was officially unveiled by Nintendo in September 2006. It is incorporated into Wii Channel's operating system interface as the "Mii Channel".. Users can select from pre-made caricatures or create their own by choosing custom body part shapes, colors, and positioning. In certain games (includingWii Sports), each player's caricature will serve as the character he or she controls in gameplay. Mii's can interact with other Wii users by showing up on their Wii consoles through the WiiConnect24 feature or by talking with other Miis created by Wii owners all over the world. This feature is called Mii Parade. Early-created Miis as well as those encountered in Mii Parades may show up as spectators in some games. Miis can be stored on controllers and taken to other consoles. The controller can hold up to a maximum amount of 10 Miis.

News Channel
The News Channel allows users to access news headlines and current events obtained from the Internet. The news is automatically updated and viewable via WiiConnect24. The News Channel will first be available on January 27, 2007, with content provided by Associated Press.

Forecast Channel
Weather reports and forecasts can be downloaded onto the console from the Internet via the WiiConnect24 service. The Forecast Channel displays a view of the Earth, with which users can view weather in other regions. A brief outline of weather conditions appears on this channel's icon in the Channels menu. The Forecast Channel will first be available on December 20, 2006.

Photo Channel
If a user inserts an SD card into the console, photos and videos can be viewed by means of the Photo Channel. A built-in editor allows users to add markings and effects to their photos. Mosaics, slide shows, and puzzles can also be created with this feature.

Wii Shop Channel
Wii Points can be purchased and redeemed in the Wii Shop Channel. Wii Points allow users to download newly added channels and video games for the Virtual Console. The channel can also be used to download the Opera browser used in the Internet Channel. Wii Point pricing varies by region.

Internet Channel
Similar to its use as the Nintendo DS Browser, the Opera web browser will be available for download, according to Nintendo and can be purchased using Wii Points. The browser will support JavaScript, Flash, and AJAX. In addition to functioning as a web browser, Opera on the Wii will serve as a layout engine to be used for web-based applications.

Opera has announced that it will have this as a free download for all Wii users until June 2007.

Message Board
The Message Board is available for users to post messages that are available to other Wii users by usage of friend codes with WiiConnect24. In addition to writing text, players can also include images from their SD card in the body of messages. Announcements of software updates and video game news are posted by Nintendo. The Wii's message board can be used for posting memos for oneself or for family members without going online. These messages could then be put on any day of the calender. The Wii Message Board could also be updated automatically by a real-time game like Animal Crossing.

Virtual Console Channels
Virtual Console games from legacy Nintendo systems as well the SEGA Genesis and Hudson Soft TurboGrafx 16 systems, can be bought through the Wii Shop Channel. Users can appoint games they purchase as individual channels.

At the launch of the Wii, six games will be available for purchase: The Legend of Zelda, Super Mario Bros., Donkey Kong, Mario Bros., Super Mario World, and Super Mario 64. It has been reported that thirty games will be added to the Wii Shop Channel between the time of the Wii's launch and the end of the calendar year with at least ten games a month being added afterwards.

Wii Play History
Wii Play History automatically records details of what game was played, when, and for how long. This will also give parents the ability to set restrictions on play time. It can be used to find statistics such as the most frequently played game in a certain time frame. It cannot be deleted or hidden.