Wii/Wii Channels

Wii Channels are applications for the Wii and can be found on the Wii Menu. The Channels allow users to play games, access online content, create/edit their Miis, and more. The Wii Channels, with the exception of the Disc Channel, possess the ability to be relocated by holding the A and B buttons simultaneously then dragging the channel to an empty slot. Additional Wii Channels may be purchased from the Wii Shop and added to the Wii Menu, assuming the user has enough free space available.

Disc Channel
The Disc Channel is available from the start. This channel is used to play Wii and GameCube games. When a Wii game is inserted into the drive the Disc Channel's appearance will change, displaying the title of the game along with a short video clip with sound. GameCube games may also be inserted into the drive, however, only the GameCube logo and startup music will be shown. There is no indication as to which GameCube game is in the disc drive. When no game disc is in the drive, the image on the right can be seen.

This channel cannot be moved to another spot. It is permanently anchored in the upper-left of the first page on the Wii Menu.

Mii Channel
The Mii Channel lets users create 3D avatars (digital representations of themselves) called "Miis". A Mii can be used to represent a player in some games, such as Wii Sports, and in online interactions. By combining the included facial elements and tweaking their position on the face one can create a wide array of Miis; some have even used the facial features to create artwork like animals, cars, and more! A Mii can be saved on the Wii Remote's internal storage so that a user can take it with them to another Wii console. Users can create up to 100 Miis on a console and store up to 10 on the Wiimote.

Photo Channel
The Photo Channel allows users to view and edit their photos on their television. Photos can be loaded either from the Wii Message Board or from a Secure Digital (SD) card inserted into the SD card slot in the front of the console. In the "Doodle" section the simple editing software provides stamps, pencils, an eraser, and a rudimentary cut/paste tool for doodling on photos. The "Mood" editor allows for more general editing including adjusting brightness levels and inverting colors. Photos can be scrambled up to form 6-, 12-, 24-, or 48-piece puzzles in the "Puzzle" section of the channel. Users can even create slideshows of their photos set to Nintendo's provided music, or their own favorite songs stored on their SD card. Furthermore, video can be used if it is in a motion JPEG (MJPEG) format.

Version 1.1
Released in the US on December 10, 2007, Photo Channel version 1.1 is an optional upgrade (unless your Wii came with it pre-installed). This upgrade changes the acceptable audio file formats and allows songs to be played in random order. It also allows users to replace the default main menu icon and launch screen with one of their own photos. Users who downloaded the upgrade may downgrade back to version 1.0 by simply deleting version 1.1 in their Data Management settings. Those who had 1.1 pre-installed cannot revert back to 1.0.

Wii Shop Channel
Here you can spend Wii points (bought with real money) on Virtual Console games or on Wii ware. After downloading the games, the games appear as new channels on the Channel screen. This is also where the Everybody Votes and Internet Channels are downloaded. Your Wii must be able to get online in order to use this channel.

Forecast Channel
The Forecast Channel, which was made available on December 19, 2006 to US and Europe, allows users to check the current weather conditions around the world. Local areas are provide a 5-Day forecast while international forecasts are limited to only one or two days due to service limitations. The service provides access to temperature, current and project weather, and the current UV Index. Your Wii must be able to get online in order to use this channel. Your Wii must also have the Wiiconnect24 turned on in order to update weather info. As of the version 3 update, Forecast Channel icon in the Menu will display the current forecast.

News Channel
The News Channel allows the user to browse news articles by category. Articles with a blue circle next to their name give the user a map of the globe pinpointing where the article takes place. It is possible to view the globe and browse by area via these articles. Your Wii must be able to get online in order to use this channel. Your Wii must also have the Wiiconnect 24 turned on to receive the latest news content. As of the version 3 update, Headlines will displayed on the News Channel icon in the Wii Menu.

Internet Channel
To get the Internet Channel, it must first be downloaded (for free) from the Wii Shop Channel. This channel will allow the Wii user to access the internet from their Wii and be able to see it on the television. The browser is powered by Opera and can view flash sites (version 7 only). Also, the browser cannot play Mp3s or movies(unless it is in flash). The A button acts as a left click, B to scroll. If you got the internet upgrade, the internet channel will be 500 Wii points.

Everybody Votes Channel
Downloaded for free from the Wii Shop, the user can take a stance on polls using their Miis. Each user can register six Miis. The user then votes on active polls by dragging their Mii to one of two choices. The user can then predict what the majority of the people are going to vote via the same process. After polls close, the user can check how "in-tune" they are with the rest of their region, and even suggest new poll ideas. Wi-fi must be enabled to access this feature.

Check Mii Out Channel
This channel lets users share their Miis and place them in popularity contests. The channel will also let people download their favorite Miis to have on their Mii Channel.