The Wii Channels make up the graphical user interface for the Nintendo Wii. The GUI allows users to access online content such as shopping, media viewing, and their Mii. The Wii Channels possessing the ability to be relocated by holding the A and B buttons simultaneously. Additional Wii Channels may be purchased from the Wii shop in the form of Virtual Console games and hardware additions, such as the Opera Browser in the near future.
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 the game screen displays the game's logo as well as the buttons "Wii Menu" and "Start." The "Start" button will start the game, while the "Wii Menu" button will take the user back to the Wii Channels GUI.
Mii Channel
The Mii Channel allows users to develope an avatar for use in Wii games. Some games, such Wii Sports, allow users to use their character while playing. Users can create up to 100 Miis on a console and store 10 on the Wiimote.
Photo Channel
Browse through pictures and watch videos. The Photo Channel contains a number of options on how to view your collection including a sideshow where you can view your pictures and videos along with MP3 files of which a maximum of 100 can be listed. This channel also contains Easter eggs which include a cat which walks across the top of the screen and runs away when your pointer gets too close. If you grab this cat then tips will be given along with help on finding other Easter eggs.
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 recive 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 chanell 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
A planned channel that was scheduled for a late September release, but never made it. It should be released by mid October. 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.