How to Connect the Nintendo Wii to the Internet

Connecting the Nintendo Wii to the Internet though not required, is highly recommended so as to get the most from what the Wii has to offer. Once connected to the Internet either through a direct ethernet or a wireless connection, the Nintendo Wii will be able to provide access to local news, weather, and shopping channels.

How to Connect the Wii to the Internet
To connect the Wii to the Internet, either connect an ethernet cable directly into the back with a USB adapter or into a router which connects to a cable modem. If the router allows a wireless connection, no ethernet cable is required and you may skip to the next portion of this article. Once the the ethernet cable is connected properly, with your Wii remote:

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• Click "Wii."
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• Click "Settings."
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• Click "Internet."
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• Click "Connection Settings."
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• Click one of the three connection options. Connection One is the logical choice.
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• Click "Wired."

At this point, the Wii will test the connection. When the connection has been found, the option to save the settings and exit will be presented.

Connecting with a Wireless Connection
If there is a wireless router in the home, the Wii will be able to pick up the connection. If the connection is secured, settings from the router will need to be entered into the Wii to allow it to join the network and utilize the connection. To connect to a wireless connection:

• Click "Wii."
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• Click "Settings."
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• Click "Internet."
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• Click "Connection Settings."
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• Click one of the three connection options, whichever connection is free.
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• Click "Wireless."
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• Click "Search for an Access Point."

At this point you will be presented with a list of options to connect to. Select the connection you want and enter the appropriate security information. The Wii will attempt to connect once this information has been entered. Once the settings are correct, click "Save" and "OK."

Connecting the Nintendo Wii to the Internet with a USB Wi-Fi Adapter
If you cannot connect the Wii to the Internet through a router or use with your Internet connection, the USB Wi-Fi Adapter will serve as an access point and allow the Wii to pick up an Internet connection. Download the latest version of the adapter software from the Nintendo website. Plug in the adapter into your computer and install the software onto the adapter. After the installation is complete, go to your Wii console.

• Click "Wii."
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• Click "Settings."
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• Click "Internet."
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• Click "Connection Settings."
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• Click one of the three connection options, whichever connection is free.
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• Click "Wireless."
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• Click "USB Wi-Fi Adapter."

At this point, the Wii will tell you to go to your computer where the USB device is plugged in and the software is installed to grant the console permission to connect. When you go back to the computer, you should see the console name in the registration box, where you will click on it and select "grant permission." At this point, the Wii will initialize a connection test. When the connection is successful, the settings can be saved and you can exit.

The News Channel
The News channel provides access to the local, national, and international news stories for the day. Stories are available from the Associated Press in the following categories: National, International, Sports, Business, Arts and Entertainment, Science and Health, and Technology.

The Forecast Channel
The forecast channel provides access to local and national weather conditions for the current date along with a five day forecast. The first time this is used, the user will be prompted to confirm the date and time and select the region where he or she lives to get the right information sent to the console. The user has the option to view the weather anywhere in the world. The UV forecast is also available.

The Wii Shop Channel
The Wii Shop channel allows people to purchase and redeem Wii points cards for Virtual Console games, Wii Ware, DS Ware, and additional Wii channels. Wii points cards purchased in store can be redeemed through the console, or credit card information can be entered to purchase points directly without the hassle of a card. This channel will also allow users to download the Internet Channel which serves as an Internet browser for the console.

The Nintendo Channel
Available for free download on the Wii Shop channel, the Nintendo channel is a new channel that allows players to send information on their game play statistics so they can receive videos, offers, and information on new games and services offered by Nintendo. Players do not have to submit their game play information, and if the elect to do so, do so anonymously and may opt out at any time. The Nintendo channel must be connected to the Internet to play videos to users.

The Nintendo Wii has plenty to offer its consumers but once it is connected to the Internet, there is plenty more to offer.