Connecting the Wii to the Internet

The Wii can connect to the Internet either through a USB-to-Ethernet adaptor or through its built-in 802.11b/g Wi-Fi, with both methods enabling players to access the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection service. The console implements standard Wi-Fi protocols, and wireless encryption by WEP, WPA (TKIP/RC4) and WPA2 (CCMP/AES) are all supported. The console can also communicate and connect with other Wii systems through a self-generated wireless LAN, enabling local wireless multiplayer on different television sets.

Once connected to the Internet, users may access a number of features, including the Virtual Console, Internet Channel and the Forecast Channel. (Find out more in Wii Channels ...)

WiiConnect24 is a feature of the Wi-Fi connection, which can deliver new content to the Wii, even when the console is in its low power consumption standby mode. This means that the console can receive items such as firmware updates and promotional demos overnight whilst consuming very little power.

The Wii Message Board is one of the access points for WiiConnect24, which not only acts as a household message board, but also enables users to exchange messages and pictures with other Wii users. In addition to these features, it also operates with the calendar to deliver game-related information, such as new items, messages or additional maps.