Wii Internet Channel Goes Free

Nintendo's Wii Internet Channel is now free to download for all users, as the company's discarded the previous 500 Wii Points charge for the service. Nintendo will also offer consumers who paid for the channel their choice of one free NES download of the same value to compensate them. Further, the Internet Channel has been updated with an upgraded version of Adobe Flash Player. The Opera-developed Web browser for Wii was free at the time the console launched in 2006, during a trial and testing period. In July 2007, once the service was fully finalized, the cost of 500 Wii Points, or $5, was applied. "Wii has truly changed the way people play games, but it is more than just a game console," said Cammie Dunaway, Nintendo of America’s executive vice president of sales and marketing. "Wii owners have access to a wealth of fun entertainment, information and practical tools like the Internet Channel, which is another great way for the whole family to enjoy their consoles with no additional costs involved."