Description:

• This page lists details for all system updates that have been released for the Nintendo Wii console. This includes when the update was made available and a brief description of the updates included.
• The most recent Nintendo Wii system update should include all of the system enhancements provided in previous updates.
• Enhancements to specific features may require you to re-download that feature again to access the updated version.

 

Latest System Update and System Feature Update:

• September 7, 2010
  Improvements to Wii Menu 4.3

• Behind the scenes enhancements that do not affect any prominently-used features or menus but will improve system performance.
• Because unauthorized channels or firmware may impair game play or the Wii console, updating to Wii Menu version 4.3 will check for and automatically remove such unauthorized files.

 

Previous Nintendo Wii System Updates and System Feature Updates:

• June 21, 2010
  Wii Menu 4.3

Included in this update:

• Behind the scenes enhancements that do not affect any prominently-used features or menus but will improve system performance.
• Because unauthorized channels or firmware may impair game play or the Wii console, updating to Wii Menu version 4.3 will check for and automatically remove such unauthorized files.

 

• September 28, 2009
  Wii Menu 4.2

Included in this update:

• Behind the scenes enhancements that do not affect any prominently-used features or menus but will improve system performance.
• Because unauthorized channels or firmware may impair game play or the Wii console, updating to Wii Menu version 4.3 will check for and automatically remove such unauthorized files.

 

• September 14, 2009
  Enhancements to the Nintendo Channel

The Nintendo Channel was updated with several new features:

• See other users' recommendations in the "Everyone's Recommendations" feature.
• Make recommendations for favorite Nintendo DS games.
• Watch videos in "High" or "Normal" quality to better suit the internet connection speed.
• Bookmark favorite games.
• View records of the Wii software played on the Wii console as well as records of the software recommended with the "Records" feature.

 

• September 1, 2009
  Enhancements to the Internet Channel

• The Internet Channel has been updated to work with Flash 8.

 

• July 16, 2009
  Wii Menu 4.1
• Behind the scenes enhancements that do not affect any prominently-used features or menus but will improve system performance.

 

• March 25, 2009
  Wii Menu 4.0

Included in this update:

• The Wii console can now use SDHC (SD High Capacity) Cards with a maximum of 32GB of storage. Cames and channels which read from or save to SD Cards will continue to support only SD Cards.
• The SD Card Menu, that allows Virtual Console games, WiiWare titles, or channels to launch directly from an SD or SDHC Card, has been added to the Wii menu.
• The Wii Shop Channel can now download titles directly to an SD or SDHC Card.
• The Wii console's Data Management menu has been enhanced to make it easier to copy and move stored items on an SD Card or the Wii console's system memory.
• The Wii User Agreement, which includes the Wii Privacy Policy, has been updated. The updated agreement applies to use of the Wii Network Service and can be viewed by accessing the Wii System Settings. (How To)
• There are other behind-the-scenes enhancements to the Wii console system menu included with Wii Menu 4.0.

 

• December 5, 2008
  Wii Speak Channel
• The Wii Speak Channel lets people in up to four locations chat with one another using their broadband internet connections. Players must have the Wii Speak Channel and microphone, and have traded Friend Codes.

 

• November 17, 2008
  Wii Menu 3.4

Included in this update:

• An enhancement was made to the Wii console's Parental Controls.
• A compatible USB keyboard can be used with the Mii Channel.
• The Wii User Agreement, which includes the Wii Privacy Policy, has been updated. The updated agreement applies to use of the Wii Network Service and can be viewed by accessing the Wii System Settings. (How To)

 

• November 12, 2008
  Nintendo Channel

• An update that provides a behind-the-scenes enhancement to the Nintendo Channel was made available.

 

• October 22, 2008
  Wii Shop Channel

• A change was made to the way that compatible controllers are displayed in the "Details" section of a game's description.
• This update provides other behind-the-scenes changes.

 

• July 22, 2008
  Photo Channel 1.1-a

• An update was made available for the Wii console which provides behind-the-scenes support for a new service that has been released only in Japan

 

• June 17, 2008
  Wii Menu 3.3

Included in this update:

• A Mii can now be moved from the Mii Plaza to the Mii Parade in the Mii Channel. (How To)
• Because unauthorized modifications to save files may impair game play or the Wii console, updating to Wii Menu version 3.3 will check for and automatically remove such save files.

 

• May 6, 2008
  Nintendo Channel

• The Nintendo Channel can now be downloaded from the Wii Shop Channel.

 

• February 25, 2008
  Wii Menu 3.2

• Added an overlay to the Disc Channel which shows when a disc inserted in the console has an update available.
• Behind the scenes enhancements that do not affect any prominently-used features or menus but will improve system performance.

 

• January 30, 2008
  Check Mii Out Channel

The Check Mii Out Channel was updated with several new features:

• The ability to view up to 500 Mii characters after clicking "Popular" in the Posting Plaza.
• A new button on the Posting Plaza that views Mii characters designed on the current console.
• The ability to view Mii characters created by a specific Mii Artisan.
• The addition of Parental Controls.

 

• December 10, 2007

Feature Updates:

• Added the "Gift Feature" to the Wii Shop Channel.
• A digital image can now be set as the Photo Channel icon. (How To)
• Photo Channel 1.1 - MP3 music file support is replaced with AAC compatibility.

 

• October 10, 2007
  Wii Menu 3.1

Included in this update:

• A compatible USB keyboard can be used for text input and specific button controls in the following features and channels.
• Wii Shop Channel
• Wii Settings
• Message Board
• Internet Channel
• The updated version of the Everybody Votes Channel provides an improved display for the National Results by Region.
• Enhancements to the Internet Channel:
• During text input, the B Button on the Wii Remote can be used to activate the "shift" keyboard function.
• Some text can now be highlighted using the Wii Remote.
• Added the ability to edit the web address (URL) of the current page.
• The "Page Information" icon will always be visible while browsing.
• "Page information" now includes the page's security level.
• Added a "Send" button to send the page to a friend.
• Enhanced the way the Internet Channel displays pages.
• Maximum number of Favorites increased from 48 to 56.
• Enhanced speed and stability of the channel.

 

• August 6, 2007
  Wii Menu 3.0

Included in this update:

• The weather forecast for the selected region will now be displayed on the Forecast Channel icon on the Wii Menu.
• Headline news will now be displayed on the News Channel icon on the Wii Menu.
• The current time will now be displayed on the Wii Menu.
• The search function on Virtual Console has been enhanced.
• Enhancements to the Wii Message Board:
• The area around the Message Board button will now flash when a message arrives.
• Now able to rearrange the order of Wii Friends in the address book.
• Pressing the A Button on a blank spot in the address book accesses Wii Friends registration.
• Envelope message icons now only appear on the calendar only on dates when a message is received.
• Message sending history now displayed in Today's Accomplishments.
• Now able to scroll message text by pressing the B Button on the Wii Remote.

 

• April 11, 2007
  Wii Menu 2.2

Included in this update:

• Resolved connection issues that affected a small number of users who connected online through a specific Internet Service Provider and supplied router.

 

• November 19, 2006
  Wii Menu 2.0

Included in this update:

• Ability to write and read data on an SD Card.
• Addition of "Country Settings" in System Settings.
• Addition of "System Update" in System Settings.
• Ability to arrange downloaded channels on the Wii Menu.
• Ability to set "Parental Controls" to restrict online activities.

 

Related Articles:
How to Determine the Wii Console's Menu Version
How to Obtain the Latest System Menu Update
Error Code: 004

Description:

Parental Controls allow you to block specific features using a four digit PIN. Other features are automatically blocked once Parental Controls are enabled.

 

What can be blocked:

• Access to Wii Software: This setting restricts Wii, Virtual Console, and WiiWare games and related content based on the Entertainment Software Rating Board ("ESRB") game rating categories. It does NOT control access to Nintendo GameCube games.
• Viewing of certain content which is not subject to game rating: It is possible to allow or restrict use of the Internet Channel, News Channel, Netflix, and certain content on the Wii console that is not subject to game ratings.
• Exchange of user-generated content: This setting blocks the console from exchanging messages and user-generated content with other consoles. It also blocks sending gifts. System updates will be delivered regardless of this setting.
• Use of Points: This setting restricts the use of Wii Points to send gifts or download games or channels from the Wii Shop Channel. This does not block the purchasing of Wii Points.

 

Features blocked automatically:

• Internet Settings: Restricts access to Internet Setting in the System Settings.
• WiiConnect24: Restricts access to WiiConnect24 settings in System Settings.
• Country Setting: Restricts access to changing the console country setting.
• Wii System Update: Restrict ability to update the system.
• Format System Memory: Restricts ability to format Wii System Memory.

 

More Information:

Click here for more detailed information on using Parental Controls
Click here for troubleshooting related to Parental Controls

 

Answer:

Adults can decide what flexibility they'll allow younger players to have in playing video games by using the control system, which they set using a PIN number. The system also ensures adult gamers can opt to play without limitations. The actual Wii game software will contain a code indicating the rating, which will activate the control system to remain locked or unlocked. This feature is included in every Wii console sold worldwide. Parental controls work only with Wii and Virtual Console games.

Click here for more info about parental controls.

 

Answer:

WiiConnect24 allows the Wii console to use its high-speed internet connection to accept data for a variety of services including News and Weather, posting messages on the Wii Message Board and receiving messages from Nintendo about new Wii features.

 

Related Articles:
What Is Standby Connection?
How to Activate WiiConnect24
How to Deactivate WiiConnect24

Answer:

Turning Standby Connection on allows the Wii Console to automatically receive WiiConnect24 messages and information even when the console is not in active use.

 

Related Articles:

How to Activate Standby Connection
How to Deactivate Standby Connection

Answer:

This option allows the console to have a user chosen Nickname. This can help distinguish it from other Wii consoles to which it might connect.

 

Related Articles:
How to Change the Console Nickname

 

Answer:

When the Wii System Memory is formatted, most of the information stored on the system is erased; however, some information will remain.

 

What is Lost:

• Wii System Settings (Parental Controls, Internet Settings, etc.)
• Game Save Data
• Channel Save Data
• Downloaded Virtual Console Games (licenses are retained)
• Downloaded WiiWare Games (licenses are retained)
• Downloaded Channels - Everybody Votes, Internet Channel, etc. (licenses are retained)
• Custom Channel Settings
• Mii characters
• Message Board Content
• Wii Number (this will change to a new number)

 

What is Retained:

• Current Operating System
• Licenses for all downloaded games and channels from the Wii Shop Channel (save information will be lost, and they will need to be re-downloaded)
• Data stored on external accessories (SD card, GCN Memory Card, etc.)
• MAC Address
• Sync Information

 

Related Articles:

How to Format System Memory

Answer:

The 480p setting on the Wii console displays the image in Progressive Scan mode, while the 480i setting displays the image in interlace mode.

 

Answer:

When activated, the Wii console will fade the screen after Wii software is paused for five or more minutes. Pressing any button will revert the screen to its original brightness.

 

Related Articles:
How to Activate Screen Burn-in Reduction Mode
How to Deactivate Screen Burn-in Reduction Mode

 

Answer:

The Wii console's Disc Slot will illuminate when data has been received via WiiConnect24.

 

Related Articles:
How to Adjust the Disc Slot Illumination