Nintendo of America

support.nintendo.com

Nintendo Channel

The Nintendo Channel is an interactive guide to what's new in the world of Nintendo - and it is available for easy download to your Wii from the Wii Shop Channel. Watch trailers, mini-documentaries, product demonstrations, and gameplay videos. Gain useful information about your favorite games on Wii and Nintendo DS from reading the game guide pages. You can even click to buy straight from your Wii, if you have the Internet Channel installed.

Some of the information provided on this channel will also be based on data provided by other users. In addition to the information provided on the Nintendo Channel, you have the option to receive commercial messages on your Wii Message Board that may give you a peek into upcoming Nintendo and third-party products and services.

Did you know? The Nintendo Channel was updated with new features on September 14, 2009. Visit the Wii Shop Channel to download the latest version for free!

Updates to the Nintendo Channel
Beginning in early 2010, new Wii consoles will come pre-loaded with a short cut channel that provides details about the Nintendo Channel and the ability to go directly to the channel's download page in the Wii Shop. If you last updated this channel after September 14, 2009, you will not see any changes if you update now. However, to ensure you always have the most current version of your channels, we recommend that you perform any available updates.

Please note that a compatible internet connection is required to use the Nintendo Channel (click here if you need assistance connecting your Wii console online), and the WiiConnect24 feature must be turned on (more info). Certain features of this channel also require that the Internet Channel be installed on your Wii console.

What sort of information do you need?

Setup:

 
 
 

Games:
 

Search:

 

Frequently-Asked Questions:

 

Troubleshooting:

 

 

 

 

Setup

 

Downloading the Nintendo Channel:

  1. Ensure that your Wii console is connected to the internet. If you need assistance connecting your Wii console online, click here.

  2. Select the Wii Shop Channel from the Wii Menu. If you have not previously accessed the Wii Shop Channel, you will need to read and agree to the User Agreement. For information on locating the User Agreement, click here.

  3. Once the welcome screen is displayed, select "Start Shopping."

  4. Select "Wii Channels" from the Wii Shop main menu, and then "Nintendo Channel."

  5. Select "download" to begin the download process.

  6. After the Nintendo Channel finishes downloading, it will be added to your available channels in the Wii Menu.

    7. ................

 

First Time Setup:

The first time you use the Nintendo Channel you will need to establish the channel's settings. The channel will guide you through the process described below.

  1. If the Nintendo Channel isn't already installed, download the Nintendo Channel from the Wii Shop Channel.

  2. Select the channel icon from the Wii Menu.

    3. Important: WiiConnect24 must be turned on in the Wii settings to use the Nintendo Channel.

  3. Select "OK" three times, then select "Opt In" to receive messages to the Wii Message Board or "Opt Out" to block messages from being sent to the Wii Message Board. Select "OK" to confirm your selection.

  4. Select from the following options:
    I Agree

    Allow your Wii console to share data with Nintendo. Nintendo uses this information to recommend games and to develop new games and services. No personally identifiable information will be sent to Nintendo. For a detailed list of what information is sent to Nintendo, click here.

    As a thank you for sharing this information, the DS Download Service will be made available.

       
    I Disagree
    		 Do not allow your Wii console to share data with Nintendo. The DS Download service will not be available.

  5. You will be asked to select the quality of video on the Nintendo Channel. If you have a very fast Internet connection, select "High". For slower connections, select "Normal".

  6. Select "OK" to confirm your choice and enter the Nintendo Channel.

................

 

Adjust video volume:

You can adjust the volume level for videos you watch on the Nintendo Channel.

  1. From the Nintendo Channel main menu, select the settings icon (wrench), then "Video Volume."

  2. Select the left arrow to decrease the volume, and the right arrow to increase the volume.

  3. Select "Confirm" to save your settings and return to the settings menu.

................

 

Adjust video quality:

You can adjust the quality level for videos you watch on the Nintendo Channel. If you have a slower internet connection this can help improve video playback performance.

From the Nintendo Channel main menu, select the settings icon, then "Video Quality Settings."

Select either the "High" or "Normal" quality setting.

Press the "OK" button to save your settings and return to the settings menu.

................

 

Opt-in/out of receiving messages

You can set whether you would like to receive messages on the Message Board with news and updates about the Nintendo Channel.

  1. From the Nintendo Channel main menu, select the settings icon (wrench), then "Commercial Message Settings."

  2. Select from the following options:
    Opt In to Commercial Messages from This Channel

    If selected, messages about the Nintendo Channel will be sent to your Wii's Message Board.

    Opt Out of Commercial Messages from This Channel If selected, messages about the Nintendo Channel will not be sent to your Wii's Message Board; however, other channels and games may send messages to your Message Board.
    Opt Out of All Commercial Messages from All Channels and Games If selected, no messages will be sent to your Wii's Message Board from any game or channel.

  3. Select "OK" to confirm your selection and return to the settings menu.

................

 

Opt-in/out of sending information to Nintendo

You can set whether you would like to send non-personal information to Nintendo.

  1. From the Nintendo Channel main menu, select the settings icon (wrench), then "Data-Sharing Settings."

  2. Select from the following options:
    I Agree

    Allow your Wii console to share data with Nintendo. Nintendo uses this information to recommend games and to develop new games and services. No personally identifiable information will be sent to Nintendo. For a detailed list of what information is sent to Nintendo, click here.

    As a thank you for sharing this information, the DS Download Service will be made available.

       
    I Disagree
    		 Do not allow your Wii console to share data with Nintendo. The DS Download service will not be available.

  3. Select "OK" to confirm your selection and return to the settings menu.

 

Games

 

View Game Information:

You can view more information about a game, including which controllers it uses, the ESRB Rating, the release date, the number of players, and which languages it supports. You can also select to view a video of the game (if available), view purchase info, and more.

  1. Select the desired game from any search, or select "more information" from any video to reach the game info screen.

  2. Select the Up/Down arrow to scroll up and down on the screen. Depending on the game and whether the consumer has the Internet Channel, the following options may also be available:
    Purchase

    Takes you to the Internet Channel, where a list of retail websites will appear.
    View a List of Available Videos Select this to see a list of videos for this game.
    Wii Shop Channel Takes you to the Wii Shop Channel, where you can purchase a Virtual Console or WiiWare title.
    Recommendation Information

    Select this to see a list of games that people who also liked this game recommended.
    What People Are Saying

    Scroll down to this section to see how people have voted on this game.
    View Usage and Gameplay Data

    Select this to see how much time has been spent playing the game, as well as how many times the game has been played (shows both the totals and averages.)
    Related Titles

    Shows a list of related titles. (Only available if there are titles directly related to the selected title. (e.g. - franchises, sequels, etc.))
    Web Page

    Shows a list of related websites. (Only available if the Internet Channel has been downloaded.).

................

 

Recommend a Wii Title


You can recommend a Wii title or channel that have played for more than an hour.

If you are not given the option to recommend a title, check your records screen to see if it has been played for more than an hour.

  1. From the Nintendo Channel main menu, select "Recommend Titles," then "Recommend Wii Titles."

  2. Select the desired game or channel from the list provided, then answer the following questions:

    • Who in your house enjoyed the title the most? (Select Male or Female)
    • How old is the person who enjoyed this title the most? (Select "Enter an Age," then enter the age in years. Select "OK" to continue.)
    • How highly do you recommend this title? Select with the Wii Remote. (Move the slide bar to the desired position, then select "OK" to continue.)
    • Who do you think this title appeals to most? (Select "Nongamers" or "Gamers.")
    • What gaming mood best suits this title? (Select "Casual" or "Hardcore.")
    • Is this game more fun alone or with friends? (Select "Alone" or "With friends.")

  3. A screen will then appear with a summary of your answers. (Select "Recommend" to submit your recommendations, or "Start Over" to make adjustments.)

 

................

 

Recommend a Nintendo DS Title


You can recommend a Nintendo DS title that you enjoy, and currently own.

In order to recommend a Nintendo DS title you must own the game card, as the Nintendo Channel uses the DS Download Play option to verify the title being recommended.

  1. From the Nintendo Channel main menu, select "Recommend Titles," then "Recommend Nintendo DS Titles."

  2. When you first click the "Recommend" button, there will be a screen asking you to get the system and game card ready. This screen will pass on its own.

  3. Power on your Nintendo DS and tap the "DS Download Play " option.

  4. Once the systems connect, tap the "DS Title Recommendations" button.

  5. Now, tap "Yes" on the Nintendo DS to upload the game information to the Nintendo Channel.

  6. After the upload is complete you will be prompted to tap the "Start" button, or press the A button.
    7. The systems will now communicate for a moment, and then you will be able to complete the survey process on the Wii.

  7. Select the desired game or channel from the list provided, then answer the following questions:

    • Who in your house enjoyed the title the most? (Select "Male or Female.")
    • How old is the person who enjoyed this title the most? (Select "Enter an Age," then enter the age in years. Select "OK" to continue.)
    • How highly do you recommend this title? Select with the Wii Remote. (Move the slide bar to the desired position, then select "OK" to continue.)
    • Who do you think this title appeals to most? (Select "Nongamers" or "Gamers.")
    • What gaming mood best suits this title? (Select "Casual" or "Hardcore.")
    • Is this game more fun alone or with friends? (Select "Alone" or "With friends.")

  8. A screen will then appear with a summary of your answers. (Select "Recommend" to submit your recommendations, or "Start Over" to make adjustments.)

 

................

 

Watch a Video:

You can view videos about games, including interviews, trailers, and commercials.

  1. From the Nintendo Channel main menu, just select the video you want to view. Select the left/right arrows to scroll through the list of videos.

    Note: Parental Controls can be used to restrict the types of videos that will play, based on the highest game rating allowed (How To). Even after a Parental Control PIN is entered, videos for M rated games will require users to enter their birth date before playback begins.

  2. You will have the following options while viewing a video:

      Full-Screen/Window View:
      Point the Wii Remote at the screen while watching the video to switch between "Full Screen" and "Window" view.

      Pause/Play:
      Select the "Pause" button on the screen to pause, or select the "Play" button to resume play.

      Note: If in full-screen mode, you will need to first point the Wii Remote at the screen before the button will appear.

      Rewind/Fast Forward:
      Hold down the B Button and a slider will appear on the screen. By pointing the Wii Remote, you can move the slider forward to fast-forward the video, or move it back to rewind.

      More Information:
      Select "Details" to view game details.

................

 

Download Nintendo DS Content:

You can download demos or video clips to a Nintendo DS System. The demos will be playable until the Nintendo DS system is shut off. Important: To use the DS Download Service, you must opt-in to sending data to Nintendo (How To)

  1. From the Nintendo Channel main menu, select the "DS Download Service" icon.(If this option is not available, you need to opt-in to sending data to Nintendo)

  2. Select the desired download from the list, then power on the Nintendo DS and select "DS Download Play."

  3. On the Nintendo DS, select the download, then select "Yes" to begin downloading.

  4. Once the demo begins on the Nintendo DS, select the "Return" (arrow) button from the bottom-left of the screen (on the Wii) to return to the previous screen.

 

................

 

Using the "Purchase" feature:

You can link to an online retailer that sells the game you're currently viewing. You can also set your Preferred Online Store, or view a list of more online stores selling that game.

Note: The "Purchase" button will not appear unless the Internet Channel is installed on your Wii console.

    How to View the Selected Game at Preferred Online Store:
    While viewing a game, select the "Purchase" button to be taken to your preferred online store (default is Amazon.com).

    How to View More Online Stores:

    1. While viewing a game, select the "Purchase" button to be taken to your preferred online store (default is Amazon.com).

    2. Select "More Online Stores" to view a list of other retailers. Select the desired retailer to view the selected game on that retailer's website.

    How to Change Preferred Online Store:

    1. While viewing a game, select the "Purchase" button to be taken to your preferred online store (default is Amazon.com).

    2. Select "More Online Stores" to be taken to a list of other retailers. Select the down arrow next to "Preferred Online Store" from the upper-right section of the screen, then select the desired retailer from the list.

 

Search

 

Search for New Games:

You can search for newly released games and games that will be available in stores soon.

  1. To reach the "New Arrivals" menu from the Nintendo Channel main menu, select the "New Arrivals" icon.

  2. After clicking the "New Arrivals" icon, select either "New Titles" or "New Videos."

  3. You will now have the following options:

      Scrolling:
      Select the Up/Down arrows to scroll through the list of games.

      Changing Platforms:
      Select "All Platforms" from the top-right, then select "Wii" to view only Wii games or "Nintendo DS" to view only Nintendo DS games.

      Viewing Game Info:
      Select a game from the list to view more information about the game.

................

 

Search by Category

The Nintendo Channel lets you search for games by category.

  1. From the Nintendo Channel main menu, select "Find Titles for You," then "Search by Category."

  2. Select any of the desired options to narrow your search results:
    Platform

    Chose from All, Wii, WiiWare, Wii Channels, Nintendo DS, All Virtual Console, NES (VC), Super NES (VC), Nintendo 64 (VC), TurboGrafx16 (VC), Sega Genesis (VC), or NEOGEO (VC).
       
    Publisher Select the desired publisher (Nintendo, Sega, Electronic Arts, etc.).
       
    Genre Select the desired genre (Action, Adventure, RPG, Life Training, etc.).
       
    Target Age Select the desired age range for the user
    Recommendation Select from recommendations made by other gamers, for example, search for games voted as best suited to non-gamers, more fun with friends or solo, suited to a particular gender or age range, casual or hardcore, etc.
    Other Search by number of players, online games, or games with video clips.

  3. After making the desired selections, select "Search" to view a list of results.

      Note: If a message appears that "No titles were found," try removing some of the search parameters.

      Scrolling:
      Select the Up/Down arrows to scroll through the list of games.

      Viewing Game Info:
      Select a game from the list to view more information about the game.

................

 

Search by Name

You can search for games by name.

  1. From the Nintendo Channel main menu, select "Find Titles for You," then "Search by Name."

  2. Enter all or part of the name, then select "OK" to view a list of results.

      Note: If a message appears that "No titles were found," check the spelling. If it still doesn't appear, it's likely not in the list on the Nintendo Channel.

      Scrolling:
      Select the Up/Down arrows to scroll through the list of games.

      Viewing Game Info:
      Select a game from the list to view more information about the game.

 

................

 

Records

View the data on your game-play history, recommended titles, and favorites.

  1. To reach the "Records" menu from the Nintendo Channel main menu, select the "Records" icon.

  2. You can now view detailed information on the following categories.

      3. Game-Play Records

      View detailed information on your game play history.
         
      Recommendation Records View a history of all your recommendations.
         
      Favorites View a list of your favorites.

       

Click here, for details on how your information is used.

 

Frequently-Asked Questions:

If I "opt in" to send information to Nintendo, what information will be sent?
For a complete list of the information sent to Nintendo when you "opt-in," please click here.

 


Why is the DS Download Service grayed out?
The DS Download Service is only available as a special "thank you" to those who agree to send their information to Nintendo. To activate this feature, you must first opt-in to sending information to Nintendo (how to).

 


Why don't I have a "Purchase" or "Wii Shop" button?
Because the "Purchase" feature uses the Internet Channel to access online retailers' websites, you must have the Internet Channel installed on your Wii console for these buttons to be available. For information on the Internet Channel, please click here.

 


Can I determine what game videos my child can watch, based on ESRB ratings?
Yes, the ability to watch videos based on the game's rating can be done through the Parental Controls settings on the Wii console. (This is done through "Highest Game Rating Allowed" setting.)

 

Troubleshooting

Video playback skips, is choppy, or stalls
Because video is streamed to your Wii console in real time, any issues with the playback are likely caused by one of two things:

  • Most common: There may be an issue with your home network, such as wireless interference. Please try our wireless home network troubleshooting for common solutions.

  • If you have your video quality set to "High," you can try adjusting the quality down to normal. (How To)

  • Due to a high amount of traffic, Nintendo's servers may be experiencing temporary issues. Please try to view the video again.

 


Unable to use the DS Download feature (grayed out)?
The DS Download Service is only available as a special "thank you" to those who agree to send their information to Nintendo. To activate this feature, you must first opt-in to sending information to Nintendo (how to).

 


"Purchase" or "Wii Shop" button missing
Because the "Purchase" feature uses the Internet Channel to access online retailers' websites, you must have the Internet Channel installed on your Wii console for these buttons to be available. For information on the Internet Channel, please click here.

 

"There are no titles you can recommend" message
This message will appear if you attempt to rate a game or channel, but have not spent more than an hour playing any game or using a channel first. Please note, Nintendo GameCube games are not tracked as part of this service.

 

"The server's certificate chain is incomplete, and the signer(s) are not registered. Accept?" message
If you receive this message when attempting to purchase a game, you will need to check the box to accept the certificate and continue further with your purchase.