After getting home, one of my primary objectives was to get my Wii online and test the online capabilities.  The Wii has 4 basic online functions: Web Browsing & Channels, Online Play, Wii Shop and Connect24.  Here is a break down of each.

Web Browsing & Channels

This functionality has not been enabled yet; however, the ability to browse the internet, view weather and news is a part of the Wii's functionality.  Now I don't have to use my laptop anymore!

Online Play

Online play is a great advantage to any game system.  With a built in Wifi adapter the Wii gets you hooked up easily.  The functionality of this section will be game dependant and covered in specific game reviews.

Wii Shop

The Wii shop allows you to purchase older games for previous consoles that you may not own.  To date the list is as follows although I expected more at launch:

Title: Altered Beast
Developer: Sega
System: Sega Genesis
Cost: 800 points

Title: Donkey Kong
Developer: Nintendo
System: NES
Cost: 500 points

Title: F-Zero
Developer: Nintendo
System: Super NES
Cost: 800 points

Title: Mario Bros.
Developer: Nintendo
System: NES
Cost: 500 points

Title: Pinball
Developer: Nintendo
System: NES
Cost: 500 points

Title: SimCity
Developer: Nintendo
System: Super NES
Cost: 800 points

Title: Soccer
Developer: Nintendo
System: NES
Cost: 500 points

Title: Solomon's Key
Developer: TECMO
System: NES
Cost: 500 points

Title: Sonic The Hedgehog
Developer: Sega
System: Sega Genesis
Cost: 800 points

Title: Super Mario 64
Developer: Nintendo
System: Nintendo 64
Cost: 1,000 points

Title: The Legend of Zelda
Developer: Nintendo
System: NES
Cost: 500 points

Title: Wario's Woods
Developer: Nintendo
System: NES
Cost: 500 points

Connect24

Ah the best for last.  Connect24 allows your console to stay connected all the time.  This allows for functionality such as a message center for communication with your friends as well as a feature called Mii.  Mii is a customization option that allows you to create a cartoonish replica of yourself.  You can save the Mii to your Wiimote and bring him or her with you.  Certain games will also interact with your Mii.  Your Mii also has the ability to "travel."  Basically, they can visit other Wiis connected via Connect24.  Now other people can see your creations.  You can also watch a "parade" of other visiting Miis.  I expect this to be a lot more exciting once more people join the network.

We will take a more in depth look at the Mii feature of the Wii in a coming article as well as have full reviews of the games we purchased.  Until then, happy gaming.

-- Steve 'vudu' Tauber

http://www.wdfnews.com