DSL, or digital subscriber line, offers Internet access via a home phone line. The Nintendo Wii can access the Internet and the many Wii Channels on the Wii menu through your DSL connection. Although some DSL service is incompatible with the Nintendo Wii, you can still connect to your DSL service via a wireless or wired router, which Nintendo encourages.
Connecting to the Internet
Before setting up a DSL connection for the Wii, consult your DSL provider to make sure your service is compatible with the Wii. When using DSL service for the Wii, a peripheral adapter is needed to enable a wired connection. The Wii LAN Adapter, offered exclusively through Nintendo, creates a wired access point from the DSL line to the Wii's USB port on the back of the console. To establish a wireless DSL connection, the DSL line should connect to a wireless DSL modem or router. As long as the Wii is compatible with the DSL provider, the console will be able to find the wireless DSL signal.
Channels
With a DSL connectivity, the Wii can access "channels" from the Wii Menu that offer various online services. The Wii Channel serves as a Web browser that displays right on your TV. You can search the Internet just as you would on a computer, but navigate using the Wii controller. The Nintendo Channel is a hub for browsing video games for the Wii and Nintendo DS. From here game demos and videos can be viewed and downloaded to the either console. The Wii also has a Forecast Channel, offering local, national and international weather updates. The News Channel provides you with global news that can be selected from a virtual globe.
Purchasing Content
From the Wii Shop Channel new Wii Channels and digital video games can be purchased. The additional channels for purchase offer extended Internet functionality, while the WiiWare hub offers classic and new video games to buy and download to the Wii. WiiWare's classic video game selection includes old Nintendo games as well as games from other consoles like Sega Genesis.
Online Gaming
Not every game has online components, but with a DSL connection you can connect with friends online to play competitive and cooperative games. You can also meet other players and add them to your friends list. However, you can restrict how much information other players can access or keep your children from adding friends.
References
- Nintendo: Customer Service - Wii
- SBC Pacific Bell: DSL FAQ
- Nintendo: Wii + Internet
Resources
- Wii: Connect Wii to the Internet
- Nintendo: Wii Shop Channel