This week, Nintendo of America announced that, effective immediately, the Internet Channel will be a free-to-download application for the Nintendo Wii once more. A web browser like any other (if a little bare bones), the Opera-based Internet Channel lets you take your console online and do almost anything you might on a normal PC from the comfort of your living room. To date, countless sites and services have been optimized for the Nintendo Wii, meaning you can watch videos, listen to music and even play games despite some of the limitations. Originally available for free (a sort of reward for early adopters, you might say), Nintendo started charging 500 Wii Points for the Internet Channel from July 2007 until now. Of course, if you're thinking those unfortunate souls caught right in between really got the shaft, well, you'd be wrong. Starting at the end of October, anyone who paid for the Internet Channel will be able to download any NES game of equal value (that is to say, most of the import titles are out). For more information on the Internet Channel and this new incentive, be sure to check out the official press release below:

REDMOND, Wash., Sept. 1, 2009 – Nintendo is offering an easy way for Wii™ console owners to access the Internet without a computer. Effective immediately, people who want to browse the Internet using their Wii consoles will be able to do so at no added cost.

The Wii Menu houses a variety of informational and entertaining channels, such as the News Channel and Wii Shop Channel, that users can visit to enhance their Wii experience. Wii consoles that are linked to a broadband Internet connection have even greater access to additional content and channels. For example, the Nintendo® Channel is an interactive guide to what's new in the world of Nintendo that lets consumers watch trailers, mini-documentaries, product demonstrations and game-play videos, while the Check Mii Out™ Channel allows users to show off their Mii™ creations and download Miis that others have created.

The Internet Channel, which can be downloaded from the Wii Shop Channel, allows Wii owners to browse the Internet on their televisions from the comfort of their couches. Users can check their e-mail, make purchases or travel plans, and surf their favorite Web pages by pointing and clicking with the Wii Remote™ controller.
 
"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 & 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."

When Wii launched in November 2006, Nintendo initially offered the Internet Channel as a free download as a promotional incentive to get people online. Starting in July 2007, the Internet Channel could be downloaded in exchange for 500 Wii Points™. Effective immediately, the Internet Channel is again available for zero Wii Points, and it has been updated to support an upgraded version of Adobe® Flash® player.

Starting at the end of October, consumers who have previously exchanged 500 Wii Points to download the Internet Channel will be able to download, at no cost, one NES™ game of their choice valued at 500 Wii Points from Virtual Console™. Details of this download offer will be provided via the Wii Message Board and on Nintendo.com.