Wii Internet Channel now free, with updated Flash [update]

Nintendo just dropped the price of the Wii Opera browser in Japan and PAL markets to nothing, its original "price" during the system's launch, when the browser was in beta. VOOKS photographed the Wii message that announced the price drop, which also revealed that the version of Flash used in the Wii browser has been updated from Flash 7 to Flash Lite 3.1-- which should make the Internet Channel much more useful. Users who paid 500 Wii Points for the browser will receive a refund of sorts in October -- a credit that can be used on any NES game.

In Japan, the same refund offer applies, and Nintendo is providing more opportunities for free Virtual Console games. Since early this year, Nintendo of Japan has offered 500-point bonuses to Wii owners for helping others get online. Starting October 21, Nintendo will expand this program with new rewards: those who achieve "Helper Meister 10" status (by helping 10 others connect) will gain access to every Nintendo-published Famicom game. "Helper Meister 20" will unlock all Virtual Console games on every platform! That should get people going door to door.

Update: The Internet Channel is now free in North America, and the NES Virtual Console download credit will be extended to those who purchased the browser in the region.

Reader Comments (73)

Just in time for PlayOn support. woot.

I want become Helper Meister 10 so I can accomprish primary main objective.

What is the Primary Main Objective?

Wow Nintendo, that's a really nice thing to do for everyone that bought that channel. Thanks Nintendo.

I used to use this browser all the time when my son was first born because I could feed him and surf the Internet at the same time.

Glad they are giving a free NES game or I would be a little pissed. Because it was free before and they started charging when I finally found a Wii way back, not because I didn't get my $5 worth. Would rather have my money back but it's better than nothing I guess.

Guess I'll pick up Tecmo Bowl next month to mess around with when I only have a few minutes to play.

So if you didn't pay the first time, you don't get a free game? D: Way to alienate the hardcore, Nintendo!

(that was a joke, don't downvote me)

here's the million dollar question. Is youporn now supported? Thanks Nintendo!

I, uh... verified that works on the PS3 browser.

I checked. It works.

I've heard that they have updated the Flash player on the US version now as well. Has anyone tried downloading the updated web browser and verified that? Only reason I was going to pay for PlayOn was for video browsing at sites like Hulu, but if Nintendo now updated the browser with more advanced flash support that works with those sites.... Can anyone answer yes or no to that one?

To answer my own question: no. It is now working for some sites (Gametrailers) but not others (Hulu). Its an update, but a fully modern update. Better, but still needs improvement. *sigh*

I was pissed until I read this- "Users who paid 500 Wii Points for the browser will receive a refund of sorts in October -- a credit that can be used on any NES game"
THANKS NINTENDO- now bring it to NA.

Holy shit at all of this news.

Nintendo, you rock.

PR0N! :D

I'd rather have the 500 points back to save up for something else rather than a nes game, thank you very much.

Wow! This is great for Nintendo and it's Wii users, one more reason to buy the Wii! Technology today is incredible! For more mind controlling technology visit http://jedimindinc.com/

See ya!

RM

Come on, guys. The most important part of this update was totally ignored.

With the internet channel updating to flash3.1lite, that means that Rose&Camellia is now playable on the Wii!
http://nigoro.jp/game/rosecamellia/rosecamellia.php

test

I downloaded the internet channel for the Wii for 500 Wii points and everything was going good...That is until I upgraded it yesterday to the free Flash Player 9 internet channel! When I still had the old version, I couldn't watch hulu, dailymotion, or Aniboom videos. I could still watch some Newgrounds videos and all of the Youtube videos without very many problems. But, after I upgraded my internet channel I could watch Animboom, dailymotion, and hulu videos...FOR ABOUT 20 SECONDS!! And then they would stop loading! I would have to refresh the page (multiple of times) and then click on the part that I was watching. I can't watch Newgrounds videos anymore because all there is is a blank screen where the video should be. Youtube is worst of all. I used to be able to watch videos all the way through with little trouble, and now I only get about 20 seconds in and then it stops loading. I am not a happy camper, I guess the only good thing that comes out of this is that I can now get on Facebook.com (but it's still slow). So I guess my question is "How do I get the old version back?".

UHhhhh NOW you have not accomplished the missiong the flash update is still USELESS. try viewing watch-movies-links.net or movie25.com none of those movies can be viewed as the flash does not work with it..

it needs flash 10.. adobe, nintendo are idiots!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! oh lets do an update but lets give them an old version

TWATS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

They still need to get flash 10, they have needed this for AGES, updating to flash 9 was something that needed to be done about 2 years ago not this year LOL.. friggin idiots!

Wait...the Internet Channel cost money?

And yeah, the Wii browser pretty much sucks. I love the PS3 one. But...wait...it cost money? Really?

adobe sux cock my wii and g1(tmobile) both need flash player old ppl fuck faster than they work lmao at my own joke ;)

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Wii Internet Channel now free, with updated Flash [update]

Reader Comments (73)

Posted: Sep 1st 2009 1:04PM Ordeith said

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