Nintendo Wii Fanboy

We talk much more often about things like the Everybody Votes and Check Mii Out Channels, but rarely get back around to all that other stuff. Do you ever use it? We know some of you browse the vast space of the internet from the comfort of your couch, but what about the photo channel or other freebie extras? Now that you've (probably) had your Wii for a while, do you ever mess around with those?

There was some recent ruckus over the (lack of) functionality of the Weather Channel, but we haven't spent a great deal of time discussing the rest of the Wii channels. Does the browser get much play on your Wii? How about the photo channel? While it doesn't have too many features, a little living room photo manipulation can be fun in a group. How about your Mii Plaza? Is it packed to the max, or somewhat sparse?

So today's question is: have you just dipped a toe, or have you gone all out, gathering on the sofa for YouTube videos and checking the weather in the morning? Can you think of any other channels you'd like to see added?

IGN's Matt Casamassina, the world's crankiest Nintendo fan, is complaining again. We'll bet the sky is blue. This time, however, Matt may be correct; his latest rant regards the Forecast Channel's outdated reporting and with that, we have to agree. This morning, we compared the Forecast channel to the local news reports and to the Weather Underground, and the Wii was off by 14 degrees. Considering the current temp was from midnight, however, that's not too suprising.

Matt C.'s final statement is that if they can't get it right, they shouldn't bother, and to hell with the fact that the Forecast Channel is interesting, pretty ... and new. He doesn't want to be tempted by something that isn't up-to-the-minute correct. We can see that point, but pose one in return: how often do you check the weather to get the current temperature and conditions? We usually just, y'know, walk outside for that. When it came to the daily high and low temperature, as well as condition and the extended predictions, the Forecast Channel was spot on with the other guys. It was only the current temperature that was incorrect. While that's certainly mind-boggingly annoying, it's probably also fixable.

Canadian commenters at IGN noted that they weren't having the reporting problems that Matt (and we) seemed to have, and we'd be curious to hear about how up to date the Forecast Channel is elsewhere. For instance, is it on the money in Japan? As the provider is headquartered there, we'd guess so.

So what do you guys think? Is it a big deal to you whether (heh) or not the current displayed temp is accurate? Is it accurate for you? Do you think the system will change over time? We say yes to that last.

Need to know how it is out there? Just check your Wii. The Forecast channel is now live and active for all your weather-announcing needs. Now you totally have a good reason to stay inside and throw down with some Elebits. "Look! There's a 12% chance of rain -- the Wii told me. How could I brave the outdoors?" We understand.

That's not the only update excitement this week for your Wii channels, either -- this Friday, the free trial version of the Opera browser will be available for download. Next June, it'll cost five bucks, but for now, you can check out all the YTMNDs and special photos you want, from the comfort of your Wii. Ain't the Internet grand?

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

Most of the online functions of the Wii will not be ready when we start bringing the consoles home this weekend. According to a recent press release, the forecast channel will debut on December 20, while the news channel will debut next year, in late January. The shopping channel will be up and running, however, with twelve Virtual Console titles ready on launch day. The Virtual Console will be updated every Monday with new content, though the release did not specify if that would begin November 20, or the following Monday -- not that we have long to wait until we find out.

The press release included no information about the forthcoming Opera browser other than that it would be downloaded to the console via the Wii Shop channel.

[Via Joystiq]

We told you earlier tonight that the official Wii site had appeared, and was so new we could smell the fresh code from here. During the press event, the site updated with loads of goodies. To get to the goods, click the Japan link at the top. We assume the other links will go live during their events, so the English version should be available within several hours.

There's a lot to discover, even though the site has a few open slots that simply read "coming soon." Joystiq's semi-live coverage should include some translations soon. In the meantime, enjoy the video demonstrations.