Wii gets DS downloads, trailers and more

Nov 28, 2007

It's not Xbox Live Marketplace, but it's a start - Wii's latest online service will let you browse trailers for upcoming games, research existing titles and even download demos right onto your DS. It's called Everybody's Wii Channel and is only available in Japan, but it's only a matter of time before it shows up on our shores.

Game demos easily trump any of the other features. Finally, instead of leechingly hovering around kiosks, you can kick back and try new titles from the comfort of your own home. Word from Japan is the current roster of downloadable games isn't so hot, but give it time.

The videos, according to overseas reports, are about the same quality and size as the Metroid Prime 3 vids from a few months ago. That is to say, they're somewhat grainy, kinda small and potentially not very exciting. But now that the feature's in place, expect to see lots of new Nintendo properties introduced via its own video service - and possibly less coming from standard press outlets.

If you've played a certain Wii game for an extended period of time, the new channel offers you a chance to express your opinions about said game. Hm, "express" might be a strong word. More like "answer five basic questions."

If you're in the mood for a step by step walkthrough, well, someone's already on it!

Brett Elston

A fomer Executive Editor at GamesRadar, Brett also contributed content to many other Future gaming publications including Nintendo Power, PC Gamer and Official Xbox Magazine. Brett has worked at Capcom in several senior roles, is an experienced podcaster, and now works as a Senior Manager of Content Communications at PlayStation SIE.