Nintendo Wii gaming is so widely popular that the Wii can rightly be considered a cultural icon. Wii games are known for their motion responsive fun and intuitiveness for people of all ages. The Wii's functionality is vastly expanded with Internet connectivity. Wii Channels give you access to a wealth of information as you browse the Internet. You can go head-to-head against friends in your favorite games or take on other players located all over the world. Download new games from a huge selection or find your favorite classic title. You can even stream Netflix movies and TV shows through your console.
Getting Started
Before you can experience all the wonderful online Wii features, you need to connect your console to the Internet. First, you need high-speed Internet access. Then you need to connect your modem to either a wireless router set up to provide Wi-Fi service or a wired router that uses Ethernet cables to form a network (LAN). Your best choice depends where your Wii console will be placed relative to your router. If the two devices (and any other Internet-enabled hardware you want to network) will be within 10 feet or so of each other, the wired option is the way to go. If they will be farther apart than 10 feet, you probably need a wireless network.
Wireless Network (Wi-Fi) Wii Internet Connection
Press the power button on your Wii console after your system is set up according to the installation directions.
If you see a warning message, get to the main menu by grabbing one of your Wii Remotes and pressing the "A" button. Use the "A" button when you need to make a selection described in any of these next steps.
Move the hand on the screen with your remote until it is over the "Wii" button in the lower left corner. Select the Wii button. You will then see an options menu with two large squares.
Select the "Wii Settings" square to go to the "Wii System Settings 1" menu.
Go to the right-pointing arrowhead and select it. You should then be at the "Wii System Settings 2" screen.
Select the "Internet" button.
Check to see what message appears on the right side of the "Connection 1" button then select Connection 1.
If the Connection 1 message was something different from "None," select "Clear Settings."
Choose "Wireless Connection" and then choose "Search for an Access Point."
When you see the instruction "Choose the access point you want to connect to," select "OK."
You now see a list of wireless networks detected by the console. Choose the Wi-Fi network name you used when you configured your router.
You might see a box stating something like, "This access point is secure. Input the password or key." If you do, type in the password used to access your wireless network and select "OK."
Select "OK" followed by "Save Settings" and then "Yes."
Your Wii tests its new network connection for a moment. If all is well, you will see, "The connection test was successful." Now you want to choose "Yes" followed by "I Accept" so you have the most up-to-date Wii system software. Your Wii is now online so you can enjoy the awesome Wii+Internet experience!
If the test in Step 14 was not successful and ended with Error Code 51330 or 52130, the password in Step 12 did not work. Navigate through the steps above again until you are at Step 12 and try again.
Wired Network (LAN) Wii Internet Connection
An adapter not included with your Wii is required to connect to a wired network. You can find out more about Wii Nintendo LAN Adapters in the Resource Box link below. Non-Wii-compatible USB LAN adapters will not work with your Wii system.
Turn the power to your modem and router off and wait about 60 seconds.
With the Wii console powered off, connect the adapter to the USB port on the Wii console back panel.
Plug one end of an Ethernet cable into an open connection on your router and the other end into the adapter.
Turn the power to your modem and router back on and wait for the modem to complete its connection to your Internet service.
Follow Steps 1 through 8 in the wireless Internet setup section and then come back here.
Choose "Wired Connection" and then "OK."
Now follow Step 14 in the wireless Internet setup section to finish connecting your Wii to the Internet.
Wii Gear and Supplies
Get your Nintendo Wii LAN Adapter here to get the wired network equipment you need to get your Wii online.
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