If I don’t have a wireless broadband connection and I was to buy a wireless router, would I be able to have wireless Internet for my Nintendo Wii?
The Wii and Internet Connections
It will take a bit of doing, but the Nintendo Wii is configurable for wireless Internet. In fact, it has built-in Wi-Fi! If you do not currently have a broadband Internet connection, you will need one. Your Internet access itself doesn’t have to be wireless, though. For example, I have cable broadband but the cable is connected directly to a wireless router which makes it possible for my wireless devices, including my Wii, to connect to the Internet wirelessly.
Wii Internet Features
The Wii offers several Internet features once it’s connected including channels (such as local weather and news and Wii shopping) as well as the ability to connect with other Wii users (such as by playing Internet-enabled games or sharing Miis). For an additional fee, you can browse the Internet using the Wii, though if you have a computer, I’m not sure why anyone would want to do this.
Connecting the Wii to the Wireless Router
The first order of business is to establish a home network with Internet access using a wireless router. Whichever router you buy will have instructions for connecting to your cable or DSL modem as well as setting up your computers. Setting up a home network is fairly easy these days. Just make sure to enable security so that your system is adequately protected from strangers.
Once you have a wireless home network, then it’s time to turn on your Wii and go to the Wii Options > Wii Settings screen. Page through the options until you find Internet > Connection Settings. Choose Connection 1 > Wireless Connection > Search for an Access Point. Your Wii will now search for your wireless router and Internet connection. The Wii will then list any found routers in your area, including the wireless routers of your neighbors. Look for your router in the list, select it and test the connection. You may be prompted to update your Wii which is fine to do. Once updated, you should be able to access the basic Internet features offered. Again, if you want full Internet browsing via your Wii, you’ll need to purchase that through Nintendo.
Wired Wii Internet Access
For those who don’t want to set up a wireless network, note that the Wii also supports Internet connectivity via a USB-to-Ethernet adapter.
