Wii Shop Channel
| Developer | Nintendo Special Planning & Development |
|---|---|
| Type | Online shop |
| Launch date | November 19, 2006 |
| Discontinued | January 30, 2019 |
| Platform(s) | Wii |
| Status | Discontinued |
The Wii Shop Channel is a discontinued digital distribution service for the Wii video game console. The service allowed users to purchase and play additional software for the Wii (called Channels), including exclusive games (branded WiiWare), and games from prior generations of video game consoles (marketed with the Virtual Console brand). The Wii Shop Channel launched on November 19, 2006 and was the place to buy additional Wii channels. Most of the Wii Shop Channel's functions were discontinued on January 30, 2019.
Succeeded by the Nintendo eShop on the Wii U, the Wii Shop Channel was also accessible on the Wii U console though Wii Mode, supporting the download of WiiWare titles, as well as legacy Virtual Console titles that were not available on the Nintendo eShop.
The Channel's theme music has become popular and well-received on the internet, and is often used in internet memes.