Wii Channel Updates

Wii launched exactly one month ago today, and with that launch a new user interface was born: the Wii Channel Menu. Some “channels” have already been globally successful [the Mii Channel] while others have proved far less captivating [the Photo Channel].

Whatever you think of the first flock of Channels, Nintendo has made it clear that more are on the way. One update arrived via WiiConnect24 soon after the console itself was launched[the Wii Shop Channel].

Three other Channels were unfinished, and therefore not released, at the time of Wii launch: the Forecast Channel, News Channel, and Internet Channel. Below you’ll find a brief progress report on each.

Wii + PC Hack: Google Earth

Console Math

Wii outsells PS3 2-to-1 in US [via CNET]

PS3 Overtakes Total Xbox 360 Sales In Japan … Already [via JOYSTIQ]

Wii Becomes UK’s Fastest-elling home Console Ever [GIBIZ]

Sensor Bar Options

In an attempt to get more news out I’ll spare you commentary. Click the pic for more about this wireless Wii Sensor bar..

Wii The Light

 Turn off the lights. Leave shutter open. Move Wii with slot light on.

What do you get? Art.

DQIX On DS, Not Wii Or PS3

In a shocking announcement SqaureEnix have revealed that the next installment of the wildly popular Dragon Quest franchise, DQ9, will only appear on the portable DS system.

Tho it may seem a baffling choice to Americans, SONY fans, [or Wii fans for that matter] it only makes business sense. DQ is a huge moneymaker on the Japanes Isles. The DS is the current king of the videogaming world, perticularly Japan. Putting DQ9 on a system that not only has the biggest intall base but also the lowest development costs = $$$$ for SquareEnix. As one astute Joystiq commentator said:

This just shows that developers will follow the systems. They have no brand loyalty anymore. It also shows they think the PS3 might not be as big as people had hoped.

Here’s hoping that this is the first of many public notes of affection for Nintendo from Sqeenix.

STREAMING FOOTAGE FROM PRESS CONFERENCE [via GameBrink]

Meet Chubby The Snowman

Click the screenshot [above] to play a new Flash game from Nintendo Of Europe. There’s a little plot described in the intro and 24 levels…its pretty fun!

So much fun, actually, it makes me wonder if Chubby is more than just a churned-out character for a Flash-based mini game. Could this be testing the water for a full-fledged DS game, or possibly downloadable Wii Ware?  Only time will tell.

In the meantime, ward off boredom with a few minutes of MISSION IN SNOWDRIFTLAND