The Wii Shop Channel allows you to download Virtual Console games, purchase and redeem Wii Points, and obtain other downloads (subject to availability). A broadband internet connection is required.
Click here to read our Q&A.
Important Notes about the Wii Shop Channel and the use of Wii Points
- Points have no monetary value and cannot be redeemed for cash. All points and software downloads are only for use on a single Wii console and are non-refundable and non-transferable.
- A maximum number of unused Points can be stored on one Wii console.
- Additional hardware accessories may be required to use Wii software downloaded from the Wii Shop Channel and are sold separately.
- Software downloaded from the Wii Shop Channel is licensed to you, not sold.
- Wii Points are subject to a User Agreement, which may be viewed by clicking here.
- Points cards are valid for use in the E.E.A. and Switzerland only and Points are only redeemable for downloading software or purchasing goods offered on the Wii Shop Channel.
- If your Parental Controls are set to restrict use of Points, you will be able to purchase Wii Points using a credit card but use of these Wii Points will be restricted by your Parental Controls setting.
Accessing the Wii Shop Channel:
- Ensure that your Wii console is connected to the Internet. If you need assistance getting your Wii console online, click here.
- Select the Wii Shop Channel on the Wii Menu.
- If you have not previously accessed the Wii Shop Channel, you will need to read and agree to the User Agreement. For information on locating the User Agreement, click here.

Purchasing Wii Points
In the Wii Shop Channel you can use Wii Points to download additional features and items, such as selected titles of your favorite classic NES, Super NES, Nintendo 64, and TurboGrafx games (subject to availability).
There are two ways to purchase Wii Points:
- Purchase Wii Points through the Wii Shop Channel:
Using a credit card you can purchase Wii Points through your Wii console using the Wii Shop Channel's secure servers. To purchase Wii Points through the Wii Shop Channel:- Access the Wii Shop Channel through the Wii Menu.
- If this is your first time using the Wii Shop Channel, read the User Agreement and click "I agree" if you understand and agree to the terms. Click "Okay" after reading the Wii Shop description.
- Once on the "Welcome to Wii Shop Channel" screen, select "Start Shopping."
- Click the "Add Wii Points" button.
- Select "Buy Wii Points with a Credit Card."
- Select the amount of Wii Points you would like to purchase. (Please note there is a maximum number of points that can be available on each Wii console.)
- Select the credit card type you would like to use to buy Wii Points.
- Enter the credit card number, expiration date, and three digit security code. Select "OK" when finished.
- Enter your address and postcode. Click "OK" to continue.
- Review the purchase details on the confirmation screen, and select "Yes" when finished.
- Once the purchase is processed, a confirmation screen will appear indicating that Wii Points were added to your Wii Shop account.
- Purchase a Wii Points Card at a participating retailer:
Many retail stores that sell Nintendo products also sell Wii Points Cards. These cards come with Wii Points already on them. The amount of Wii Points on a card are displayed on the front of every card.
Reedeming Wii Points Cards
Many retail stores that sell Nintendo products also sell Wii Points Cards. These cards come with Wii Points already on them.
To redeem a Wii Points Card:
- Access the Wii Shop Channel through the Wii console's Channel menu.
- If this is your first time using the Wii Shop Channel, read the User Agreement and click "I agree" if you understand and agree to the terms. Click "Okay" after reading the Wii Shop description
- Once on the "Welcome to Wii Shop Channel" screen, select "Start Shopping."
- Click the "Add Wii Points" button.
- Select "Redeem Wii Points Card."
- Scratch off the silver area on the back of the Wii Points Card to reveal the Wii Point Card's activation number.
- Enter the activation number into the space on the screen.
- Select "OK" to continue.
- If you want to redeem the card, select "Redeem".
- Once the purchase is processed, a confirmation screen will appear indicating that Wii Points were added to your Wii Shop account.
Viewing Your Available Wii Points
Wii Points are used to download content from the Wii Shop, and are stored on your Wii console.
To view your available Wii Points:
- Access the Wii Shop Channel through the Wii console's Channel menu.
- Once on the "Welcome to Wii Shop Channel" screen, select "Start Shopping."
- Your current Wii Points balance will be displayed in blue, near the bottom of the screen.
Controller Requirements for Virtual Console Games
Virtual Console games available for download on the Wii Shop Channel span many different home console systems, and are published by many different companies. Because each console and game can have their own unique controller needs, it is important to understand what the controller requirements are before downloading a game.
When browsing games on the Wii Shop Channel, you can see which controllers are compatible with the game you are browsing. Please make sure you have at least one of the controllers shown on the game's page of the Wii Shop Channel.

The following controller icons can appear in the Wii Shop:
Wii Remote: When held horizontally, the Wii Remote is a great way to play NES and other compatible games.
Classic Controller (sold separately): The Classic Controller attaches to the Wii Remote and can enable play for many different game types.
Nintendo GameCube Controller (sold separately): Inserting a Nintendo GameCube Controller or Wave Bird wireless controller into the available controller slots on the system will enable game play for many types of Virtual Console games.
Playing Virtual Console Games
Once you have downloaded a Virtual Console game from the Wii Shop, it will appear as a channel within the Wii Channel menu. Please note that you must have a compatible controller type to play Virtual Console games.
Erasing Wii Shop Account
Note: You should format your Wii Shop Channel and Wii console's system memory prior to selling or otherwise transferring your Wii console to any third party.
To clear information from the Wii Shop Channel, including records of your transactions and rights to download software:
- Access the Wii Shop Channel.
- Select "Settings" from the list of options.
- Select "Remove Wii Shop Channel Account."
Once completed, all information will be erased.







