Your ultimate Wii launch guide

Wii channels
The Wii channel menu acts as the main screen for the console and so is your first port of call before taking part in any Wii activity. From left to right here's what they are and what they do:

Disc channel
This displays the name of the disc that you currently have in your Wii and is where you must point and click to activate the game. If a GameCube disc is inserted the logo of Nintendo's last console will appear. If you place a damaged disc or one from another gaming region, this channel will inform you of the problem.

Mii channel
Miis are the avatars that can also be used as characters in games such as Wii Sports, and it's on this channel that you will be able to create your own. Selecting from various faces and body parts you can create a 3D caricature of yourself or choose one that has been pre-made. This Mii will also acts as your Wii profile so information such as being left or right handed for Wii Sports will be attributed to your Mii. Miis can also be stored on the Wii-motes - eight in total.

Photo channel
Photos can be uploaded on to your Wii by inserting an SD memory card into the slot found under the panel on the front of the console. Once on Wii they can be viewed on this channel or manipulated using the editing options.

Wii shop channel
This is where Wii Points can be spent in Nintendo's virtual store. New channels set up by Nintendo can be downloaded and the Opera browser needed for the internet channel can be found here, as can classic games from the Virtual Console.

Above: Create a Mii to use in-game and store your gamer profile

Forecast channel
Want to know what the weather will be like for the next hour, day or week? Then this channel will provide you with everything you need to know via WiiConnet24.

News channel
This will allow you to access bulletins and headlines provided by the Associated Press via WiiConnect24. This service will not be available until next year.

Internet channel
This will be accessible to those who have downloaded the Opera browser from the shop channel, a download that will be free for the first few months ofWii's release. As soon as you have Opera, it's here you'll access the internet.

Virtual Console channels
Once games have been bought from the Wii shop they can be assigned to any spare channel slot so they can be accessed quickly. There are around 30 slots for this purpose.

Message board
At the bottom of the screen is an envelope icon which gives you access to Wii's message board. This has an offline function so you can leave messages for other gamers that will use your console. Once online you can pass messages to those gamers you have exchanged friend codes with and, in the future, it will feature messages and updates from Nintendo about new services and features.