Fils-aime details Wii Channels

Reggie Fils-Aime, president of Nintendo of America, has revealed details of the Wii interface, dubbed Wii Channels.

While Nintendo has already unveiled details on software and hardware pricing for the Wii, Fils-Aime has shed light on non-gaming features, while talking up the concept of "games for the masses"

"Wii reinvents games for the devoted player," says Fils-Aime at a press event in New York.

"But more importantly, Wii breaks the wall separating players from non-players by delivering the best game experiences for the most affordable price."

"We believe the next leap is games for the masses - young and old, gamer or non, alone, with a friend or with the whole family," he added.

The Wii Channel Menu is the access point for all the consoles' functions, allowing users to pick and play games, upload and store photos, and create playable cariactures.

Users are able to create their own avatar using the 'Mii' channel, which can then be stored in the Wii remote control and imported into games.

As well as being able to access news and weather reports which are updated through the WiiConnect24 service, users are also able to send and receive messages to other Wii units as well as mobile phones.

A dedicated channel for internet access is also featured, where users can browse the web using the Wii remote.

As well as downloadable software from the N64, NES and SNES back catalogue, the Wii will also be backwards compatible with the entire GameCube catalogue, allowing players to use original GameCube discs.