Nintendo today released a large update for the Wii’s Nintendo Channel in North America that overhauls the app’s interface and adds new features. This is the same update that was released in Japan in July.
The entire look of the Nintendo Channel and the way it presents its features has changed with the new update. Each video is now accompanied by a thumbnail, and tabs for the channels’ features line the bottom of the HUD. Some features are totally new while others have been overhauled to be more visible.
The most prominent new feature is the ability to view videos in either low or high quality. The difference is akin to watching a YouTube video in normal or high quality. Videos will now also default to full screen from which the details page on the game being viewed can still be accessed.
The other totally new feature is a list of all the games that have been played on a particular Wii as recorded on the Wii Message Board. The games can be listed by the number of times played or the total amount of time played.
Completely overhauled is the recommendation feature. Any game that’s been played for more than an hour can be rated on a scale. A list of the most highly recommended games has been added which even lists related games. Favorite games can also be tagged now. Like before, games can also be rated based on demographics like age, gender, and “hardcore” or “casual.”
