WiiWare

WiiWare are downloadable games and applications (called “Channels”) specifically designed and developed for the Wii video game console made by Nintendo. These games and applications can only be purchased and downloaded from the Wii Shop Channel under the WiiWare and Channels sections respectively. WiiWare is a companion to the Virtual Console, which specializes in emulated games originally developed for other systems instead of original titles.

WiiWare is as an avenue for developers with small budgets to release innovative, original, and smaller-scale games without the investment and risk of creating a title to be sold at retail. Also is a new take on old Nintendo games. WiiWare games are downloadable directly to your Wii in exchange for various levels of Wii Points.

WiiWare games were officially launched on March 25, 2008 in Japan,^] on May 12, 2008 in North America, and on May 20, 2008 in Europe and Australia (PAL Regions).