PixlBit

A unique user interface that stood the test of time and provided some fresh ideas about content on a game console.

Powering Down

With ideas as diverse as food delivery, Mii making, and straight-up video watching, there was definitely a lot of experimentation going on with the Wii channels.  It doesn’t seem too odd now that smart phones have apps for some of the silliest things imaginable, but the range of ideas is impressive considering this is a TV interface that kicked off before smart phones exploded into general use, and it was a pretty big departure from the GameCube's strict game-only philosophy.  Channels were a great way for the Wii to stand out amongst its more powerful peers, and it gave Nintendo developers a chance to toy around with some new ideas that probably influenced successful and innovative features on future products – like the 3DS Street Pass or the upcoming TVii.  Whether you used them frequently or not at all, Wii channels helped define the system and gave many people a reason to boot up their Wiis even if there were no new games to play.  Most probably don’t use the Wii much at all any more, much less for the channels that have mostly become a bit dull – but like them or not, with the 3DS and the upcoming Wii U, they're here to stay.