Surf The 'Net For Free On The Wii (Again)

Now there's one less reason to turn off the TV -  you can access the Internet through your Wii, for free (again).

Those who got the Wii when it first launched in November 2006 will remember the Internet Channel came as a free download at the time. It allows Wii owners to surf the net on their televisions. The Wii Remote allows users to check their e-mail, buy stuff and check out the latest news - you know, whatever it is they usually do on the Internet.

Then, in July 2007, Nintendo changed it up and started charging 500 Wii Points to download the Internet Channel. That's changed again, and the channel's available for free again.

For folks who used their points to get free broadband Internet access, Nintendo is taking pity. Starting in late October, they'll be able to download on NES game of their choice valued at 500 Wii Points from the Virtual Console. Full details will be on the Wii Message Board and on Nintendo.com. Oh, and the channel's been upgraded to include the latest version of the Adobe Flash player, too.

For those users with young ones in the house, the Wii does have parental controls that allow adults to manage the content their children can get to.