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Nintendo’s steady stream of content in the Wii Shop Channel gave way to a bit of a wave today with the introduction of not only three more retro games for play on the Virtual Console, one of which being Wii-enhanced, but a new feature for the Wii Shop Channel, the earlier-announced Virtual Console gifting system. Unfortunately, it seems that the system has not been finished yet, as I am unable to access anything from my Wii. Attempts to reach the Wii Shop Channel give me the message that it’s undergoing maintenance, and attempts to do a system update simply produce an error message that I can’t. So read the press release here.

The new games include the Wii-enhanced version of Pok√©mon Snap I mentioned earlier, so that’s also noteworthy. Check that out when it’s back up if you like.

WII-KLY UPDATE: PHOTO FEATURE, GIFTING ABILITIES AND THREE CLASSIC GAMES ADDED TO WII SHOP CHANNEL

Dec. 10, 2007

Get ready to celebrate the arrival of a bunch of fun new features on the Wii‚Ñ¢ Shop Channel. This week marks the debut of the first Pok√©mon¬Æ game for the Virtual Console: Pok√©mon Snap‚Ñ¢, which originally was a hit on Nintendo¬Æ 64. This Pok√©mon photographic adventure comes with a special Wii bonus: It now includes a special feature that allows players to post pictures they take in the game to their Wii Message Board and send them to friends with whom they’ve traded Friends Codes.

And let’s not ignore the other sure-to-please titles: Ghosts’n Goblins and BASEBALL STARS 2. These three new classic games go live at 9 a.m. Pacific time. But wait ‚Äì there’s more!

Later in the day on Monday, Nintendo will make your holiday shopping just a little bit easier. If some people on your gift list have visions of classic video games dancing in their heads, you’re in luck. Starting this week, Wii Shop Channel patrons can use a new Gifting feature to send games to other Wii owners with whom they’ve traded Friend Codes. It’s an easy and inexpensive way to give your fellow Nintendo buffs the gift of a classic game‚Äîno wrapping paper required. And don’t worry about duplication. If your friend already has the game you’re trying to give, you’ll get a simple message and be bumped back into the catalog to continue shopping.

Nintendo adds new games to the Wii Shop Channel every Monday. Wii‚Ñ¢ owners with a high-speed Internet connection can redeem Wii Points‚Ñ¢ to download the games. Wii Points can be purchased in the Wii Shop Channel or at retail outlets. This week’s new games are:

Pok√©mon Snap (Nintendo 64, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone, 1,000 Wii Points): As one of the most unique games in a renowned series, Pok√©mon Snap was the first truly 3-D Pok√©mon game and introduced the phenomenon to the Nintendo 64. Travel to Pok√©mon Island and meet Professor Oak to begin a safari, taking the best possible photographs of 63 different Pok√©mon as they exist in the wild, undisturbed by humans. This is not as easy as it sounds‚Äîthe island has many types of climates and environments to explore, along with secret activities and hidden passages to discover. Plus, some of the Pok√©mon can be a little shy and won’t pose for the camera unless you tease them with special items. After you’re done, submit one picture of each Pok√©mon to Professor Oak, and he’ll judge it based on size, pose, technique and number of Pok√©mon captured.

Ghosts’n Goblins (NES¬Æ, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone‚ÄîMild Animated Violence, 500 Wii Points): Ghosts’n Goblins was a popular arcade game before it made the leap to the NES in 1986. Like later games in the series, Ghosts’n Goblins presents quite a challenge to players brave enough to take on the role of Arthur and delve into the realm of demons and monsters to rescue the kidnapped princess. Choose your weapons wisely and take advantage of their strengths to deal with the situation at hand. Pass through the six gates that stand between you and Astaroth, and teach him a lesson in chivalry he’ll never forget. Demonstrating a high level of technical prowess for a game of its era, Ghosts’n Goblins presents a unique and unforgettable universe. The stage for adventure is set. Are you up to the test?

BASEBALL STARS 2 (NEOGEO, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone, 900 Wii Points): Lace up your cleats and step onto the diamond with the pros of BASEBALL STARS 2. You’ll find everything you’d expect in a classic game of baseball, but with an arcade feel and intense action that distinguish it from the pack. Pick one of six unique teams from cities around the world, then get ready for nine innings of excitement, whether you’re taking on the computer in a 15-game tournament or squaring off against a friend. There are two modes of game play, so even the most inexperienced player can compete at the major-league level (with a little computer-aided fielding). Watch as the game develops through split-screen views and close-up shots worthy of any highlight film, and see if you can catch the numerous over-the-top animations of the large and detailed player models. Think you have what it takes to win the pennant?

For more information about Wii, please visit wii.com.