A final version of the product is scheduled for release in March 2007. After June, this will have to be paid for with 'Wii points', the currency used for purchases via the console.

Offering Web browsing will allow the Wii to compete more effectively as a general lounge room device with its console rivals from Microsoft and Sony. "This newest Wii Menu channel provides yet another feature to draw non-gamers in," Nintendo America president Reggie Fils-Aime said in a statement announcing the release.

Of course, such lounge room activity has its risks. Nintendo has announced a recall of the remote's wrist strap after being embarrassed by endless reports of flying Wii controllers cracking televisions and other devices.
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