Nintendo Wii Firmware Update Supports USB Keyboards

If you or your kids surf the Internet using your Nintendo Wii game console, you might be interested in a new firmware update - version 3.1 - released on Wednesday that enables you to use a USB keyboard with it. The update is free.

The Nintendo Wii has built-in wireless networking capabilities and the ability to download both firmware updates and "Virtual Console" games online. The ability is free for Wii users who have connected their devices to household wireless networks.

The Wii's main user interface sports an "Internet Channel" that can be activated by redeeming 500 "Wii Points" from the "Wii Shop Channel," where users can also buy versions of classic console games that run on the Wii. that enables the Wii to go online using a version of Opera Software's eponymous Web browser. That software has also been updated with some refinements to the way you navigate the Internet, nine additional "Favorites" locations and an option to send your favorite Web sites to buddies, and more.