Nintendo has added to their existing interactive Wii Channels.

There is now a new, permanent feature in the Wii Shop Channel that allows users to send a Virtual Console game or downloadable software to friends as a gift.

This feature works in a similar way to making a purchase from the Wii Shop Channel. You simply choose the software, select "Gift", and choose a friend from your Wii Friends list to send it to.

The system automatically checks to see if your friend has the game already before you buy it for them, so you don't have to worry about doubling up.

An updated version of the Photo Channel has also gone live in the Wii Software section. This optional update allows
users to customise the Photo Channel icon on the Wii Menu with any photo they want from their collection, via an SD Card.

The background music facility has also had a makeover that sees support for MP3 format files replaced with AAC format, which Nintendo says provides higher sound quality in a similar file size.