The Wii Shop Channel is a former digital distribution service for the Wii video game console. The service allowed users to purchase and play additional software for the Wii (called Channels), including exclusive games (branded WiiWare), and games from prior generations of video games (marketed with the Virtual Console brand). The Wii Shop Channel launched on November 19, 2006, and ceased service operations worldwide on January 30, 2019. As of February 1, 2019, all previously purchased content can still be re-downloaded indefinitely or Wii data can be transferred from a Wii to a Wii U (via the Wii U Transfer Tool).
Succeeded by the Nintendo eShop, the Wii Shop Channel was accessible on the original Wii and on the Wii U console via Wii Mode, supporting the download of WiiWare titles, as well as legacy Virtual Console titles that are yet to be available via the Nintendo eShop.
The Channel's music theme has become popular and well-received on the internet, and is often used in internet memes.
