Home >> Internet Games >> Nintendo Wii

Wii USB Functions & Features

In addition to its wireless motion controllers, WiFi connectivity and other features, the Wii contains two USB 2.0 ports on the back of the unit. Since none of the items that come packaged with the Wii use the USB ports, gamers may become confused as to their function. In fact, a number of first- and third-party accessories use the USB ports to enhance the Wii gaming and Internet experience.

Wii LAN Adapter
- The Wii contains full WiFi capabilities, but users who do not have a wireless router can purchase the Wii LAN adapter. The LAN adapter plugs into the Wii's USB port and contains an input for an Ethernet cable. This enables players to use a wired Ethernet connection to enjoy the Wii's online gaming, shopping and Internet-browsing features. The LAN adapter is simple to set up and is configured from the Wii settings menu like a wireless connection.
Wii Speak Microphone
- The Wii Speak Microphone enables players who have exchanged Wii Friend Codes to use voice chat over the Internet. The microphone plugs into the USB port and sits on top of the player's television, enabling those in the entire room to participate in voice chat. Wii Speak was designed to filter out video game background noise to maintain a high sound quality for voice chat. Users can chat over the Wii Speak Channel or through Wii Speak-compatible games, such as "Animal Crossing: City Folk."
USB Keyboard
- Although the Wii allows users to input text with an onscreen keyboard, users may find this process tedious, especially when entering long messages or website URLs. To address this problem, the Wii contains support for USB keyboards, allowing players to plug a keyboard into the Wii and input text more quickly. The Wii is compatible with most wired USB keyboards, though Nintendo recommends the Logitech Classic Keyboard 200. Users must download the Wii Menu version 3.1 or higher to use a USB keyboard.
Other Accessories
- The "Rock Band" series of music video games uses plastic instrument controllers that plug into the Wii's USB ports. The guitar, microphone and drum set controllers plug into a USB hub that is then plugged into the Wii. Various third party companies have made cooling units that use the Wii's USB port to power a fan that cools the Wii. Other companies have created charging stations that recharge the Wii controllers with power from the Wii's USB port.

Nintendo Wii