@arsenicazure: What can you do with Wii if it's not online? Play games.
When you get your Wii online, the console changes completely.
Of course, things that aren't necessary like controller and USB ports, built-in Wi-Fi and memorycard readers have added to the cost of the console, but then again, Nintendo would have had to replace them with something else to make them available by choice.
This is when we get to Nintendos businessmodel. Removing DVD playback was a last minute change due to it costing money. Outside shop channel, everything is free in Nintendos online.
The idea of the online is, outside not to let competition have a competetive advantage, to get people to purchase content from the Shop Channel and the number of online features exist to lure the customers into getting their Wiis online. The cost of the online, is payd by the consumers who buy content from the Shop Channel (in the end, the online exists only for them).
But, what we don't have with the Wii, is a multifunctioning device with expensive features that the customer need to pay for, if the customer wants the console.
As for the usefulness; News and Forecast Channels are pretty much perceived as useful services. Especially Forecast Channel, which lets you check out, in less than a minute, before going to work in the morning, whether you should take an umbrella with you or not.
Ei Kiinasti.
Eikä Japanisti.
Vaan pannaan jalalla koreasti.
Nintendo games sell only on Nintendo system.
