Nintendo launches WiiWare

Nintendo today announced the launch of WiiWare, a new service for its Wii console that allows gamers to purchase and download new and original games.

WiiWare frees developers from the traditional constraints of video game development. WiiWare lets developers experiment with big ideas and small budgets to the benefit of players everywhere. Newer, smaller teams now have an outlet for their ideas.

"WiiWare is to the video game industry what independent films are to Hollywood," said Cammie Dunaway of Nintendo. "WiiWare lets developers experiment with new ideas and experiences. Combined with our collection of classic Virtual Console games, Wii provides one-stop shopping for the greatest games of the past - and the future."

WiiWare games are easy to download. Just go to the WiiWare section of the Wii Shop Channel, find the game you want, redeem Wii Points and start the download. Wii Points can be purchased in the Wii Shop Channel or at retail outlets. New games, at various Wii Point values, will be added to WiiWare on Mondays.

Here are the inaugural WiiWare games:

FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES: My Life as a King (1 player, 1,500 Wii Points): My Life as a King takes the Final Fantasy franchise and launches it into the realm of simulation gaming. Players are challenged to rebuild a kingdom, leading its young king on an adventure with mystery and intrigue.

LostWinds (1-2 players, 1,000 Wii Points): A fresh platform adventure that puts the power of the wind in the palm of your hand - from tornados to the gentlest breeze. You'll wield your Wii Remote controller to power Toku's jumps and glides, suspend and smash enemies, meet friends and solve puzzles using LostWinds' novel, intuitive and playful control system.

Defend your Castle (1-4 players, 500 Wii Points): Defend your Castle takes place on a grassy plain surrounded by invaders. You are the commander of your castle, and it is your duty to fling the invading enemies sky-high, watching them plummet to their demise. As you progress, add powerful spells and upgrades to your arsenal for repelling the attacks. How long can you hold them off?

Pop (1-4 players, 700 Wii Points): Pop bubbles to score points and stop the timer from running out. Pop can be enjoyed by anyone - casual gamers can simply play to pop bubbles and keep the game moving, whereas advanced players will need to pick their shots rapidly and accurately and generate combos to maximize their score.

V.I.P. Casino: Blackjack (1-4 players, 700 Wii Points): V.I.P. Casino: Blackjack re-creates the casino experience, with fully animated players and a realistic Las Vegas dealer. Single players can increase their bankrolls, while multiple players can engage in a head-to-head mini-blackjack tournament.

TV Show King (1-4 players, 1,000 Wii Points): TV Show King transforms your living room into a real TV quiz show studio where you'll face the challenge of answering more than 3,000 questions across six different categories. Compete against family and friends and use your Wii Remote controller in original ways to make it to the finals to see who can win the greatest amount of cash in one final, deciding duel. Nintendo today announced the launch of WiiWare, a new service for its Wii console that allows gamers to purchase and download new and original games.