Seven tricks for your Nintendo Wii

Tue Oct 21, 2008 3:56PM EDT

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You didn't think your Nintendo Wii was a one-trick, Wii Sports playing pony, did you? Techradar.com compiled a list of seven tricks that can squeeze more out of your Nintendo Wii. Here are my personal favorites:

1. Email a chum's Wii: You'll need to have a record of those damnably unmemorable friend codes for anyone you want to mail, but once you do it's simple: just drop a message to w[friendcode]@wii.com. For instance, w1234567891011@wii.com.

6. Fix stubborn Wiimotes: If you're having trouble getting a new or borrowed Wiimote to synch with your console, there's a way to make the Wii completely forget about all the remotes it's paired with so that you can start afresh. Turn the Wii off and unplug it from the wall. Wait 30 seconds, then plug it in and turn it on again. When the Health & Safety warning pops up, open the flap on the front of the Wii, then press and hold down the red SYNC button for 15 seconds. And that's it - all the synced controllers will be forgotten. Then pair all your Wiimotes with the console using the standard method.

7. Use your Wiimotes with your PC: Yep, the Wiimote uses standard Bluetooth wireless tech to talk to the console - which means it can also work with a PC. So your Wii controller can double up as a remote control for movie watching, or you can even play any game with it. You'll need either built-in Bluetooth support or a USB adaptor in your PC, plus free app GlovePIE to get it working. There's a little bit of faff involved, but the instructions at the GlovePIE site will talk you through it. You can also download pre-made profiles for specific games.

Of course, I have a few tricks up my sleeve that I like to use with my Wii.

Turn the Wii into a YouTube machine: Here's an obvious one that I just don't see enough people using. Using the Wii's Opera-powered Internet Channel (which you have to purchase from the Wii Shop for 500 points), you can simply browse to YouTube.com to watch your favorite video moments on your big-screen TV. Additionally, you can plug in any USB keyboard or the Logitech Cordless Wii Keyboard to make Internet browsing and YouTube oogling a complete breeze. Boom goes the dynamite!

Utilize the homebrew channel: This one takes a little bit more trickery than the others. Using your copy of The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, you can install a freeware "homebrew" channel that allows you to run unofficial software on your Nintendo Wii. There are emulators, games, media players, and more—the potential is limitless. However, the legality of this is hotly debated, and your warranty may be voided, so proceed with caution.

Want more out of your Wii? Head over to Techradar.com to see the full list. Have any secret tips of your own? Fire away in the comments below.