Nintendo has announced several changes to the Wii games console’s Internet Channel, urging gamers to become more web-savvy with their Wii.

Wii's on-screen keyboard: not the only option now

Its Wii System Update 3.1 allows the console to support USB keyboards, meaning gamers are no longer limited to an on-screen keyboard, typed on with the Wiimote.

Well, sort of. As Nintendo says: "You can now use a USB keyboard with your Wii. Please note that some USB keyboards may not function correctly."

So you can use USB keyboards. Or perhaps not.

"Please note that the USB keyboard is compatible with the Wii Menu, but is not supported by the Everybody Votes Channel or the Mii Channel," the vendor added.

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The update also allows users to type in a keyword, such as 'Mario', and highlight it with their Wii Remote to perform a Yahoo! or Google search. Nintendo's increased the maximum number of saveable favourites from 48 to 56 as well.

Gamers can now send any URL, including their favourites, directly to buddies' Wii Message Boards, along with a personalised message. And if you're popular enough to get one yourself, then you can directly launch the Internet Channel by clicking on the URL.

Click here to go to Nintendo’s Wii update page.

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