Can Nintendo Wii connect online ?

Yes. Wii features built-in 802.11b/g wireless connectivity. The system will be able to connect online from the day it debuts. Nintendo's Wii Channels user interface utilizes the Big N's Wi-Fi Connection and WiiConnect24 services to stay online all day and all night - even when the console is technically off; it actually goes into a "sleep" mode, according to Nintendo. Using the services, Wii News and Forecast Channels are constantly updated with the most recent data. Users will also be able to connect to the Wii Shopping Channel to buy classic Virtual Console games. Wii owners can also access the Wii Message Board to send e-mail and photos to friends. Wii owners will, beginning with debut of Pokemon Battle in Japan, be able to use Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection to play online against friends and foes. However, no Wii launch games will support Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection for an online play mode. The majority of online Wii games will arrive in 2007 and beyond.