WiiConnect24: Standby Internet Feature (Discontinued 2013)

What It Did

WiiConnect24 kept the Wii connected to the internet while in standby mode (orange power light) to enable:

• Automatic software and game updates.
• Virtual Console/WiiWare background downloads.
• Friend requests, messages, and Wii Mail delivery.
• Mii Parade synchronization with the Wii Shop Channel.

Downsides

• Higher standby power consumption (~9W vs ~1W).
• Expanded attack surface for security exploits.
• Not all features were consistently active.

Nintendo discontinued WiiConnect24 in 2013 alongside the Wii Shop Channel closure.