Redmond, Wash. - Nintendo of America on Monday debuted its WiiWare service, which allows owners of its Wii game console to download new games over an Internet connection from a range of large and independent publishers.

Redmond, Wash. - Nintendo of America on Wednesday announced plans to launch its new downloadable game service, WiiWare, on May 12. Nintendo hopes developers will use the WiiWare service as a "breeding ground for new games," while consumers will see a wider array of titles for the console made available at a dynamic price range. The company also plans to release its exercise-themed title, "WiiFit," on May 19, which will also introduce the new weight- and motion-sensing Wii Balance Board accessory. The highly anticipated "Super Smash Bros. Brawl" for Wii will ship to retailers on March 9.

Tokyo - Nintendo said on Wednesday that it will work with Japanese broadband provider NTT to cross-promote broadband access and the online features of the Wii video game console, Reuters reported. Nintendo and NTT will offer a discounted broadband promotion for new subscribers that includes on-site set-up, as well as operate joint call centers that offer consumers support for the Wii console's Internet connection. In March, Nintendo plans to launch WiiWare, a service that will let gamers download new titles online.

London - Nintendo has announced plans to allow independent developers to create downloadable games for play on its Wii console, GamesIndustry.biz reported. The first titles created using WiiWare are expected to launch in early 2008 and will be sold through the Wii Shop Channel.