The Virtual Console is a Wii Shop Channel utilized by the Nintendo Wii to give users the opportunity to purchase content for download onto the console.  These downloads give gamers the chance to take advantage of Nintendo-related products, old school games and more.  Most of the Virtual Console content is paid, and you can make purchases via Wii Points or using a credit card.  The Virtual Console requires the Nintendo Wii to be connected to the Internet.  You need anywhere from 500 to 1200 Wii Points to purchase things, and the games offered range from the Nintendo Entertainment System to the Commodore 64 and everything in between.

First, you have to download the Virtual Console to your Wii main screen.  This is a free download, and as long as you are connected to the Internet, you can browse its content.  It offers free and paid downloads, ranging from new Wii Channels to playable games.  All downloads are stored on the built-in memory.  As long as your Nintendo Wii has been updated to the latest version of firmware, you can download Virtual Console content, Wii Ware games and more to a removable SD card which gives you more space to host downloads.  Virtual Console games that are purchased can only be played on the Wii they were originally purchased from and cannot be transferred between systems.  Virtual Console games can be purchased and gifted to other users.

In order to use the Virtual Console, you must be connected to the Internet.  Once you own the Wii Shop Channel, you can browse, read descriptions and download video games, Wii Ware and more as long as you have Wii Points or a credit card associated with the account.  Once you make a purchase, the Wii will download the content and you will be able to play once it is finished.  Each game gives you instructions on what controls to be used during game play.