Before you purchase another game for your Nintendo Wii gaming console, read this article!

Are you tired of paying $40, $50, or more for each Wii game you buy? The marketing geniuses at Nintendo have done a superb job of creating an innovative gaming system and addicting games, with more coming on the market each and every week! Fortunately, you now have an alternative to purchasing individual games at retail prices -- safely downloading games, movies, TV shows, music and more, all compatible with your Wii console!

Now, bear in mind that, like anything else on the Internet, all Wii download sites are not created equal. In fact, not all of them are even created legal! Therefore, it's important for you to understand the differences between them, so that you can make a good choice when deciding which Wii download site to use.

First of all, there are several different types of download sites for the Wii:

• Peer-to-peer (P2P) networks. Also known as warez or bittorrent sites, these are enormous numbers of regular computers, just like yours and mine, that are loosely networked in order to share files with one another. While you can download files completely free of charge from these P2P networks, you are running a huge risk by doing so. Since there is no central server in charge of controlling the files, they tend to be laden with viruses, malware, and spyware, and frequently do not contain the games or other media they say they do. Take my advice and avoid these types of downloads like the plague.



• Pay-per-download sites. Users of these types of sites will not encounter the virus, malware, and fraud issues inherent in P2P networks, and these sites do offer high-quality, legitimate games. However, since you are charged for each and every item you download, you will still pay a significant price using these types of sites. Yes, you can usually save money over what you would pay in a retail store, but there are better options available to you.



• Monthly subscription sites. During the term of your membership, you can download safe, high-quality games, movies and more from these types of sites. Membership fees usually include a one-time sign-up fee, followed by charges each month that you remain a member. While the casual games could save some money by joining one of these sites on a short-term basis, if you plan to download games on a continuing basis, this is probably not the best deal for you.



• One-time fee, or Lifetime Membership sites. These sites will provide unlimited access to games, movies, TV shows, music, and more for a one-time payment that is usually equal (or less) than the cost of one game. Unlike the P2P networks, these sites are controlled by a central server so the safety and quality of your downloads is guaranteed. Some of them even offer detailed instructions, tutorials, and excellent technical support, which may be especially useful during your first few downloads when you are still learning the process.

One other thing to be aware of when choosing a site to use to download Wii games is that many of them offer games that can only be played if you make modifications to your Wii console. Known as "modding" or "chipping," this involves dismantling your Wii in order to solder a computer chip on to the motherboard. Unless you are extremely technically savvy, you will want to find a download site that does not require you to perform this procedure.

So be careful when you decide to download Wii games online. With a bit of research, you will be able to choose a site that will save you money and also provide good value and hours of fun.