Nintendo launches its own TV channel

The convergence between gaming and mainstream media continues, with electronics giant Nintendo set to launch its own television channel in Japan.

The channel, which is expected to go on air in the next few months, will show cartoons, “brain-training” quizzes, cooking, educational and other lifestyle shows, according to The Australian.

Anyone with a Wii gaming console will be able to view the channel and an international expansion is under consideration.

The TV channel will effectively be a joint venture between Nintendo and Dentsu, Japan’s largest advertising agency, which will produce the programs and sell advertising.

Around 40 million Wii units have been sold around the world and Nintendo believes about 18 million of these are connected to the internet.