Already purchased software could still be downloaded, and any existing Wii Point credit were redeemable until January 30, 2019. This prevented users to purchase and play WiiWare and/or Virtual Console games unless if they had enough Wii Points in their account balance already. On March 26, 2018, the ability to add Wii Points (with either a credit card or Wii Points card) worldwide was removed forever following a temporary maintenance notice. To purchase and play Virtual Console games, Wii Shop Channel users would have to fund their account with Wii Points. In 2008, Club Nintendo in Europe began offering Wii Points in exchange for 'stars' received from registering games and consoles on the website. Wii Points were obtained by either redeeming Wii Points Cards purchased from retail outlets (100-2,000 in the USA 1,000-3,000 in Japan) or directly through the Wii Shop Channel using a Mastercard or Visa credit card (1,000, 2,000, 3,000, 4,000, or 5,000 Wii Points depending with the number of dollars). Wii Points were the currency used in transactions on the Wii Shop Channel. The Channel's main theme has become popular and well-received on the internet, and is often used in internet memes.

Succeeded by the Nintendo eShop, the Wii Shop Channel was accessible on the original Wii and on the Wii U console via Wii Mode, supporting the download of most WiiWare titles, as well as most legacy, Wii-based Virtual Console titles, consequently allowing users to continue purchasing/downloading many Virtual Console titles that are yet to be available via the Nintendo eShop. Afterwards, the Wii Shop Channel reverted to its original menu layout from November 19, 2006. The only exceptions are the Wii U Transfer Tool and The Legend of Zelda Skyward Sword. Upon its discontinuation, most software was removed from the Channel, the shop's interface was removed of the Virtual Console. But as of February 1, 2019, all previously purchased content can still be re-downloaded indefinitely or Wii data can be transferred from a Wii to a Wii U. It is now impossible to purchase and play new content on the Channel. Available software was organized into three sections: Virtual Console, WiiWare, and Wii Channels.

The Channel launched on November 19, 2006, and ceased service operations worldwide on January 30, 2019. The Wii Shop Channel is a defunct online shop for the Wii video game console that allowed users to download Virtual Console games, WiiWare games, and additional Channels. But until an unknown future date, Wii Shop Channel users can still continue re-downloading previously purchased content and/or transferring Wii data from a Wii to a Wii U.) (Ability to purchase and play WiiWare, Virtual Console games, and channels was removed -at 6 am ( PT)- on January 30, 2019. The Wii Shop Channel start screen from the Wii Menu.

Wii emulator channels