The Nintendo Wii continues to sell like hotcakes, so we thought it would be a good idea to create a handy to guide for downloading Wii games. As you've probably realized, purchasing brand new games can get expensive fast. By using our guide to downloading Wii games, you can try that new game that you haven't had the money to buy.

Most Wii owners don't know how simple it is to download Wii games. We asked our readership about this, only to find that most were familiar with downloading games and music, but had no idea that it was possible to find entire game versions online. Most were under the impression that only very old or partial versions of games were available.

You should be glad to learn that there are full games available online for download, including the newest and most popular releases. There is a great selection, and be forewarned - you might get addicted!

Alright, let's get started. The following explains how to download Wii games.

To start, we'd like to alert you about websites that claim to offer "free Wii downloads". A few of these sites exist, and they should mostly be avoided.

What you'll learn about these websites is that they involve a network of games uploaded by random users. Whoever wants to can add whatever file they like, and their offerings go completely unchecked. This can be problematic for a number reasons - malware, viruses, and other potentially harmful programs are pervasive on these sites. You will also find files listed as games, but once you open the file you find that it's damaged in some way or is not even close to what you expected.

Save yourself time and trouble, and protect your computer from damage, by staying away from these sites!

A better option is to join a members-only site. There are a number of websites that specialize in letting you download unlimited games once you complete member registration.

Because these sites are run by owners who have a stake in keeping their site members happy, steps are taken to ensure that game files download fast and are free of viruses and other problematic malware.

Membership fees on these sites may vary, though typically the cost is around $50. After paying this one-time-only fee, you'll have complete access to the members-only area. You'll have lifetime access to download unlimited games whenever you want.

One quick warning - some sites charge recurring monthly fees, or a fee per game downloaded. We recommend against joining these sites, if only because you can receive the same services much cheaper for a one-time membership fee.

In case you worry that you won't be able to use your new games once you've downloaded them, be assured that these sites provide complete instructions on getting your games to work on the Wii. Software will be provided for transferring the games from your computer to your Wii.

Quality sites will give you a money back guarantee to try the site and see how it works for you. Be careful though - like we said - downloading Wii games can be an addictive and hard habit to break!