As more people start to jump online with their Wii some websites are offering versions of their site specifically designed for a simplified Wii-like experience. Stumbleupon.com is the latest to join in on the fun with a Wii friendly version of their video site which sources the best videos from youtube as voted upon by users.

Sign on to video.stumbleupon.com in the Wii Opera-powered web browser and you'll be treated to a channel like interface which allows you to choose from the category of videos you'd like to browse. Everything from Video Games to Politics and Cats are selectable as subjects to browse, but that is not the only thing that makes this site special. They have also added D-pad functionality into their video browsing, so that you can skip a video or go back with right and left, or choose a thumbs-up or thumbs-down rating with the corresponding directional button.

The browsing is very simple and addictive, offering a simpler interface for those with less-than-giant TV's; removing the need to use the Wii Browser's zoom functionality. Here's hoping this will usher in more Wii-friendly services available on the web, offering an attractive alternative for browsing web-based entertainment.

But that's not the only site which is vying for your online Wii-web time! For those that haven't stumbled upon it already, wiiminder adds extra features to your Wii browser, while highlighting some of the best Wii-friendly sites around. Not only does it expand Opera's features by adding tabbed browsing, integrated search and address bars, and a top-of-page button; it also acts as an introduction to Wii-centric browsing with links to classic channels like wiicade.com and the recently highlighted finetune.com/wii .

Watch a video of wiiminder in action below, as well as a decent example of browsing the web on Wii. Wiiminder is a great solution for those used to a more customized browsing experience, as well as those hoping for Opera to update its Wii browser with some similar features in the final version, set for release in late March.

So what do you think: Is Wii Web browsing just a fad, or a viable entertainment medium? It certainly simplifies the online experience without severely limiting it, and in my experience feels much more relaxed- remote in hand on the couch- than getting on a computer to surf. It may never even come close to challenging keyboard-based net browsing, but it certainly offers a nice distraction on the Wii as we wait for some decent game releases in the coming months.