As Sony and Microsoft duke it out to create the best Live play system, Nintendo has opted to adopt the kind of online game play style its been using for the DS.
When the Wii launches, the system’s Wi-Fi will mimic that of the DS in that a Friends Code system will be used. The connection will work on a title-by-title basis, too. There’s no central interface like the Xbox Live network in Nintendo’s immediate future either, accoding to Nintendo’s Takahashi Tezuka.
While Nintendo certainly should be applauded for being willing to go against the grain, the Wi-Fi system sounds like it’s anything but user friendly, despite Tezuka’s statement that it is “easy, safe and free.”
Those are all great things, but the Friends Code system sounds like a complete bear to use. The system requires a 16 character friend code of numbers and letters to connect with another player. Sounds like Wii users will need their own little black books just to keep up with each other and connect.
There’s still no official word on a launch date for the Wii console, but rumors are afoot about its pricing being more than reasonable to go along with its free online play option.
Article comments
1 - gossett
i can't believe how retarded nintendo is. they do everything the opposite of everybody else and think its the right thing. give me a freakin break
2 - Casual Gamer
Another reason for me to get both Nintendo Wii and the Xbox 360....