Reuters examines the somewhat controversial and unknown release of a complete Wii online platform. From the article: “In early March, rumors began circulating on popular video game Web sites that Nintendo was not allowing any third-party video games to include online multiplayer features in 2007, drawing the ire of some fans who want to break out of their living rooms and take their Wii gaming prowess global.”
Despite the rumors, Nintendo’s VP of marketing George Harrison went on to say, “I’m confident there will be third-party titles with online game play by the end of the year.”
Lastly, GDC director Jamil Moldenia makes an astute observation when taking into account Wii’s insane success right now sans online play. “Nintendo’s strategy has worked extremely well for them, despite what we on the side might say,” Moledina said. “There’s a danger when you try to match a trend. I think Nintendo’s strategy is a good one.”
Shady
The only thing lack of online play is doing for Nintendo’s Wii is cementing it as the sidekick system to a more “hardcore” XBOX360 or PS3.
Not being able to play DVDs or music CDs I can live with. Not being able to play online with friends with a console that has BUILT IN WIFI is inexcusable and pathetic.
Johnny Milkshark
I just want a prettier version of Metroid Prime Hunters online play with Wii controls. Pretty please?
Anonymous
By no means am I making excuses for Nintendo; online games should have been available soon after the launch of Wii, at the latest.
But complaining about the lack of Wi-Fi games available for Wii is pretty pointless.
There will be online Wii games before the end of the year. In fact, I’d wager that there will be quite a few. Mario Strikers Charged looks to have awesome online modes already, and Pokemon Battle Revolution also has an online interface. Battalion Wars II will be going online in 2007, and so will Super Smash Bros. Brawl. Those are just a few, and the prospect of playing them online is extremely exciting.
Nintendo has always been the best company for multiplayer; their games and consoles are custom-made for it. Once they take their games online, it is going to be outstanding, even if the interface is a bit simpler than Microsoft’s.
There are too many cool online prospects coming from Nintendo for 2007 for me to be complaining. Nintendo always rewards its fans for waiting. Have patience.
shady
I should hope Nintendo’s online Wii interface is simpler than XBOX’s. I’m not saying Microsoft screwed it up, it’s just not Nintendo’s style. Besides, who needs to flash their ePeen after a Brawl game anyway? 😉
Anonymous
June* 25th with pokemon battle revolution.
*not sure if June or July