Nintendo Announces New Online Service, Catches Up to 2006

One of the biggest universal problems gamers have had this past generation has been Nintendo's online gaming service, the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection.  Those who purchased a Wii in 2006 hoping for Xbox Live 1.0 functionality were instead greeted to by a system that lacked any sort of comprehensive online plan.  Whether it was the Friends Codes, the near inability for developers to easily patch titles or the strict restrictions regarding voice chat, the system as a whole was flawed from day one.

Nintendo seems to finally have got the message that their system was anything but stellar.  In preparation for the launch of what may or may not be named the Wii U this Fall, Nintendo announced in an investors meeting that the new system will introduce the Nintendo Network.  Described in a manner not unlike the Playstation Network and Xbox Live, this new online service will allow Wii U and Nintendo 3Ds owners the ability to host "competitions and communication among users, as well as the sales of digital content."

"Unlike Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, which has been focused upon specific functionalities and concepts, we are aiming to establish a platform where various services available through the network for our consumers shall be connected via Nintendo Network service so that the company can make comprehensive proposals to consumers."

This new system sound just like what we got with Xbox Live 2.0 at the launch of the 360.  Owners of Mario Kart 7 are already sampling the Nintendo Network by way of the game's community functionality.  You can read about the rest of the investor's call here if you want further details.

All I can say is that it's about bloody damn time that Nintendo finally realized how bad a decision they made back at the launch of the Wii.  Nintendo, welcome to this generation of consoles... one year before it ends.