Posted May 01, 2008 at 10:04AM by Charles D. Listed in: News, Wi-Fi Tags: Nintendo Wi-Fi, Electronic Gaming Monthly, Nintendo of America
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Logo of Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection - Image 1Nintendo's Wi-Fi Connection has always had various problems in terms of convenience and user-friendliness - lag, cumbersome Friend Codes that change with every game. They all make you think twice before going online for a round of Nintendo WFC gaming.

This was slightly improved with the recent release of Mario Kart Wii, when both connection quality and the need to constantly exchange baffling Friend Codes were vastly improved. However, Nintendo mentioned that this particular setup was made to safeguard its players and create a more enjoyable online experience.

Eric Walters, manager of public relations for Nintendo of America explained how these different "barriers" were important with the company's goals in terms of online gaming. In a reply to a question posted by 1UP.com, he was quoted having said this:

Different services do things differently. Nintendo's three goals for Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection are to make the service free, easy and safe. These goals are there not just for young players, but also older ones and new players. Nintendo is bringing a lot of new people into the world of video games, and we want to reduce barriers while making the online experience as enjoyable as possible.


It was also mentioned that the July issue of Electronic Gaming Monthly will feature a more extensive discussion of Nintendo's handling of online gaming. Hopefully, the company will continue to make other small improvements in terms of its online gaming experience.

[Via 1UP.com] Permalink  |   Email this  |   Linking Blogs   |   Digg It!

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6 Comments


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   by Keith K - 2008-05-01
 » Thats fine but..

Barriers are okay as long as they can be passed by willing parties.

There's nothing wrong with customs are borders, but we have a problem with the Berlin Wall.


   Re: Billie - 2008-05-01
 » True

Yeah I agree with the borders being compared to that of a Berlin Wall, but have you played Mario Kart Wii online? While Nintendo's Wifi will never be at "xbox live" status, I feel that it is starting to finally move in the right direction. I just hope that Nintendo continues to move forward with its online progress.
   by FreePlay - 2008-05-01
 » Translation

"We're more interested in throwing together a network quickly than in making it WORK properly."

   by potat4o - 2008-05-01
 » hmm

I've been trying to start an online game in SSBB for an hour and I've had no success. Seems like there is a different error every day >_>

   by Barakku - 2008-05-02
 » Barrier?

You've gotta have something to block first. Nintendy's online infrastructure as a whole is awful, it's not just the restrictions they put on games. Brawl is exceptionally bad (worse than most DS games) but Wii's whole online system is pretty awful. Even ignoring Live, which has had a generation to work out the kinks, and has a fee, there's still Sony's online, free, simple, and actually useful. And no farking 16 digit codes.

   by Mister Common Sense - 2008-05-05
 » free easy and safe?

"Different services do things differently. Nintendo's three goals for Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection are to make the service free, easy and safe. These goals are there not just for young players, but also older ones and new players. Nintendo is bringing a lot of new people into the world of video games, and we want to reduce barriers while making the online experience as enjoyable as possible."

Well the first goal is covered, it's free.

Easy? Friend codes and server problems make it easy?

Safe? Since you can't voice chat or communicate in your own text, that makes it safe? I'd say it's an excuse to suck.

Here's another goal, make the online as good as the competition! I know we're dealing with infamously lazy Nintendo, but they're already a full generation behind with online support, just like everything else.



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