Nintendo Europe has wi-fi plans
Jim Merrick, Nintendo’s European Director of Marketing has outlined the companies plans for wi-fi multi-player gaming on the DS and Revolution.
“Ease of use. No usernames. No passwords. No IP addresses. No URLs. No unintelligible technobabble. Just gaming.” is the first part of Nintendo’s vision for wi-fi gaming.
Wi-fi is the focus of Nintendo’s efforts as it keeps thing simple and tidy with no cables involved, vital for portable handheld multiplayer gaming. It is also ideal for those who don’t have a broadband connection at home, with hotspots becoming more and more common. For those that do, Jim Merrick claims that an “easy to install wi-fi adapter for PCs” will become available.
“A fun and comfortable environment for everyone. Hardcore gamers and casual gamers alike. With Nintendo wi-fi you can choose to play only with your friends. Or, if you choose, you can find people based on skill level.” is the second part to Nintendo’s multi-player philosophy. Multi-player gaming should be an enjoyable and friendly experience. All to often with online gaming you can find one or two players outclassing everyone else. Now you can choose to play with people at your own level.
Thirdly, Nintendo don’t see this as a way to squeeze more money out of you. Nintendo will be working with third parties to provide wi-fi hotspot access and will also be installing their own free hotspots. On this subject Jim Merrick says
“Cost. Nintendo won’t be charging any subscription service to play our wi-fi games. We believe that wi-fi gaming should be a natural extension of the game. Not a new way to extract money from the gamers.”
Freedom to enjoy multi-player gaming where you want, when you want and for free is at the heat of Nintendo’s future plans.
The future looks good for hand-held multi-player gaming. Keep up to date as we bring you more on this as it happens.