The one thing that has been missing from the Sony and Nintendo consoles is a serious form of online matchmaking. The PS3 has its friends list, but the current level of functionality is somewhat lacking, and Nintendo, well, the Wii doesn’t have anything going on in that department… for now. According to Digital Media Wire, Nintendo has announced that they’ve chosen IGN’s GameSpy as their online component for the Nintendo Wii.
GameSpy, gaming news portal and online multiplayer matchmaking software developer, is already present on one current Nintendo system: the DS. The Nintendo DS has been using GameSpy software for its online needs for quite some time now. Reggie Fils-Aime, President and COO of Nintendo of America, had this to say:
“This partnership will expand our wireless community of players on Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. Millions of Nintendo DS users have already logged on using GameSpy’s technology, and now Wii owners will be able to do the same in a fun and easy-to-use environment.”
Though it’s good news for Wii owners, the bizarre GameSpy/Nintendo interface isn’t all that fun and easy-to-use, in my experience, but it’s definitely a step in the right direction. The new interface for the Wii should premier in the June release of Pokémon Battle Revolution. “Gotta Catch ‘Em All” can now extend to your friends Wii codes as well!
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