January 27th, 2012

Nintendo Network to bring a personal account system to the Wii U

13 Comments

I was wrong. Nintendo Network is more than a re-branding of Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. It’s not a huge, Xbox Live-like system, but there is new stuff on the way. This is how Satoru Iwata explained it at an investor meeting:

…for the Wii U, we are planning to introduce a personal account system compatible with Nintendo Network. With this, for example, the ease of using a video game system when the hardware is shared by multiple family members, which has been a challenge we needed to tackle, shall be improved, and we will also be able to construct and offer the system by combining a variety of different services and content.

And this is definitely a step in the right direction.

  • LeafB

    Hopefully that would include some means to linking system locked game data to the account like Monster Hunter Tri and Super Smash Bros. Brawl. I asked Nintendo about this before because I want to move all of my data from my Wii, including Virtual Console, over to the WIi U when it comes out.

  • http://www.moonkitty.net Brad

    Hoping it'll be international so I'll be able to carry over points, etc from Japanese game I have to my Australian account when I move back to Australia next year. XBOX and Sony's systems are international, right?

  • dubYA

    I knew it! This is awesome news! Can't wait to hear more.

  • bill

    This sounds cool.

  • Bennyboy

    Hahaha looks like you were wrong David! I don't care though because I didn't think Nintendo Network would offer anything new either. I'm just glad that this is happening! :D

  • http://macromanjr.blogspot.com/ Brian L.

    Awesome!

  • Rhino Pubes

    finally get rid of dem friend codes dats what i'm talking bout i'm sold on this. And they changing the name??? hoo wee Imma cop onna dem smash bros 4 when it's released and ride dat ish to da sunset

  • foxuzamaki

    woo!

  • WholeFnShow

    Why even imply that the Nintendo Network isn't Xbox Live? All he confirmed was that an account system would be a part of the next console, which is a step in the right direction, as you said as well, but beyond that, we know nothing. Nintendo Network could blow Xbox Live away and it also could not, but let's just wait and see before we start claiming what the Nintendo Network may or may not be able to do. Otherwise, I love what you do here. Perhaps, you will treat us to a video some time soon?

  • Reshiram52

    And yes, no more friend codes
    thanks GOD!!!

  • http://msn.com Brandon Matthews

    The Wii U is already looking promising! ^^

  • Not Emile.

    Yes, I've waiting for something like this on the Wii, cause doing the same game on another Wii is boring.

  • Adam

    I kind of wish that they chose a name more different from PlayStation network, but who am I to complain if it's an improvement.