A Joystiq reader who goes by the
pseudonym Sloopydrew tipped us off to an online questionnaire he was sent by Nintendo. The survey, similar to the one
Sony sent out a few months
ago, asks questions regarding features people would like to see included on Nintendo's Wifi services and website --
features eerily similar to those currently offered on Xbox Live. Is Nintendo preparing to head-to-head with Microsoft's
online service?
Some features related to Nintendowifi.com mentioned in the questionnaire include:
- Comparing game stats with your friends and others
- Uploading screenshots
- Posting user-made
content (art and videos) and rating the content
- See what your friends are currently playing
- "Create and/or read blogs linked to the site"
- Scheduling "play dates" (dates/times to play against friends) ... tournaments?
- Submitting
"strategy, tips and tricks to a game-specific forum"
- Personalizing the WiFi.com
homepage
The remainder of the survey consisted of questions concerning Nintendo's friends list and Friend
Codes, which our tipster (and most of the Joystiq community) more or less dislikes. The questionnaire is a clear sign
that Nintendo is listening to the community -- it even references
DS-play.com, an
unofficial Friends Code trading site, in one of its questions. What features would you like to see on Nintendowifi.com?
{ Apr 25th 2006 at 5:55PM } 
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Rhine @ Apr 25th 2006 5:59PM
You forgot to mention universal friends codes which i think would make everything much nicer and hopefully it will remain free
BlackYoshi @ Apr 25th 2006 6:01PM
Yeah, I got something like this a bit ago. Mainly, I'd like to see the abolishment of friend codes, and the total anti-community stance Nintendo has. They are so terrified of children being molested that they have punished every single customer.
jay @ Apr 25th 2006 6:10PM
I like the stats thing, so long as they don't make it as blatantly competitive, and maybe more in-depth than Xbox Live. Hunters is paving the way with all those recorded stats.
Personally, I just want to play Smash Bros online. I don't care about the extras. I don't want microphone chats etc. Just make it useable and free. At least in my opinion.
I think universal friend codes are agiven. The Rev has been designed to work online, the DS wasn't. If they planned it out properly then my guess is it would be universal. possibly.
Eric @ Apr 25th 2006 6:11PM
Agh, I smell the turning point--when XBL isn't as big of a selling point as it is now, when every major console has its own online service and the arguments between fanboys become about GAMES again...Agh yes, I smell win win for gamers, and it smells good! 3
cheers for competition!
Pince @ Apr 25th 2006 6:13PM
I dont think nintendo is preparing to head-to-head with xboxlive any more than nintendo has stated they shall be in competition with sony and microsoft. The aspects of the survey that point to something similar to xboxlive probably stems from the fact that it is what people want in an online service. microsoft did not invent these ideas, they just reacted to what consumers want and nintendo will do something similar because...well, despite their pionerring gaming philosophies, it would be dangerous and dumb to start a new online service and not use some key elements that have proven successful. Actually, I'm incredibly happy about this (the fact that nintendo is listening to the community). Not that I dont love dear old nintendo and trust their ideas, but, being so secretive and all, they sometimes worry me. Good to see that they are mixing some practical input from gamers with their own innovations.
perri @ Apr 25th 2006 6:15PM
is there anyway that we can take this survey? or is it for a select group Nintendo sent out???
Ninja Monkey Lover @ Apr 25th 2006 6:15PM
If there is a universal friend code I hope it isn't limited to one per console. They have to realize that there is more than one person who plays at any given house. I wonder if they could do a split-screen/online hybrid multiplayer game so that you have four people on your system versus a bunch more online. That would be fun for team play!
(Of course it would require being able to log in to four universal friend codes at once)
Imadogg99 @ Apr 25th 2006 6:16PM
Haha Xbox Live is at the pinnacle of console online play... but wouldn't it be amazing if both Sony and Nintendo copied M$, and people using any system could chat with each other, and play against each other in games, cross-platform?!?!? Oh shit... that's never gonna happen.
Sputnik @ Apr 25th 2006 6:16PM
It looks more like they are targeting Xfire. Thats just my opinion
Hoffer @ Apr 25th 2006 6:20PM
The friend code thing on the DS sucks major b@lls. They better do something more like Xbox Live with the Revolution.
Ninja Monkey Lover @ Apr 25th 2006 6:20PM
Imadogg- I don't think Xboxers would like being completely blown away in a FPS by Nintendites with their superior control scheme. Other than that it would be fun.
If I recall correctly, MS recently allowed companies to host their own servers(?) This might make it possible for a completely cross-platform game to allow players on different systems to play against each other, but it would take a lot of planning. It would definitely be a selling point if it ever happened.
greg @ Apr 25th 2006 6:27PM
Have you heard of Huxley for the 360 and PC. Gamers will be able to interact accross both platforms. Awsome!
striderhayasa @ Apr 25th 2006 6:29PM
Good move for the Big N. I like the DS online service but I hate the friend code aspect. I do like the way Metroid allows you to save rivals so you don't need to exchange that information in the clumsy "let me jot it down" manner. Also, if the DS could be incorporated in the mix for added features that would be awesome.
UnknownGuy @ Apr 25th 2006 6:33PM
"Personally, I just want to play Smash Bros online."
True dat.
Neogin @ Apr 25th 2006 6:40PM
I just want good online play, period. Something similar to X-Box Live, but..I don't know, try to add some of your magic, Nintendo.
I actually like X-Box Live, Microsoft did a good job with it. I'm hoping Nintendo does the same.
Soothsayer @ Apr 25th 2006 6:47PM
Well, as they say, imitation is the highest form of flattery, and improvement can only mean payoffs for us gamers.
rudimentalist @ Apr 25th 2006 6:51PM
In response to somebody, and FYI for everybody else: Nintendo sends out these surveys to people who register the games they concern. Like those who registered Nintendogs eventually got a survey about what they liked and didn't like about the game and what they'd like to see in future installments and stuff like that. So if you registered Metroid and/or Tetris you probably got this survey.
I told them I was very dissatisfied with the friend code system. Did you know you can't even trade friend codes on official Nintendo forums or you'll get modded?
Most of those features like the blogs and stuff like that I was just neutral on. The most important thing is making it a bit more sociable of an experience. All you see is the person's handle in Tetris, so you might as well be playing the AI. Imagine walking up to a basketball court, but everybody had masks on and their mouths taped shut. This is the Nintendo online experience.
At least no pedophile boogeymen will get you this way.
Vezquex @ Apr 25th 2006 7:19PM
"(Of course it would require being able to log in to four universal friend codes at once)"
A flick o' the wrist ought to log you in.
MaX PL and the 360 r4pe Tr4iN @ Apr 25th 2006 7:27PM
Doesnt matter what Nintendo and Sony do, Xbox Live will always be the best service. FOREVER.
Rare Hare @ Apr 25th 2006 7:40PM
@rubaiyat(#17): ok, not to push this any further or anything, but do you HONESTLY believe that Jack Thompson would actually post here?
all it is is a user trying to "spice thigns up" by attracting flames, such as the one you exhibited.
please don't buy into any posts made by "Jack Thompson" on this site. remember that they aren't real and keep your anger canned :).
Jouten Za @ Apr 25th 2006 7:40PM
I want to play Halo3 on my Revo and SSB on my 360!
NZERO @ Apr 25th 2006 7:41PM
PINCE AND OTHER PEOPLE WHO DON'T KNOW THAT MUCH AND SAY NOT REALLY SMART THINGS OKAY RETARDED THINGS. Look Pince and others who think Nintendo is not competing with Sony or MS. They are competing with them okay just not in multimedia stance and raw power. They are competing with them only in the videogame arena and gameplay and how fun a game is also in graphics but only some what if you have seen the Red Steel pics they look as good as Call of Duty 2 for the Xbox 360 but that isn't the best looking game on 360 though so it evens out. But sticking to topic that online stuff MAKES IT KICKASS. It also says you can make videos while playing and let other people download them onto their system and watch them kickass.
PickyPants @ Apr 25th 2006 7:46PM
I don't know who is more annoying, "Jack Thompson", or "r5pwe tr76n lol omg"
I wish there was posting etiquette litness test.
Fish @ Apr 25th 2006 7:51PM
@19: Yep, xbox live will continue to be the best service ever. You're absolutely right, nevermind the fact that they just took the PC online-play model and started charging you for it, or the fact that cheating runs rampant in its number one game (Halo 2). Or that its being used to charge for features that the developers didn't have enough time to do (PD:0).
Xbox live has its flaws, just like any other system. Nintendo and Sony must be careful with their online services. It would seem that Ninty definitely would need to have the highest level of caution, because from the sound of it, they want to have their service free.. and since all of the cheaters in Halo2 use two month trials to cheat on.. well, you get the picture.
NZERO @ Apr 25th 2006 7:57PM
Pince Nintendo is competing with Sony and MS but only on gameplay and games and graphics but graphics only some what. If you look though at the Red Steel pics they look as good as Call of Duty 2 for Xbox 360. So they are competing but not on multimedia part and the raw power. SO for any of you out there who thought Nintendo wasn't competing with Sony and MS they are but not on raw power or multimedia which is the way they are going for mostly all of their consoles and are advertising on the multimedia functions their console has. Also sticking to topic that online stuff is kickass. I like eveything and there is a couple of stuff that are on the survey that aren't in Xbox live. Like recording yourself videos and letting other people watch your greatest time kickass online. This is so sweet if they keep this up with virtual console they will own xbox live and the sony shit online thing. Xbox live arcade is good and all but it can't compete with Nintendo's virtual console and the back catalogue of Nintendo,Sega, and Hudson games and some future others that we know will join Xbox live arcade can't compete.
NZERO @ Apr 25th 2006 7:58PM
This is so sweet if they keep this up with virtual console they will own xbox live and the sony shit online thing. Xbox live arcade is good and all but it can't compete with Nintendo's virtual console and the back catalogue of Nintendo,Sega, and Hudson games and some future others that we know will join Xbox live arcade can't compete.
Grindstone @ Apr 25th 2006 8:01PM
Rare Hare, Jack Thompson does post on Joystiq -- whether or not that is his IP remains to be seen.
Also, last time JT posted, he got 1 star somehow, seems he lost it though, if that is his IP. We'll have to ask Ross to verify the authenticity.
As for the topic, I think this is good news for all gamers, as the competition heats up, the online benefits start rolling out, and price fixation is reduced. This is really good news for everyone interested in online play.
Jonn @ Apr 25th 2006 8:04PM
>10. Have you heard of Huxley for the 360 and PC. Gamers will be able to interact accross both platforms. Awsome!<
It would be slightly awesomer if it hadn't been done years ago with Quake 3 on the Dreamcast and PC.
>16. Flamewar waging at GamePolitics regarding Hal Halpin's credibility:<
"Jack", there's a form for reporting news tips.
>19. Doesnt matter what Nintendo and Sony do, Xbox Live will always be the best service. FOREVER.<
Forgive me for not accepting your compelling reasoning and flawless logic.
striderhayasa @ Apr 25th 2006 9:18PM
Xbox live the best ever? I don't know if anyone else has mentioned this but Xbox live is just like the PC model. As a matter of fact, the Pc model is better because it's free unless you're playing MMOs. Not to mention the mod community that will single handedly extent a games life by years.. XBL may be good in some respects but it's sure as hell not perfect.
Huxley is going to be the example to show why PCs are still the best. Dual Analog vs mouse and keyboard? That's going to be hilarious.
Ross Miller @ Apr 25th 2006 10:28PM
Yeah, kids, it was him, but I deleted his comment because it had nothing with Nintendo's survey. If he finds his way to the tip line again, maybe we'll consider it.
Tom Cruise @ Apr 25th 2006 10:31PM
I just want five things:
A universal friend code.
Free online gameplay.
Global Stats.
Voice chat.
and Downloadable content/games.
JETK @ Apr 25th 2006 11:00PM
No one sent me a questionnaire, why?
Dan @ Apr 26th 2006 1:22AM
If we can all stop being fanboys for a moment (I'll admit that I favor Xbox 360 and Revolution over the PS3), take note that all of these systems can be updated online. As soon as Nintendo comes up with a killer feature, it'll be copied by both Sony and Microsoft. What we get out of surveys like this is better online play from all three competitors.
Sloopydrew @ Apr 26th 2006 2:08AM
"What we get out of surveys like this is better online play from all three competitors."
Exactly. The companies are going to always "borrow" the best ideas from each other. That's happened since the dawn of time (if time dawned around the release of Pong). If the Rev. controller is a hit, you can bet MS and Sony will have a version of their own within a year. Then it all boils back to one thing: Games. And that's a good thing.
Gareth @ Apr 26th 2006 4:29AM
Nintendo fanboys have spent the past 20 years claiming Nintendo leads the way with innovation etc. and now here they are copying Microsoft.
Funny though, as when Microsoft or Sony copy a Nintendo idea the boards are all 'omfg look at how these companies just feed off each other rehashing the same ideas. thank god for nintendo' etc., yet here when Nintendo are blatantly ripping off an idea they receive nothing but praise.
The Nintendo fanboy - a curious creature.
Carlos @ Apr 26th 2006 7:21AM
Oh man....my website is mentioned in the official questionaire!! w00t.
Well im kinda happy about this...yet at the same time a bit nervous that they know about us. Do you guys think that they would (they obviously could!) do anything about the ds-play website? - sorry i know its a little off topic but am curious to your thoughts?
calthaer @ Apr 26th 2006 11:12AM
The last thing I ever want to see in a Nintendo online service is voice chat - especially given the fact that Nintendo's audience is comprised primarily of pre-pubescent pipsqueaks who would squeal out profanities and whine for mommies to be their willing slaves and BRING THEM THEIR CHOCOLATE MILK!
Not to mention the fact that voice chat will almost necessitate that the service be pay-to-play. But the universal friend code is a great idea - as long as they give you the ability to BLOCK an unlimited number of friend codes for people that one wants to neither play against nor hear from.
Besides, all of these people are just copying the successful features of Battle.net, Gamespy, and their predecessors.
Ross Miller @ Apr 26th 2006 12:20PM
Carlos, the only thing you probably have to fear (cept fear itself, of course) is Nintendo upgrading its Revolution Friends Code system, thereby making your offerings obsolete -- still, the DS friends codes will likely always be like that.
And since Nintendo knows about you guys, probably has since day one, and hasn't said anything, have no fear.
MrSparkle @ Apr 26th 2006 1:12PM
How 'bout this? If Nintendo will allow people to play anything online outside of RPG's and card games (I'm looking at you, PSO...), then it'll be a step up. However, Nintendo's been dragging its feet on innovation ever since the original Playstation entered the gaming world.
Something tells me that when the Revolution comes out, Nintendo will drag its feet on the internet service it provides as well. Their paranoia about piracy is creeeping near Starforce-protection levels.