Wii to support single friend code per system?
by Blake Snow 
{ Oct 1st 2006 at 9:05AM }
N-Europe is reporting that Nintendo of Europe has confirmed the use of console specific friend codes for Wii rather than the inconvenient game specific friend code system used by the DS for online play. While good news if true, we're a bit perplexed by the site's sourced Nintendo page that makes no mention of a one friend code per console. UK-based Wifi Gamers points to the following Nintendo of Europe page that suggest the use of a single console account ID without making a direct correlation to online play.
We're betting Nintendo knows their single game code system for DS compromises usability and expect it be remedied for Wii (one can hope, right?), but take this one as rumor until we hear it from the horse's mouth.
[Thanks to all that sent this in]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Embassy @ Oct 1st 2006 9:15AM
wait wait...so nintendo IS using the friend code system..???...that wud be the WORST decision ever.
Sage @ Oct 1st 2006 9:19AM
To quote someone from GAF:
"That's where the comment was made initially, and due to no other reference point on the nintendo europe wii minisite, I can only assume that's what they're talking about. As such, there is NO confirmation whatsoever. All this interview says is that the message board system will use a friend code-esque system. People simply jumped to the assumption that since the MB is on the hardware, it would be universal for games.
I repeat, THIS IS NOT CONFIRMED AT ALL."
Lynx @ Oct 1st 2006 9:21AM
A single friend code per system isn't a bad idea at all. It's as meaningful as your mobile phone number, or email address. It's just more secure to post some numbers than your handle. And it means I can have whatever username I like in an online videogame, rather than one across an entire array of games. Imagine getting online, putting your handle in, then realise someone else has already taken it - sounds pretty dire to me.
Having friend codes means that you can still be indentified, regardless of what handle you decide to use.
It might be a little bit more annoying to enter into your system, but I think the benefits outweigh that rather small drawback.
Jorge @ Oct 1st 2006 9:46AM
Looks like N-Europe trying to reel in some hits. They really have gone considerbly downhill since the good old "GameCube-Europe" days.
Embassy @ Oct 1st 2006 9:25AM
friends codes are stupid...end of story..i love my DS lite..but friend codes are the bane of my existence...especially if u cant transfer friend codes online like the DS....c'mon nintendo...MS made it work...u can too.
ConstyXIV @ Oct 1st 2006 9:32AM
--warning: inbound privacy nutjob--
Assuming Nintendo IS using a friend code per system, I think it's a great idea. Two reasons:
1) You know exactly who someone is, regardless of their handle. See OpenPGP for an example of this in action
2) Nintendo, unlike Sony and Microsoft, actively markets to children. If they allowed anyone to communicate with anyone else on their channels, they would be the ones in trouble in the event of the "Wii used to kidnap 10-year old girl" headline. Since you have to go through a second channel to obtain a friend code, it saves Nintendo from damage as a result of the incident.
Eric Von Shpeel @ Oct 1st 2006 9:32AM
"hey Eric I just got a 360, add me, my gamer tag is noobslayer1986"
"hey Eric I just got a Wii, add me, my friend code is 343FKE98733OS2DOW90"
I know whats easier to remember, and enter.
iceatcs @ Oct 1st 2006 9:49AM
Just one!??!!??!!??
Hmm it seems that I’m going to have some problems for sharing with my brother on this system.
Very good Nintendo for rip us off to buy more than one system for more than one account in the household.
Sagan @ Oct 1st 2006 9:56AM
Maybe this is their source:
"Once the console is online, it can also be used to share all sorts of information with friends. That isn't to say, however, that all of your information is available to other people. I should just stress the point, in case anyone gets the wrong idea, that this network basically works in the same way as the one for Animal Crossing on DS. That is, connection is not possible unless both users register each other. That means there won't be any unwanted communication from strangers, like harassment or suspicious spam messages."
Maybe you will find some quote that does really confirm it on their page, but I'm too lazy to read all of that text:
http://ms.nintendo-europe.com/wii/?site=v3_03.html&l=enGB
@ #6 (Eric von Shpeel)
360: "My name in the game is pwnerer1987" - "There's a owner1987 here, is that you?" - "No my name is pwnerer"
Wii: "My name in the game is pwnerer" - "OK I see you"
The numbers required for unique nicknames make everything much more confusing.
LK @ Oct 1st 2006 9:59AM
I hope that remote (which holds personal Mii information if I'm correct) would be the one also stores personal data for online activities. Have like a personal password for each remote for logging on. I think it would be nice.
mark @ Oct 1st 2006 10:24AM
The friend codes should be per remote, and not per system. How would two siblings share a Wii if they both have the same friend code? That would be confusing...
Hopefully Nintendo thought of that already.
Forse @ Oct 1st 2006 10:16AM
It's not that hard to write down a 10 digit number.
The real issue with the Wifi is that so few games are supported.
Looks at games such as Metroid Prime 3, Farcry, Warioware, Call of Duty 3, and the list goes on. D:
kayzai @ Oct 1st 2006 10:18AM
GUYS
Win a Wii, TV and Ravin Rabbits Game: http://www.hmv.co.uk/hmvweb/navigate.do?ctx=-1;6;-1;-1&pPageID=2229
mister.matthew @ Oct 1st 2006 10:37AM
I think they're obviously going to go with individual login's, much like a pc login or "gamertag". It seems that Nintendo's Wii is all about individualizaton and sharing.If Nintendo plans on people playing games and sharing the wii with their 'rents and grand'rents as illustrated in Ninty's ads so far, they're not gonna have everyone reading eachother's messages,e-mails and etc. on the WiiChannels. I think the idea of a friend code per player is a much better idea, juggling around those codes between games gets tedious and time consuming with all the Wifi DS games I play with my friends. It's much less of a pain adding a friend code once, you add a code to your "friend list" and you have that person and see what games they have that you can play together.
Mr. Khan @ Oct 1st 2006 10:47AM
To quote the Simpsons
"Even a monkey can memorize a ten digit number, are you stupider than a monkey?"
Phoney McRingRing, from the episode where Springfield does a Berlin-esque split
Moogle @ Oct 1st 2006 10:56AM
Why?
http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.joystiq.com/media/2006/09/xb360_camera_handson_11.jpg
That's why.
Adv2k1 @ Oct 1st 2006 11:05AM
IT' A FREE ONLINE SERVICE. NOBODY HAS ANY RIGHT TO CRY ABOUT FREE SERVICE. IF YOU DON'T WANT FRIEND CODES AND WANT EXTENSIVE ONLINE FEATURES BUY A 360!!!
John @ Oct 1st 2006 11:11AM
FUCK gamecodes! Why the hell do they even consider using that shit.
Nintendo fucked up its online platform before it was released. Fucking retards.
John @ Oct 1st 2006 11:15AM
Also, I dont agree with anyones statements that you should be able to change your name for everygame.
Thats idiocy, I dont want anyone taking my fucking name in any game.
Why the hell can't Nintendo look at Xbox Live and learn something. God damn, friendcodes simply justifies the statement that Nintendo is a kid fucking company that worries shit about 4 year olds online whiel limiting everone else.
I hated my experiance with online on the DS, and the Wii will undoubtably be the same.
Holy fuck, Im so pissed off Nintendo wants to incorporate that fucking nonesense, I don't even want a Wii anymore. Fuck that shit.
John @ Oct 1st 2006 11:26AM
"5. --warning: inbound privacy nutjob--
Assuming Nintendo IS using a friend code per system, I think it's a great idea. Two reasons:
1) You know exactly who someone is, regardless of their handle. See OpenPGP for an example of this in action
2) Nintendo, unlike Sony and Microsoft, actively markets to children. If they allowed anyone to communicate with anyone else on their channels, they would be the ones in trouble in the event of the "Wii used to kidnap 10-year old girl" headline. Since you have to go through a second channel to obtain a friend code, it saves Nintendo from damage as a result of the incident."
In response:
1. I dont fucking care, friends lists are good but making a game playable only to those you know with friendscodes is idiocy. Metriod Prime Hunters is only fucking good online when you have friend codes of others, and theres no one I know with the game, so Im fucked for online with that. You ever played Halo, playing Random people has no downside to it, when the game isnt limited worth shit like in any Wifi Connect game.
2. What, you want Nintendo to support friend codes to drive their kiddy image further. Okay, I thought they wanted to steam awar from it but correct me if Im wrong moron. If any kid is fucking online and gets caught up in trouble, whos fault is it? The Wii's, or the kids fucking retarded dumb shit piece of ass moron idiot parents who cant fucking control what their kids do.
I was playing online since I was 10, I was never seduiced by no pedo, Im wasnt a fucktard, yet most people think all 10 year olds are gunna get raped by someone they meet online. Maybe they shouldnt be there in the first place, theres a reason why it says Gameplay experience may change during online play.
Perhaps Parents should fucking take a hint. Morons.
Fuck Friendcodes and Nintendo's fucking idiocy.
guy @ Oct 1st 2006 11:31AM
@ 17
Umm.. $250 for the price of the console plus $50 per game. I wouldn't call this FREE by any means. Yes, it is less expensive than the competition from Microsoft, however, people who are interested in buying the hardware and software have a right to make complaints and voice their opinions in regard to the features or lack thereof which they find acceptable for the price.
SpeZek @ Oct 1st 2006 11:32AM
@ #20
Looks like your the exact kind of person Nintendo want's to keep isolated from the rest of their gaming community by using friend codes. The ironing is delicious.
gameclu @ Oct 1st 2006 11:35AM
I love the idea of a single friend code. I get invites from strangers I've never played with on XBL every now and then. To me, that's much more annoying than having a single friend code system.
John @ Oct 1st 2006 11:35AM
@22
Your a fucking moron.
Fuck the Wii and all the little 4 year old fucks that play it.
I play M rated shooters online, I dont expect to find any 4 year olds there. So shut the fuck up.
If they want to keep my isolated, fine I'll take my money elsewhere.
Fuck Nintendo. Just fucking fuck them. I really wanted to see Brawl with a good online platform, now its very evident that it'll be terrible.
Seriously, why can't every console have xbox live. Learn something from it Nintendo, you too Sony.
John @ Oct 1st 2006 11:38AM
This is all a cause of retarded parents that can't control their kids.
They complain about videogames being violent, yet they're all helpless to stop their kids from playing it. They just stare blantantly behind them without the urge to do anything about it, but hey how cares, lets all complain about it instead of just LOOKING AT THE RATINGS.
Ugh, friendcodes, they just make things worse, they appeal to the idiot parent while undermining ever other consumer in the industry.
God damn. I'm going to go play some Halo on my 360, and appreciate what a good online platform is.
John @ Oct 1st 2006 11:39AM
@22
Yes I agree the ironing is delicious. Moron.
Ndric @ Oct 1st 2006 11:51AM
John here is a perfect example why Nintendo implemented the friend code. It keeps people safe from those who should be locked up in a mental institution, like John.
Too much 'serenity now' eh?
friedgreenmushrooms @ Oct 1st 2006 11:52AM
"Yes I agree the ironing is delicious. Moron."
Posted at 11:39AM on Oct 1st 2006 by John
He's obviously joking, John. Bart says 'ironing' instead of 'irony' on an episode of The Simpsons.
G Funk @ Oct 1st 2006 11:55AM
I think it's pretty clear from his comments that John is about 12 years old. It's kind of funny to think that most of the people who complain about Nintendo's "kiddy" image are kids themselves.
Lynx @ Oct 1st 2006 11:58AM
Yes, I don't think anyone us of would wan't to share our "friend code" with John.
Go back to your "M Rated Shooters" John, where you're free to curse and swear and take out that teenage aggression on your fellow fraggers, rather than on us.
John @ Oct 1st 2006 12:00PM
Im 16. I'm just discouraged by who terrible my experience was with MPH online and I really don't want to see that happen with Brawl or MP3, any other Wifi Game for the Wii for that matter.
Theres nothing that can be done to change Nintendo's mind, but I could care less anymore, Ima stick with my 360 when it comes to online.
Its gunna dissappoint a lot of people I know who I convinced to get the Wii particularly because you can play Brawl online. Hmmm..
John @ Oct 1st 2006 12:03PM
@ 30
I dont want your friend code. When I said M rated shooters, I was giving an example.
I don't like seeing so many kids online on Halo 2 or any other M rated game for that matter, it just shows that if parents realized the mistakes they make by allowing their kids to play online games that are above their rated age, than perhaps this whole friend codes thing would be non existant.
Unfortunatly, parents in the US are morons. I'm not trying to stereotype anyone, but seriously, all of this "violence in media" complaints come from the US because parents can't control their kids.
God Bless Canada, and our humble society. God Bless.
Also, Japan's media is much more violent than our own, yet their crime rate is several times lower.
Watch Bowling for Colombine, it's very interesting.
Christopher Barry @ Oct 1st 2006 12:14PM
Come on John. You're making the rest of us Canadians look terrible. And...
"I don't like seeing so many kids online on Halo 2 or any other M rated game for that matter, it just shows that if parents realized the mistakes they make by allowing their kids to play online games that are above their rated age, than perhaps this whole friend codes thing would be non existant."
As a boy fo 16, you're not old enough to be playing M rated games yourself.
FlamingMoe @ Oct 1st 2006 12:13PM
http://www.clubskill.com/?view=article&article=4401
"...when the Wii is online, it transforms itself into a globally active bond between yourself and your friends. For example, if you were to purchase a new game, you'd have the option of notifying your friends, via their individual Wii Message Boards, that you now own this game, by a simple "Yes/No" option that will pop up."
This of course applies to the Wii Message Board, not specific games, but for such a system to work, it would seem that it would be easiest to have one identification code for each console. Seeing as we know this already (it's the same for the DS, except you don't use it - you only use the Friend Code which is generated from the DS ID and the specific game cartridge ID), it seems pretty stupid by Nintendo if they go along with the same Friend Code system they used for the DS (considering everybody hates it). But, you know, Ninty have done some pretty stupid things in the past.
I don't see why they couldn't use some kind of search function. Say, if the system lets you specify certain attributes (name, country/city, games owned etc.), you could be allowed to search for these attributes. If you don't want to fill in the fields, fine, but don't count on being found. This would pretty much be the makings of an online community, but based on what we've seen, isn't that what they're trying to accomplish anyway?
John @ Oct 1st 2006 12:15PM
Im fine with both random matchmaking and a friends system.
As long as the matchmaking isn't limited completely like Metroid Prime Hunters or any other DS game for that matter.
John @ Oct 1st 2006 12:16PM
@34
I don't ruin the experience for others, every game involving any immature child is really primitive of a good experience.
Don't start by saying I myself am immature, I don't act so angry on live, I'm just frustrated with Nintendo making mistakes, they have such a good chance with the Wii, I don't want to see what happened to the Gamecube happen with it.
Lynx @ Oct 1st 2006 12:19PM
We know so little about the Wii's online system that anything other than what we know (which is still very little) is just speculation. For all we know it could have fully fledged match-making, lobbys, and achievements. While some of those may be unlikely, we shouldn't rule anything out at this point - The DS is a handheld, it has technical limitations, the Wii's online service is certainly going to be more fleshed out than that.
John @ Oct 1st 2006 12:24PM
@37
The techinical limitations of the DS cannot justify why the random matchmaking is so limited.
MPH for instance, 1 game type, most maps.
With Friend codes, 7 game types, all maps, all weapons and modes.
The DS can handle allowing it all be playable with random matchmaking. They just don't want to allow it.
I'd like to believe that their is still a chance for full fledged math-making and lobbies but it's too little too late for Nintendo to do anything about it.
It's clear they know not what a good online platform is, someone should send Iwata a 360, immediatly.
Lynx @ Oct 1st 2006 12:33PM
I think the main difference between Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo should be made apparant.
Microsoft - Host servers, and offer subscription and limited free service
Sony - non-centralised, Will leave server hosting to developers, free service
Nintendo - Will use a non-centralised system, having Wiis connecct to each other rather than a many servers (not official, but incredibly likely)
As you drop down that list, you're going to face drawbacks. Sony is going to have less titles online, as publishers/developers have to pay for hosting, and Nintendo is going to face technical limitations as to what they can store - they'll have a server i'm sure, but seeing as it's a centralised free service, they're not going to spend too much on it.
It all comes down to how Nintendo is planning to do it, from what we know it'll be limited, but still more functional than the DS WiFi service. I'm just speculating of course, so we'll have to just wait and see.
John @ Oct 1st 2006 12:37PM
I'd rather pay 50 bucks a year for xbox live with extensive features than have a free and worthless online service.
Id pay money to have Brawl's online play as good as say Halos. It'd be totally worth it.
Exo @ Oct 1st 2006 12:56PM
@john, haha fuck your 16? what are you doing playing grown up games kiddo?
Its funnay, cause its always the younger kids that bitch and swear and want to play more "mature" games.
Come back and play in a few years, maybe you wont be such a foul mouthed little shit then.
John @ Oct 1st 2006 1:03PM
@41
You ever played Halo, you should see the foul mouths on older users there. Its not just in teenagers that you'll find it.
Heck, I've seen people that sound pre-pubisint, and likely are, swear and cuss like theres no tommorow.
I'd own you at Halo, lets go right now :P
Exo @ Oct 1st 2006 1:27PM
Sorry, I only play good games, not overhyped shit games like Halo and GTA.
Who cares that other people swear? They are retards. Why copy them and just look as stupid?
But yea you really are showing how dumb you are, good work, keep on making more posts, it entertains me
John @ Oct 1st 2006 1:36PM
Saying games like Halo and GTA are shit only shows how dumb you yourself are, you can't recognize the contribution those games have had on our industry. I'll take Halo over most any game, except Oblivion.
If im not mistaken, weren't you the one who said "haha fuck your 16"
Is that not a swear, how would you justify that you yourself don't look stupid. You can't.
You're a contradicting bastard.
John @ Oct 1st 2006 1:38PM
The irony of your post Exo.
"Who cares that other people swear? They are retards..."
Look at your previous post fool, I see a swear, according to your ideology, you yourself a retard just as much as I would be.
Fool.
Halo Flood Victim @ Oct 1st 2006 1:45PM
"Watch Bowling for Colombine, it's very interesting."
Way to ruin all your arguments at once. xD
"Umm.. $250 for the price of the console plus $50 per game. I wouldn't call this FREE by any means."
The extra ONLINE service IS free, as long as you provide the wireless connection (which can or can't be free depending on your ways of getting it. :P)
I never understood all the bitching about friends codes. It takes no more than a few seconds entering them, and one friend code per console/Wiimote doesn't sound a bad idea at all. Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection is a decent enough service being provided at no charge. I just hope they're more strict on cheaters this time around, but I'm not really counting on it.
Exo @ Oct 1st 2006 1:47PM
You are pretty dense kid.
Im talking about psople online going "OMG U FKIN GAY HOMOTRONS, I WILL RAPE YOU FUKIN ASS AND YOUR MOM LOLZ. GO EAT SHIT YOU SUCK"
Thats being retarded. Its also not even close to what I said when I posted cause I poped in 1 word and it was in context.
Are you sure you are 16, it seems that you are even younger then that.
MSaccarello @ Oct 1st 2006 2:04PM
Jesus Christ why dont you guys exchange phone numbers or something and get the hell of this comment board. This is getting ri-goddamn-diculous.
Exo @ Oct 1st 2006 2:04PM
"Saying games like Halo and GTA are shit only shows how dumb you yourself are, you can't recognize the contribution those games have had on our industry."
but they are shit, Halo is not even close to being intresting or diffrent then any other fps.
GTA is the same game over and over again. Sure the first one was pretty good, but Vice city and san andreas are basicly the same exact game, If you played number 3 you playd them all.
now you are probably comment about how a swore again cause you still are too dim to read what I have been saying. The comments you are making are so predictable, They are responses of a person that knows nothing but their own world and are willing to jump into a fight over anything.
I'll just close with, stay in school, you still need to learn how to read.
John @ Oct 1st 2006 2:52PM
You're calling me single minded? You realize your whole arguement is oppinionated.
Lets put Halo and GTA aside.
This is about friend codes here. In all honesty, they are not necessary, thats my whole arguement.
If you want to continue your personal attacks about how I'm a retarded 16 year old, by all means go ahead, but bear in mind, you can't keep calling me childish when thats all you seem to care about saying.
Also, I'm not retarded for swearing in my comments, I never said "OMG U FKIN GAY HOMOTRONS, I WILL RAPE YOU FUKIN ASS AND YOUR MOM LOLZ. GO EAT SHIT YOU SUCK"
Therefor, you saying I'm stupid for swearing is out ofcontext, it was more relevant than what people on livesay.
Forget it man, its not even worth it anymore. I disagree with the use of friend codes, it has nothing to do with swearing. You're just like me you realize that, you're vulgarity doesn't belong online as much as mine does. Its the same thing, a swear is a swear, in context or not.
I like fuzzy unicorns with big cookies up their arse. Would you call that comment predictable? heh.