First online Wii game uses game-specific friend code
by Kyle Orland 
{ Dec 18th 2006 at 4:25PM }
Despite all our grousing about Nintendo's overprotective, hard-to-use friend code system for the Wii, we assumed that the system-specific codes would at least mean the end of the DS' system of maintaining a distinct list of game-specific codes for each online game. Well, you know what happens when you assume... IGN's recent review of the Japanese version of Pokemon Battle Revolution reveals that the game uses "a unique 12-digit friend code, different from your Wii system number," to identify you to potential online opponents. As if that wasn't bad enough, the game has "no actual lobby where you can see how many players are currently doing battle under the various rules of play," meaning it's hard to find new people to play against.
It's not yet clear whether this system will carry over to other countries or other online-enabled Wii games, but it seems unlikely to us that Nintendo would premiere the Wii's online gameplay with a setup it didn't plan on continuing in other games. Then again, that's just us assuming again...
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Babbon @ Dec 18th 2006 4:28PM
Battle Revolution only has a unique code because it also communicates with the DS. (cross platform multiplayer?)
That's what I've heard anyway.
Chip Chanko @ Dec 18th 2006 4:40PM
It's been rumored that this implementation may only be due to PBR being able to work with your DS...thus needing to default to the DS friend code system.
Tush @ Dec 18th 2006 4:32PM
This better not happen with SSB Brawl.
Lorben @ Dec 18th 2006 4:35PM
Not learning from your mistakes FTL!
nitefire @ Dec 18th 2006 4:55PM
This is unnacceptable and the reason online gaming is not taking off like it should.
With XBOX Live setting the standard for a couple of years now, there is no excuse for this. This is as bad as when I tried to network to my uncle so we could play Duke Nukem back in 1997.
I have a Wii and look forward to online, but this will not be good for those CASUAL gamers Ninty is picking up. The Wii code is bad enough.
Fred T @ Dec 18th 2006 4:40PM
Does Nintendo know something about the legalities and liabilities of online match-making that others dont?
Maybe forcing you to take the extra step of finding a friend online absolves them of any liabilities in the case that you end up matching with a child molestor. After all, they weren't the ones that lead you to child_molestor5556.
john @ Dec 18th 2006 4:41PM
Wifi connect is the worst online platform I've ever had the mispleasure to endure.
Can't EVERYONE learn from xbox live?
Im glad I own a 360. Im getting a wii too, but definatly not because of its online capabilities, or lack there of.
Stu L Tissimus @ Dec 18th 2006 4:45PM
Jesus christ, Nintendo. I may be a rabid fanboy, but even so, Friend Codes are retarded. And this? This, on a console where we were promised a little eensy bit more freedom than on the DS? Jeez.
And Babbon, that explanation doesn't even make sense. They would have just given Diamond/Pearl the ability to connect to Wii numbers.
Shaun @ Dec 18th 2006 4:47PM
Much as i hate to think this i'm pretty much convinced this is what the Wii online gaming is all about.
Partly because Nintendo have never liked the idea of open communication but mostly because this news has been kicking around for a few days now and all the references to it have been really negative. If this wasn't true Nintendo would surely have said something about it by now.
Online gaming is being delayed from launch, why would they need to do that if the online functionality is this sparse? That's the only bit of hope i can cling to. For them to delay it this long it must be something more than simply infrastructure.
Here's hoping for at least some basic online gaming functions that have existed on PCs for many years.
JoeBlow @ Dec 18th 2006 4:49PM
Wii are
Sofa
King
Wii
Todd
Ed
Jay @ Dec 19th 2006 7:46PM
My god are some of you stupid? Are you gonna start saying Sony is using individual buddy lists because Resistance has them? Obviously it's because the game was rushed to come out near launch beforee Nintendo's online service was fully up so they had to use their own friend code list
John @ Dec 18th 2006 4:51PM
that is pretty gay
but then again so is this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IFnIoycwKTM
the whole wii thing is a bit gay really
sticking with my 360
lol
:)
Jesse Morrison @ Dec 18th 2006 4:52PM
I can understand Nintendo's attempts to make online "Family Friendly". Play a match of Halo 2 with voice chat enabled and you'll hear 14 year olds saying horrific things. That being said, I don't think online protection should restrict basic functionality.
Mark Felps @ Dec 18th 2006 4:52PM
I love the Wii, but Ninty needs to pull their heads out when it comes to online functionality. From the fact that WiConnect doesn't seem to actually, you know, do anything to the full-on retarded friend codes, all the way through making me back out of the store and find the settings to do an update, Ninty has completely screwed the pooch on their online services. They make Sony look like master of the online dimension.
They're so worried about their kid demographic hooking up with Chester the Molestor that they've inadvertantly created the very scenario they fear. If you want to play with people online, and you don't have friends with a Wii, you're going to wind up either in a forum or one of the Wii friend sharing sites, pasting your friend code for every Tom, dick, and Chester to grab hold of. Much safer than being able to hop into a game and then choose only the people who aren't rabid jackasses to make friends with.
Paul @ Dec 18th 2006 4:55PM
This weak, unintuitive online interface is the only thing that can kill the wii. The weak graphics I can deal with, but if nintendo doesn't come up with a better way of playing games online, then I am out.
Why not just have a "game lobby" channel that costs like $1? That way, little Jimmy, who has no credit card, won't be able to enter the lobby, but adults who do have a credit card CAN easily make matches.
It bugs me, and personally, I think it could sink nintendo. After all, what kind of legs will the wii have if you can never find someone to play with?
ds @ Dec 19th 2006 6:25AM
@ JoeBlow
mmm aqua teen
Kaemon @ Dec 18th 2006 5:06PM
I think its becasue they dont have the Wii online system running quite yet, and its probably running off the DS online system, so it still uses friend codes like that... thats my guess.
Becasue no other online game is set to come out for quite a while...
Jaded Alyx @ Dec 18th 2006 5:14PM
Doesn't Elebits use the Wii system Code as opposed to a game specific code?
Miniboss @ Dec 18th 2006 5:24PM
It uses the DS game's friend code since the Wii game is just a shell for the DS games after all.
And Elebits uses the Wii's system code.
Blink @ Dec 18th 2006 5:22PM
I think JadedAlyx may be right. After all, the DS is supposed to be able to play online with PBR, but the DS only does 12 digit FC, so this is just for that I thought?
ALSO, we won't see this in the USA, hopefully, if Nintendo releases Diamond/Pearl/whatever with 16 digit friend codes, or support for Wii friend codes, since neither game is out in the USA yet.
OTAM @ Dec 18th 2006 5:38PM
And yet again,Nintendo alienates and throws their hardcore gaming audience who have followed them throughout the years to the backseat so that some kid who just picked up his first Nintendo console doesnt hear some "naughty language"
I guess there's a reason that Sony and Nintendo's online service are free.
Mike @ Dec 18th 2006 5:46PM
Well of course the wii online component/matchmacking is fucked. I mean, no one really plays games online or uses HDTVs right?
Its such a small part of the market share, who really cares, amirite?
Sonic @ Dec 18th 2006 5:47PM
Listen to the people who've played Elebits, we know damn well this is not the case for all the games. So dont get your panties in a noose till more games actually come out.
Sloar @ Dec 18th 2006 5:47PM
I'm quite amazed that Nintendo has done as well as they have. Aside from the handheld market (which they have gripped in their iron fist), they have made some pretty dumb decisions.
They decided to stick with the more expensive (both in real costs and in amount of time to produce) format of cartridges which all but eliminated 3rd party support.
The "online enabled" Gamecube had all of one game (to the best of my knowledge). The only game that offered connectivity was Phantasy Star. They didn't even support their own technology!
Friend codes--that's like trying to remember your offshore bank account number.
While I must also applaud Nintendo for their creativity and good decisions (there have been some), I cannot get over the fact that they touted this system as easy for anyone to use and they plastered images of grandpa playing with his grandkids. If I can't remember those friend codes, do they really expect grandpa with early stage dementia to remember them?
Of course, they could wipe out all of my disappointment by simply giving us a Kid Icarus, Rygar, or Battletoads sequel (or all three, in which case I will name my next child "Captain N").
Mr. Khan @ Dec 18th 2006 5:52PM
This is similar to what i expected
Nintendo did it for the DS, and they shall do it for the Wii
Although apparently the fact that the hardware already has a unique name and identifier escaped them
Perhaps (mayhap this is more of a stretch) Nintendo is not embracing the single system code thing so that one can cultivate a different Avatar for each individual game (If Nintendo used WiiConnect24 instead of WFC, this would perhaps be alleviated)
And my final point would be the fact that, despite the sub-par Online functionality of the DS, people still bought games like Mario Kart DS, Metroid Prime Hunters, etc, so Nintendo ASSUMED that the system worked (go with what sells, and it has sold)
On the 6th Day of Christmas, my true love gave to me
6 360 Movies Downloading ($6*6=$36)
5 Mod Chips ($500)
4 Alienwares ($9600)
3 SEGA Games ($160)
2 CELL Processors ($1200)
And 1 Nintendo Wii ($250)
Rod @ Dec 18th 2006 6:21PM
Hmmm...Nintendo's friend codes are almost as complex as Kotaku's posting system...
Spiza @ Dec 18th 2006 6:25PM
This is why I haven't bought a wii. I'll stay a PC gamer till I see a console with as good an online set up for gaming. (and don't mention that xbox crap. I can't believe you people waste money on that.)
LoveHertz @ Dec 18th 2006 7:17PM
Besides the interesting Mii feature, there is nothing "We" about the Wii. Friend Codes go against everything the Wii is about. It's complicated, it's cumbersome, and it hampers the gaming experience. Having Wi-Fi enabled out of the box should indicate at least SOME desire from them to create a communal worldwide atmosphere. But they just don't have it or are too arrogant to see that unique usernames and cohesive matchmaking are the real way to making customers happy and providing a true "Wii" experience.
Playstation Online for the PS3 is decent enough, but in the console arena Xbox Live is king. If Nintendo doesn't wake up, then it will remain to be.
razer @ Dec 18th 2006 7:21PM
Spiza: You are welcome to your opinion, but I think you must of been dropped on your head at birth. You are comparing the WORST online gaming there is (PC) with something as savvy as Xbox Live? Don't make me break out a list of comparisons! Wait.. am I talking to a PC gamer? You people are obsolete anyway so your point is mute.. Don't you have a couple rocks to bang together?
p-diddy @ Dec 18th 2006 7:30PM
Spiza, I'm genuinely curious what you think is crap about XBL. Being a PC gamer myself, I think XBL is way better than any offering on the PC and I will gladly pay the cost of a game for it each year. Matchmaking, achievements, integrated and unified text and voice chat. XBL blows away anything I've used on the PC.
-p-
Francois @ Dec 18th 2006 7:46PM
The way I understand, when it comes to Wii online, Nintendo considers WiiConnect24 and Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection to be two different things. WiiConnect24 is what allows the console to be connected 24/7 and share information with either Nintendo's servers or registered Wii consoles and it has its own code. Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection is the online multiplayer system and is the same system for Wii as it is for DS, and part of the idea of different friend codes for different games is the ability to manage friend lists on a "per game" basis. Thing is Nintendo sees online multiplayer as an extension to local multiplayer, and considers the specific people you'll be playing online are people you know in real life anyway. As far as I know, most Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection games allow friend code-free random matchmaking (Animal Crossing notwhitstanding, so don't all go mentioning it), and the article states this is a possibility in Pokémon too, and aren't those people you can't trade friend codes with random anyway?
Mr. Khan @ Dec 18th 2006 9:17PM
Exactly, Francois, WiFi Connection = Online play with ZERO bells and whistles, it gets the job done, but...
me likey bells and whistles
And yes, Nintendo does consider WiiConnect24 and WiFi Connection two seperate entities, but they can always wise up in due time (just don't bet on it)
Some things about game companies just don't change
Brad @ Dec 22nd 2006 12:52PM
This CANNOT be happening! Nintendo PROMISED all of us devoted Nintendo fans that we would NOT have seperate friend codes for each and every game! If this IS just for this game, I suppose I can deal with it, but if this ends up being the same for Metroid Prime #: Corruption and SSBB...that just SUCKS! :( :(
busydoingnothing @ Dec 18th 2006 8:33PM
Nintendo really needs to understand how big online gaming truly is. What year is it again? One of the main reasons why I've been such a huge PC gamer since the days after the SNES was because of online gaming. The other console manufacturers to be finally understanding it, but unfortunately, Nintendo doesn't seem to be listening. Not only does online capabilities greatly increase the replayability of the games, it adds to the fun already present. Playing the computer over and over gets pretty dull; just the idea of being able to play with someone across the country or the globe is rather exciting.
If it's open ended communication that they fear, why not integrate parental controls into the system? Have it on the hardware level, that way, the software will simply have to check the parental control bit and enable or disable features as necessary. Instead of it being an all or nothing thing, and crippling the functionality for all gamers, it would just limit access to those who have parental controls set.
Secondly, the friends code system is absolutely ridiculous. They need a system which allows the friend code to be linked to an alias, i.e. AN ACTUAL NAME. If they are afraid of certain words showing up in the name, that's what filters are made for. And hey, if the parental controls are enabled, force the password holder to create an appropriate name for their child's system. I am pretty sure some parents still actually interact with their children these days...
I love Nintendo, but I'm also afraid that they are giving people reason to call them a "kiddie platform." They need to understand that there are hardcore gamers out there who demand the most out of their gaming experience, and their pandering towards the youngins is really hurting their reputation with that crowd. There's no reason why they couldn't implement a parental controls system for online play to make both crowds happy.
Joshua @ Dec 18th 2006 8:40PM
Do people who play the Wii really care about online play? I thought that's why they bought the Wii because they really don't care to play with others.
awa64 @ Dec 19th 2006 12:11AM
Just to remind people... it's probably only doing the per-game friend code thing so it can interact with the DS Pokemon games online. The other games, as Elebits has already demonstrated, should be per-system.
Loque @ Dec 18th 2006 11:24PM
"27. Spiza: You are welcome to your opinion, but I think you must of been dropped on your head at birth. You are comparing the WORST online gaming there is (PC) with something as savvy as Xbox Live? Don't make me break out a list of comparisons! Wait.. am I talking to a PC gamer? You people are obsolete anyway so your point is mute.. Don't you have a couple rocks to bang together?"
PC graphics are better, scalable, online play is free, 2 yr old computers run games better than the 360, we have several options for messaging.
We have everything you have minus a $50 a year fee, with mods, and actual options.
Computers also are the reason XBOX live exists. Consoles are becoming computers, not vice versa.
Ibrahim @ Dec 19th 2006 12:23AM
It's interesting to note that the DS also has a system code but still requires friend codes per game. Seems like the Wii will eventually use system codes, and Pokemon is merely an exception. Anyone who complains about friend codes doesn't know what they're talking about though, because all a friend code does is let you play with your friends directly and talk to them. At least for Metroid Prime Hunters, the only Wi-Fi game I have (got my DS a month ago) you just choose your region and relative ranks of opponents (match my ranking or all opponents, although match my ranking doesn't seem to work that well) and it finds 3 other people to play with randomly. After a match you can add an opponent as a rival, which is basically the same thing as a friend except you don't need to enter their friend code. Also, anyone you play with in local wireless is automatically added to your friends list, so you shouldn't have any trouble connecting to your friends IRL.
Jonah Falcon @ Dec 18th 2006 11:58PM
Xbox Live is so good that it's being made an integral part of Windows Vista (Live Everywhere). ;)
ill trooper @ Dec 19th 2006 2:13AM
TOTAL GARBAGE. Even the hardest-core Ninty Fanboys need to admit the redheaded-step child PS3 has better online potential than the Wii right now... SO CLOSE... WII MENU WITH WIRELESS INTERNET... SO SMOOTH... URGH... MUST... GET... GAMERTAG! FADING FAST...
Grey @ Dec 19th 2006 4:02AM
nintendo fix it. your Wii system is starting to crash from Online entertainment :S
mo @ Dec 19th 2006 6:22AM
okay if ur a wii fanboy and r pretending this dosent bother u your an idiot
you can like somthing and still dislike its flaws
for example, sony fanboys over look the fact that there system completly sucks
wii has this and low grahics
and 360, i just feel bad giving more money to bill gates by buying one
so they all have flaws
Finn @ Dec 19th 2006 9:29AM
Man people just don't pay attention, I just read every post here and so far about 10 or so people have brought up the fact that the pokemon game is just a "shell" for the ds game and thats why it uses the ds's way of connecting.
But I guess I could go with the illogical assumption that joystiq has and just assume that even though Nintendo has a friend code system in place, every game will need to have it's own as well because one game does. So GRRR Nintendo whats wrong with you, and your interface
Retrojunkie @ Dec 19th 2006 1:10PM
Mo your spelling is awful
go ahead and buy a 360, you'll fit in with the Crowd though
Retrojunkie @ Dec 21st 2006 1:01PM
Hardcore gamers?
What?
SONY FANS ARE HARDCORE GAMERS!!!!111one
god that word is being thrown around so god damn fucking much
mickey @ Dec 19th 2006 10:33AM
Id rather have friend codes and no communication than a bunch of 13 year olds calling me "nigger" over the internet.
birdguy @ Dec 19th 2006 5:01PM
there is a website that allows users to trade both DS and Wii codes in the same system. it's also flexible enough for individual codes for Wii games too.
sharewiis.com
Wyona @ Feb 11th 2007 2:36AM
I can't believe this forum. 47 complaints because you have to remember a number to contact another user. How many of you remember your home phone number, cell phone number, SSN, and your best friends phone number? I know some people also remember their bank account number as well which is what, 12 digits also. Your wii number isn't going to change, so just write it on a sticky note and stick it to the side of your wii. You'll have it memorized soon enough. And as far as the whole "OMG, we're going to have to remember ANOTHER 12 digit number to play yada yada game" I think it's way too soon to be bitching over something that hasn't become wide spread yet. One game has implemented that. ONE game. When the next 3 online capable games come out with the feature, THEN I'll consider complaining about it. Until then, get your panties out of a wad and go play your games on whatever console you prefer. And as for those of you segregating yourselves to "xbox, pc, ps1&2&3, Nintendo" whatever, you're ALL Gamers.. so just get along. Most of the games that are any good are cross platform anyway. You may have your Halo on your xbox but I still have it on my pc.. so your point is??? I hope the maturity on this forum will actually represent the ages of the people posting here sooner than later.
joe @ Mar 7th 2007 9:13PM
Ok i have an xbox 360 and yes the graphics are awesome and so is the online play and if you rant about how the xbox 360 online play sucks u are obviosly an idiot. Sorry but it is AWESOME and worth like $4 a month. Being a ds owner the friend codes suck but nintendo still had a really good idea and last time i checked a good number of people had the games so it wasnt very hard to find anyone to play with. I want a wii but honestly implementing friend codes to protect 4 yr olds from getting raped..... i mean maybe you should include like a system to report players who are behaving innaproprietly. Also i mean nintendo had some REALLY good games like super smash bros melee but honestly FRIEND CODES SUCK