We know it's early, but you may want to go ahead and ring the bell that wakes the defense forces: Nintendo has revealed their online plans for Super Smash Bros. Brawl. And Friend Codes are, as you probably feared, in full effect. Luckily, if you don't mind a pared down experience, it's possible to play without them.
If you're competing with a friend, you'll be able to send personalized messages to them as you battle that you'll map to the D-pad. If you play against a stranger, no records are kept of the match. You also won't be able to see a stranger's name, and you won't be able to send messages. So you can stop planning all the creepy things you'll say about about your undying love of Pokemon and how well-sculpted your glutes are right now, child predators! Friend Codes have saved the day again.
[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]
