Nintendo encourages UK Wii owners to go online
by JC Fletcher 
{ Apr 22nd 2009 at 1:15PM }
In addition to talking up online gameplay for stuff like Smash Bros. and Mario Kart Wii, the campaign actually mentions the Virtual Console and WiiWare, which seems like a rare move for anything aimed at the "expanded audience." There's also a Guitar Hero: World Tour trailer which mentions the game's DLC.
This approach contrasts with Nintendo of Japan's attempt to bring more Wiis online: a campaign through which Wii owners receive 500 Wii Points for helping someone else go online with their Wii.
[Via Edge, New Media Age]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
CJLopez @ Apr 22nd 2009 1:53PM
this is quite good, really
Given that recent surveys state that only a couple of wii owners use it online, more people online means more buyers for VC/Wiiware and online matches
Feba @ Apr 22nd 2009 2:05PM
Wii would be doing so much better if North America got Relaxing British Accent Girl instead of Overly Enthusiastic Feature Describing Guy.
Well, except Cowboy Jed. That works.
guttertalk @ Apr 22nd 2009 2:09PM
Nintendo -- if you have to give away points to get players to help others get alone, you have a usability problem.
If Nintendo wants more folks online, they need to change their approach with the Friends Code. I understand the value of it, but it creates of the appearance, if not reality, of being a hassle.
And it is a hassle. Just getting even my son's good friend in our friend's list was no simple affair. My son couldn't just say, "Add 'guttertalk' to your friend's list." No, it's a string of meaningless characters. Then, rinse and repeat for each game.
Even then, you can't see which friends are online or what they are playing.
It's like making everyone play in a Fortress of Solitude and then asking them to get out and socialize more.
guttertalk @ Apr 22nd 2009 2:10PM
get alone = get online
I have no idea what I was thinking about.
Kaoz @ Apr 22nd 2009 2:11PM
If their online service didn't suck more people would use it. You don't need better advertising, you need a better product.
The only thing I have done online is buy World of Goo, friend codes are ridiculous.
Hardy @ Apr 22nd 2009 2:33PM
Campaigns that tell them to go online will only last so long.
You need an online service that lasts and is quality, and as we all know, Nintendo's online service is VERY VERRRRY limited and bland.
Wii Shop is okay, but really pales in comparison to like services.
Nintendo needs to step up online if they want campaigns for it, or else it's a very short term objective.
Adolph @ Apr 22nd 2009 4:52PM
This is Nintendo's fault. Yes you can go to the menu, but being a console that is for everyone. They seriously should have had a "Wifi" button at the bottom of the main menu that takes you directly to online options.
Casual people are not going to bother with the options menu unless they NEED too, which isn't likely.
This campaign is a something I embrace fully.
I think Nintendo should include an online mode for Wii Sports Resort that unlocks content that is on the game. If you have a minigame you want to play and can't because it requires you to connect online once, you will find a way to go online.
Tease the people.