The Wii is here, the online system is up, and the friend codes are here to stay. Some see the way the Nintendo DS handles online play with it’s friend codes as a stumbling block, but the Wii at least changes things up a bit and uses one friend code per system as opposed to a friend code for every game. It’s a much easier process overall than the DS version and actually has a few very good reasons for existing.

1: Ease of Use - This time around, Nintendo was aiming at getting more people playing their games in a broader range than your typicle hardcore gamer. Part of doing this meant Nintendo had to keeps things fast and easy so your average Joe would find it appealing. The player can get into the online portion of the games without having to fill out any forms; no credit cards needed. Simply trade your console’s unique code with a friend and you’re playing in minutes, or, much like the DS online games I am sure they will include the randomly matched games as well in certain games in which case you don’t need to give or enter any codes at all. It’s easy to get into and worth a shot for those wanting to try out the online gaming options.

2: It’s More Secure - No, not for you, Hardcore Gamer, for the common player. Ok, for the kids. With the consoles using codes instead of names, Little Johnny doesn’t get to play against some of the more vulgar named player names I’ve seen on other consoles and PC gaming. Not to mention the only way to add a friend at all is to trade the codes, there is no invite system. The system doesn’t even let you know if another player has added you and this too, is by design. This is so a spamming pedophile doesn’t start adding friends like mad in hopes to get Little Johnny to simply accept his invite.

3: Allows Everyone to Play as Mario - It’s true and contrary to some people’s beliefs, the friend code is not what you know your friends by. Once you enter in your friends code, you can change their name to whatever you wish. You can even choose to name yourself Mario, or Link, or whatever you’d like to be called. You don’t have to be DonkeyKong12 or anything like that which is what happens when DonkeyKong is already taken on other platforms. The system works much like a cell phone where once you give people you’re 12 digit code, they can rename you and know you as that and not by your friend code number.

No, it’s not the best or most wanted solution for the hardcore gamer, but it’s a solution that in the end will appeal to a broader range of gamers new and old. It’s not the exact same as the other solutions out there currently available on other consoles, but it does have it’s roots in reason and I doubt it will hinder Nintendo’s online plans in the grand scheme of things. Making online easier for the mainstream is the goal here and unfortunately for some, it’s at the detriment of making it perhaps annoying on the hardcore gamer. I personally don’t mind the system and enjoy the different approach Nintendo is taking, let’s see how it all plays out when they do get some online games.