The Big N has been trying to push innovation over graphics with there new Wii console, but the biggest spotlight is being cast upon Nintendo's online experience. This is there first foray into online with there consoles, and they have made some big promises. How do these promises stack up?
The biggest thing Nintendo has advertised is that the console is online 24/7.
You would never know it. It's great that your console can be upgraded right when the updates are available, but that's no excuse for the incredibly slow load times for all of the channels requiring online.
Nintendo has stated that new content will be added over time.
Could be way better. So far we've got the Forecast Channel, News Channel, Everybody Votes Channel, and the free trial version of the Internet Channel. Forecast Channel does exactly what it's supposed to do, as does the news channel. They provide the information everyone wants in a very simple and easy to understand format, no more and no less. The Internet Channel is still in the trial stages, but it works great for not being the final version. Again, the channel does what it's supposed to do and no more. Then we get our first real new suprise content. Everyone was anxiously awaiting the new channels, and we recieve the Everybody Votes channel. Really? A channel where you cast your vote in a poll with two possible outcomes. Not exactly useful, or that fun. Why not something more useful or fun, like a Fandango style channel showing theatre locations and showtimes? For now, I will cast my vote.
Updatable features.
Sad. One of the most popular channels, and one of the most limited ones, is the Mii channel. Nintendo has said it is possible to update these channels with new content. Why not start with adding some more functionality to the Mii channel, instead of adding a mediocre new channel.
Games online.
None. Nothing hapening on this front. Elebits is even capable of going online, but the service isn't operational yet. We want our online co-op and versus, and not the friend code matches that limit who you play with.
