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"Mario-net"

SEGA, Microsoft and to some extent Sony have been quick to jump on the internet bandwagon, all companies agree it is the future of gaming with both the SEGA Dreamcast and Microsoft X-box being internet compatible out of the box. So then why is it that Nintendo, a leading computer game company is so apprehensive about this new idea?

The truth is to Nintendo the use of the Internet is not a new idea, the game company used the idea as far back as the first Nintendo the NES which involved transferring Bank details. The SNES included a similar system and the Gameboy Colour, as we all know implemented and online mobile phone link used mainly for Pokémon Crystal. The N64’s doomed 64DD drive also used something called Rad-net, which enabled gaming to occur between people living in close proximity. So Nintendo are probably just as experienced as Microsoft in this field so why are the Big N so apprehensive about this “new” idea.

We all know how Nintendo are unsure about the way industry progresses hardware wise, their reluctance to leap to CD base format was one, and the failure of other systems may be the cause of their decision to stick with carts. The new strategy is a tried and tested watch and wait strategy, Modems are all avalible but a Nintendo online or any online Nintendo games are being kept well away in secret. Nintendo will monitor to see if the X-box and PS2 will do significantly well using this idea, if this is the case Nintendo may commit to the idea. This doesn’t mean there won’t be any internet gaming on your Gamecube for the first few years, SEGA’s Phantasy Star Online Version 2 will appear on the Gamecube using SEGA’s own server and many other companies may follow suit.

Is Nintendo’s worry that the Internet won’t succeed a just one? I think so; it never took off amazingly on the Dreamcast and SEGA never made a significant profit. Nintendo have never been able to make a significant gain via the Internet either and so unless Microsoft and Sony do any better Nintendo won’t go head first into it. The casual gamer may also not be attracted by the prospect neither will may of you I suspect, when I got my Dreamcast no internet leads came with it, I didn’t mind I never intended to use the internet it costs money and if I want to play against people I’ll invite friends round. I believe this is the general feel towards the net.

This isn’t to say Nintendo won’t support the Internet, a game entitle Marionette (Could it be Mario-net) is in development which could be an Internet based game. Be it Internet or not Nintendo will have some online games in production and I wouldn’t be surprised if either Pikachu or Mario were amongst the first internet based games, we all know how Nintendo like trading Pokémon via a link lead surly the Internet opens much more opportunity for such an idea. RARE are also sure to use the Internet to full effect in titles such as Perfect Dark and online multiplayer bash would be great for a game such as that.

So the Internet may be in the forefront of Sony and Microsoft’s mind but is Nintendo’s cautious approach wise? After reading this what do you think would be the best move for any of the next generation console makers?

Here’s to the Future.

Dringo.

Turbonutter wrote:
> What's your point? That's how all games should and will work.

Anyway, I heard
> that Nintendo weren't going to release the modem.

Well you heard very wrong they are definatly releasing it along with SEGA's Phantasy Star Online Version 2.

why would Ninty develop a modem to never release it?

*realises irony of statement as he remembers the much hyped 64DD*

What's your point? That's how all games should and will work.

Anyway, I heard that Nintendo weren't going to release the modem.

Yeah but THPS3 will use the severs that link to the PS2 and X-box versions wouldnt it so a Nintendo net wont be needed remember the Modem is comes out near launch.

Well if that's how Nintendo want to go about it that's there business. Sensible people just tack fantastic net features onto fantastic games. Like THPS3.

Turbonutter wrote:


It seems that Nintendo
> are far too interested in profit these days. The Sony philosophy (believe it or
> not) is actually all about the games. They have invested billions in SCEE and
> have made some ventures that would almost certainly make them a loss. They are
> also probably one of the most friendly and helpful to developers, new and old.

TBN you have to develop online games to play online if the games dont sell Nintendo could make a loss.

Marionette about puppets Marionettes and puppets hmmmmmmm

*Cough* Devil May Cry *Cough*

Agreed. It's also unfeasible to gather 10 PS2s/GameCubes/Xboxes in a room and network them together so you can play with your mates, who may only live just across town. Why not make use of the greatest network ever created that's ready for use in your own home immediately?

Strafex wrote:
"I also prefer to play real players than internet ones, but how else do you suppose I shoot Grix in the head? ;-)"

Even sitting next to me you'll have not a chance in hell.

I am SO looking forward to Nintendo's online network... :0D

It better happen. It must.

I agree that the Big N's corporate strategy of late seems to have changed from their early days as a technology leader at the cutting edge to a very cautious technology follower. From a business point of view the latter approach is much lower risk although it tends to give lower returns as well.

Perhaps Meka's point rings true that most people who want to be online have got a PC, so the console as an internet portal is slightly redundant.

Access through a console needs to be idiot-proof to the utmost - to the point of plug-and-play. Us console jockeys can't be bothered messing around with settings and all that lark - we just want to play. And we don't want to pay.

Useless school computer...