gekko
01-06-2003, 03:48 PM
I've been thinking. Xbox Live has introduced some great ideas in online gaming, and my biggest complaint has to be the promised servers they never delivered on. But I thought about it; Xbox was built with that in mind. The harddrive is there for downloadable content (whenever it comes), the controller has slots in it for the voice communicator, and the system software can be upgraded to support Xbox Live. Now what about Nintendo.
Nintendo has always said that online gaming isn't profitable, and it isn't. Microsoft is taking big steps to try to make it profitable. Subscription based games, and premium content are two current ideas. Many gamers agree that Nintendo needs to do something, because there's 4 more years to wait before they get another shot. The current plan of letting the developers do what they want and not encouraging 3rd parties to develop online games is resulting in next to no online games. PSO is amazing, but its not enough. The big question is, is it too late for Nintendo to do anything? Well maybe not.
There's one slot underneath Gamecube that isn't being used. What if one was used for Nintendo Online? Those slots are able to override system software, we know this because they can be used for the GB Player, as well as other systems like Sega CD, SNES, and N64 all had a similar slot. Think of the possibilities. Nintendo could release their own online starter kit, including a headset, the Nintendo Online device, and most likely, include the BBA. The online device could serve multiple purposes. First of all, it would override the default system software. The system settings panel could be replaced with a whole new set of preferences. You could create your online account, manage all online related settings, as well as include some much wanted settings like choosing to select 480p and Dolby Surround automatically. It would be stored on the internal storage, which could hold up to 3GB of data. Basically, you have the ability to store downloadable content. Old games would have compatability problems saving to a seperate HD, so it could act like Memory Card 1. GameShark users should be familiar with this, GameShark Pro for PSX had a similar option on the card. This way, any time a game wanted to save, it would think it's saving to memory card 1, but in reality, its saving to the online device. Of course, you would have the option of turning this off to play from data on a memory card. The online device could also work with the headset. The headset could be plugged into the side of it. Want a mute button? You could have it on the earpiece.
Considering the only current online game is PSO, there wouldn't be a big problem with old games not supporting Nintendo Online. Imagine playing Mario Kart online, with voice chat, downloadable levels, and it's all hosted on Nintendo's servers providing a very smooth gaming experience without connection problems, and rare lag. They could add keyboard support and allow you to message your friends playing in a completely different game.
Will it ever happen? Probably not, but Nintendo has surprised me in the past, and they may surprise me in the future. Personally, I believe their best option would be to hire me and use all my amazing ideas ;) For a while I thought it may be too late for Nintendo and online. But with a little investment on Nintendo's part, and some clever thinking, it's still possible to match, and even outdo the network set in place by Microsoft.
Nintendo has always said that online gaming isn't profitable, and it isn't. Microsoft is taking big steps to try to make it profitable. Subscription based games, and premium content are two current ideas. Many gamers agree that Nintendo needs to do something, because there's 4 more years to wait before they get another shot. The current plan of letting the developers do what they want and not encouraging 3rd parties to develop online games is resulting in next to no online games. PSO is amazing, but its not enough. The big question is, is it too late for Nintendo to do anything? Well maybe not.
There's one slot underneath Gamecube that isn't being used. What if one was used for Nintendo Online? Those slots are able to override system software, we know this because they can be used for the GB Player, as well as other systems like Sega CD, SNES, and N64 all had a similar slot. Think of the possibilities. Nintendo could release their own online starter kit, including a headset, the Nintendo Online device, and most likely, include the BBA. The online device could serve multiple purposes. First of all, it would override the default system software. The system settings panel could be replaced with a whole new set of preferences. You could create your online account, manage all online related settings, as well as include some much wanted settings like choosing to select 480p and Dolby Surround automatically. It would be stored on the internal storage, which could hold up to 3GB of data. Basically, you have the ability to store downloadable content. Old games would have compatability problems saving to a seperate HD, so it could act like Memory Card 1. GameShark users should be familiar with this, GameShark Pro for PSX had a similar option on the card. This way, any time a game wanted to save, it would think it's saving to memory card 1, but in reality, its saving to the online device. Of course, you would have the option of turning this off to play from data on a memory card. The online device could also work with the headset. The headset could be plugged into the side of it. Want a mute button? You could have it on the earpiece.
Considering the only current online game is PSO, there wouldn't be a big problem with old games not supporting Nintendo Online. Imagine playing Mario Kart online, with voice chat, downloadable levels, and it's all hosted on Nintendo's servers providing a very smooth gaming experience without connection problems, and rare lag. They could add keyboard support and allow you to message your friends playing in a completely different game.
Will it ever happen? Probably not, but Nintendo has surprised me in the past, and they may surprise me in the future. Personally, I believe their best option would be to hire me and use all my amazing ideas ;) For a while I thought it may be too late for Nintendo and online. But with a little investment on Nintendo's part, and some clever thinking, it's still possible to match, and even outdo the network set in place by Microsoft.