[Xantar]

We don't really know what this deal means. It sounds to me like this deal gives developers the capability of using AOL's network to connect online games together but doesn't require them to do it in the same way that, say, every online game for Xbox has to go through Xbox Live.

If so, then this isn't so bad. AOL sucks, but it does have a large userbase.

My guess, though, is that this will all come to nothing. After all, Nintendo itself isn't developing any online games. And remember, there has been news about Nintendo's online plans before. As I recall, Sega offered tools for online development at one point. Look at how much software that deal produced.

And I wouldn't count out GameSpy either. If I remember correctly, they didn't form any kind of partnership with Microsoft. They just developed some tunneling software for the Xbox. When the next Mario Kart arrives, they will probably do the same thing. I'm sure Nintendo won't complain.