Is it too late for Nintendo and online gaming? Maybe not.

[gekko]

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.

[Joeiss]

That would be a sweet strategy... But I am sorry to say, that will never happen. Nintendo has said that online gaming is non profitable.... So how would making dedicated servers and everything help with the profit? I don't know... I would love to see this... But it is highly unlikely that it will happen.

[Crono]

I would love for a Nintendo Online thing like this. Too bad Nintendo probably won't do it, but maybe Shiggy will come up with something, at least I hope so. Online gaming is the next step for consoles, and with PS2 and Xbox already having quite a few online games, I think it's time for Nintendo to step in.

[D-realJos]

Of course it's not too late.

It's not like Online Gaming went anywhere lately, despite all the hype.

Also, it's never too late. That's not only true because online gaming has a looooooooong way to go, but also the fact that people who are fans of online games or willing to play online will invest in an online game from Nintendo if it means having an online experience unlike any other they've had before.

That said, I think Nintendo isn't about to jump online just because it's hyped to be the best thing since slice bread. When they finally do, you can expect the kind of quality & fun experience that many gamers(and developers) respect them for.

If that's what I can get in the end, I'll be patient, while I enjoy awesome offline(single and multiplayer) games.

[Jonbo298]

I still wonder what Serial Port 2 will be. It might have to do with something online and extra options in the system menu like you said gekko. But Online Gaming is still VERY new to consoles. The Dreamcast was basically the test subject to see if Online was ready for consoles. I think Nintendo will announce something sometime that will make companies rethink online, but who knows

[Angrist]

Wouldn't a HD fit in serial port 2??

And sure, it's not too late for online Ninty.

[Dyne]

I don't think you could get enough optimum space into the serial port 2. If anything maybe the GBA player comes with an adapter and there's more space for a hard drive--It's hard to believe that it would take up the whole space.. But eh...

[Cyrax9]

A good idea Gekko, but Nintnedo is right, online gamign isn't profitable for many consumers, and some are at the point of just avoiding it, such as myself. I thnk ONline gaming wiull eventually be the enxt dot-com slump and it's not a good idea ot get into it right now. If this holds true, Nintendo will have averted a possible Enron-eqsue problem and that'll be that.

[Bad Religion]

well if N stays away from lying to their stockholders (and employees), sweetheart deals with analysts, and "cooking the books", they should be able to avoid an "Enronesque" problem, as for the online plan, I would love to play some N games online, but I think they are playing it smart here

[BigJustinW]

Nintendo can't ignore online gaming for long... if they wait after this generation to start backing it hard there could be some serious issues.

I do admit to the fact that online gaming is a gamble... but just like gambling there can be a winner. If online gaming completely flops then M$ and Sony just threw away a lot of money at a lost cause. But... if online gaming becomes huge success MS and Sony will have an online community (more so MS) who will end up warranting a purchase of Ps3/Xbox2 by it simply including the ability to have online gaming.

In Nintendo's cas, backing online gaming is a win/win situation... if online gaming in general flops, then all three companies suffer together... but if online gaming becomes "the next big thing" all the companies get paid together. If a company were to not join the online race they would have to hope that this flops, because stepping in the next generation would prove to be as profitable as the big black and green box.

I dunno about sony online gamers, but I know that with a strong community like Xbox Live no online gamer this generation will cross-over... and once M$ starts charging for the service I doubt that people will want to pay another online gaming bill.

Right now M$ is the smartest of the three companies in online gaming, it would be cool to see Nintendo follow thier example. (but then again, maybe more online gamers prefer Sony's "free" approach)

[Blix]

I'd be great if they did that. But I don't see it happening. I just hope they at least do something about online gaming.

[chumpidoo]

Just hope that at E3 something happens... Something big that will shut everyone up, but thats just me wishing...