So earlier today, the unfortunate news has broken that Nintendo is shutting down its Wi-Fi Connection service for all Wii/DS games.

This is obviously sad news for those of us who still play and enjoy these games. That being said however, it was a free service and despite Nintendo's other limitations in the online space, we had a pretty good run considering the cost. Of course this raises the spectre of the same thing eventually happening to 3DS/WiiU. Which is just as depressing.

So I can't help but wonder if the time has come for Nintendo to bite the bullet and start offering a paid service ala XBL/PSN, the proceeds of which would go towards keeping these online services running for a while longer instead of shutting down soon after the generation ends.

With both Microsoft and Sony already charging for their own networks, Nintendo aren't likely to actually lose customers with such a move, so I think it's viable. That being said, a paid subscription would require some basic level of functionality to come with it- Namely proper voice chat, matchmaking, leaderboards etc.

I don't know what the potential is for Nintendo to undercut the other two on costs whilst providing the service, but the entire concept bears looking into IMO.


So what do you guys think? Is it finally time for Nintendo to join the big boys in a wider online world? What would you be prepared to pay?

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@Tranquilo

I know this has to do with Gamespy mostly, but if all Nintendo needs is another money stream to motivate them to do something like what I proposed, I would consider it. They'd have to go all-in like Microsoft did, though.

@Deerock69

I don't think you understand though, this is not about money, it is about the infrastructure and technology that was used by Nintendo to host online play not being available anymore. I guess it is like renting space for your store from this one company, and then the company is bought out and the parent of the company you were renting from doesn't want to pursue that business anymore, even if you kept paying.

A store is something that is relatively easier to move but the principle is the same. In this scenario Nintendo would have to recode and move all of its operations somewhere else and it is not really worth it in my opinion. They should instead focus their resources in making a more coherent and seamless online experience going forward.

@Tranquilo

I got all of that, its all a moot point, anyway. Just a fella dreamin'. There's no way Nintendo would do all of that.

I want to pay Nintendo for online services. Why won't they let me pay them for online services? I want a virtual console subscription service. Do it like Spotify. Do it like Playstation Plus. I don't care. Just do SOMETHING.