Miyamoto: It's 'Unfair' To Say Nintendo Isn't Proactive About Online

With Microsoft and Sony placing increasing emphasis on Xbox Live and PlayStation Network, Nintendo often appears to be behind in the online race. But Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto argues that his company has made strides in the online space. "To be honest, I think it’s rather unfair whenever I hear such comments -- that Nintendo isn’t proactive when it comes to its online strategy," he told Edge Online. "The fact of the matter is that we always want all Wii consoles to be connected online, all the time, so Nintendo has never been less than proactive in that kind of endeavor." The Nintendo Wii comes with built-in wi-fi, which it can use to connect to Nintendo's Wi-Fi Connection. Players can play multiplayer games, download games from the Wii Shop Channel and communicate online, in some games, using the Wii Speak microphone. Just recently, Nintendo added the ability to watch streaming Netflix movies on the Wii. The Nintendo DS Line also has similar wireless online features. But the Wii, with its lack of substantial built-in storage space, relatively unwieldy Friend Code system and games that place more emphasis on in-person play rather than online multiplayer, looks less than robust when compared to Xbox Live or PlayStation Network. Miyamoto did admit that Nintendo is "less active than [the company] should be" in coming up with a solid online business structure. He said that some options may be to charge people to play online, or a free online service that offers paid premium features. The industry legend also conceded that Nintendo hasn't been proactive enough in the MMO category. But, he said, "When it comes to our endeavors that try to take advantage of internet technology, where we can provide our customers with more fun and entertainment, then I think we can say we have been very, very proactive and well-received."