PS3 and Wii — Head To Head
1up has a piece looking at the Wii vs. the PS3, running down the particulars on graphical power, online capabilities, launch titles, and control scheme. For the most part, they're siding with the PS3: "Traditionally, Nintendo's never been much for online gaming (the GameCube had two online games&ever), but Wii appears poised to finally bring Mario and Co. into the multiplayer arena. Wii will use a modified version of the DS' Wi-Fi Connection software to facilitate online matchmaking. (Most likely, you'll only be able to play against players who give you 'friend codes' first, just like with the DS.) Like the PS3, the Wii will offer online gaming free of charge."
I don't have a single friend code in my DS and still can play online against other people. You don't see their codes, but you don't need them to play online. They're only useful if you want to play against specific people.
Maybe the author should do some research instead of pulling "facts" out of thin air.
I like how the writer assumes that friend codes will be involved, and completely missed the whole concept of them. You can play anyone in most games without a friend code, but you'd have to settle for random matchmaking. Animal Crossing is the only game I can think of off the top of my head that required a friend code.
And I especially like how he says Nintendo is entering the world of multiplayer gaming. First, they've had the WiFi Connection running for more than a year. Second, just because they haven't participated much in online multiplayer gaming, he ignores all of their other great multiplayer and party games. The way I see it, online games are second fiddle to offline multiplayer. I'd rather be together with my friends, but if that can't happen, we resort to using the internet to play together.
It's like sex, except I'm having it!