Link: Nintendo Players

I had never even heard of the Nintendo Players website before I came across it. They have a god-awful looking website, but also a very interesting article that looks at all of the officially announced games and what online capabilities–if any–have been revealed for them. The effect when all of this is brought together is startling. Evidently, just because Nintendo has claimed they now "embrace" online play, doesn't mean they are actually going to include it in their games.

The most disappointing news probably comes from the game that shows the most promise for online play, Super Smash Bros. Brawl:

Secondly, the franchise creator and game's producer, Masahiro Sakurai, recently posted on his blog that the development team has not even begun work on any online modes, any online features that do make it into the game will be very simplistic, and there are no plans for any type of online ranking system (which, based on how popular Super Smash Bros. Melee is for large tournaments, seems necessary).

While any of that information could potentially change, it really doesn't seem likely. This does not bode well as many Nintendo fans are likely imagining Nintendo implementing a system to rival Xbox Live. While this has never been promised, the dream is out there, waiting to be realized. Fans will be disappointed to learn that reality will more than likely not even closely resemble their fondest desires.

Pity.