Nintendo will begin charging for certain elements of its online-enabled games in the future.

Up to now, Nintendo has boasted quite strongly about its free Wi-Fi Connection service, but the company announced at the Game Developers Conference this week that it has plans to introduce a 'Pay And Play' service for some games.



Nintendo project leader Takashi Aoyama explained that this new expansion will see the company begin "collecting fees for some services [that] will allow us to adapt flexibly." Users will be able to subscribe on a game-by-game basis, but no titles were mentioned and no pricing details were divulged.

What was confirmed though is that a red icon reading 'Pay And Play' will be present in the place of the blue Wi-Fi Connection icon on game packaging - the original icon will only be used for games that are free to play.

Source : Aussie-Nintendo.com - News

I can understand if they are companys other then Nintendo in house games, but if they charge monthly rates for games like Animal Crossing Wii, Mario Kart ,etc. Its just not on, im a big Nintendo fan, but this goes against all that crap they were talking about 'casual' online.

Every game they put a pay to play stick on better be able to have voice chat, communication via keyboard as well as some system other then the friend code system, because while lack of these features is tolerable on a free service, its not up to par if they want us to pay.

If they want to make online playing payable, they should make it like Xbox Live IMO, not charging for every single game. And of course make the whole service worth paying for. Not having too much experience in this matter I don't think it's a wise move by Nintendo, but we'll see. Meanwhile I'll stick to XBL at the moment :>

Is it really neccessary for them to start charging money for online play?

Is it neccessary for Nintendo to take more of our money. I mean, let's set aside the fact that they're wiping their ass with $10,000 dollar bills because of all the money they have from selling however many million Wii consoles, accessories and games - but then take into account how much money they've gotten from the virtual console - which, if I might remind all of you, IS ONE HUNDRED PERCENT ENTIRELY ALL PROFIT!!! I don't see why they need to get greedy and charge...

...if Nintendo wants to charge for games - they better make their online system a lot better - like the 360. Then, not only would I mind shelling out money to play, but I'd probably actually play Wii games online.

I'd like to bet that the "future games" they're taking about that will feature a charge to play online will likely include SSMB and Mario Kart...

Pay and Play already sounds wrong

pay to play? pretty unacceptable, especially seeing how overpriced the Wii games already are (wtf, 60+ usd ?? )

I think Nintendo just opened more doors to the Live service...

OMG. What did you do to Nevermore?! I hope you didn't kill him and took his place. I want Nev back now! Imposter!