The Wii U is coming with an improved friend code system and non-mandatory achievements.
Nintendo of America president, Reggie Fils-Aime has confirmed that the Wii U will be using a friend code system, but not the same one used for the company’s current consoles. Under the Nintendo Network, which will eventually replace the current system, each user will have a unique account, rather than a friend code for each game they own.
“You will be able to identify people as friends and have a certain level of interaction vs. a different level of interaction for the more general population,” he told Kotaku. “The method by which you identify someone as a friend is a lot simpler than what’s happening today with Friend Codes.”
Nintendo’s friend code system was ostensibly introduced to keep impressionable young kiddywinks away from the various shambling, human horror-stories that inhabit the internet. While it worked in that regard, the system also made gaming with acquaintances a massive pain in the rear, as players would have to meet outside of the service and exchange their 12-digit friend codes before they could play together.
Achievements will also be making an appearance on the new platform, though unlike Microsoft and Sony, Nintendo isn’t making their inclusion mandatory for all titles. Fils-Aime also confirmed that the console won’t feature any anti-used games technology.
Source: Kotaku
