14 DAY TRIAL // The Nintendo Wii U's online features are set to include a variety of things completely new to Nintendo platforms, including Xbox 360-like achievements, friends lists, and even online match scheduling.
Nintendo surprised a lot of people with the announcement of the Wii U, its brand new home console and the successor to the hugely successful Wii that is set to appear next year.
Unfortunately for those that wanted all sorts of concrete information about the new device, the Japanese company refrained from actually talking about the console, instead focusing on just the brand new controller that will be used by the device.
Luckily, Ubisoft made quite a few announcements concerning games that it will release for the Wii U next year, and confirmed some parts of the platform's online functionality, via the Official Nintendo Magazine.
The French company revealed that the console can constantly track your online progression, as well as have support for a secure friends lists which, depending on the game, can show you their progress or high scores.
Owners will need to have an account before playing, probably tied into their Club Nintendo one, which might become more similar to the Xbox Live or PlayStation Network services.
Ubisoft also confirmed that achievements will be included in the games made for the console, and they'll be displayed when checking out the profiles of other Wii U owners.
Some games even have the possibility of scheduling online matches using just the controller, while you can do something else with the TV, like watching a movie.
Nintendo of America boss Reggie Fils-Aime confirmed last week after the E3 2011 presentation of the Wii U that the online capabilities of the console are on par with the PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360, so features like friends lists, a persistent online service or achievements shouldn't surprise anyone.
Expect more details about the Wii U in the near future, with Nintendo trying to properly highlight the capabilities of the new device so that everyone, from fans to investors, can understand how it builds on the legacy of the current Wii.