Online Connectivity Very Important to Nintendo Wii U

Shigeru Miyamoto, Nintendo's famous games designer and father of franchises like Mario or Zelda, has revealed that online connectivity and features are going to be extremely important for the Wii U home console.

Nintendo presented its brand new console, the Wii U, three weeks ago at E3 2011, and, since then, has been revealing lots of details about the device, from its power output to the compromises made on price.

Now, Shigeru Miyamoto has talked with MTV Multiplayer about the online functions of the Wii U, and how the device will place such features front and center, because of their importance to gaming today.

"We're not going to sit here and say that our goal is to become the number one online gaming company, because that's not our goal," said Miyamoto.

"But, understanding that the types of experiences our consumers like to play do often contain elements to them that can be improved or may even require an online connection and also knowing that the system is going to have a browser I think suggests that obviously internet and internet connectivity is going to be very important for the system."

The unique touchscreen controller will also play a big role in many online functions, as Miyamoto believes it can be used in multiple ways.

"Also by having the smaller screen, being able to go online and perhaps see what game your friend is playing or see what TV they're watching, I think there's a lot of possibilities for how you could use that. Certainly internet functionality is something that will be important for the system."

The Mii system will also come into play, as players can create their own online avatar and have them interact in a variety of ways.

In the end, however, Miyamoto emphasizes that the Wii U's online capabilities will be robust and please lots of gamers, casual and hardcore ones

"This is a system that will have a great deal of appeal for its online connectivity. A key word for Nintendo in the online sphere has been creating an experience that's comfortable for all players, so we'll still look at that and stick to our idea of trying to create an online experience that's welcoming to everyone."

The Nintendo Wii U is currently scheduled to appear in the first half of next year.