Wii U Miiverse Eliminate Friends Requests for Users Under 12

Video game hardware maker Nintendo is limiting the ability of young users of the new Wii U home console to send and receive friend requests using the Miiverse social network.

The Miiverse Code of Conduct states, quoted by Eurogamer, that, “For the protection of younger users, direct friend requests are not possible in Miiverse for users aged 12 and under.”

In order to become friends those who are under 12 will need to obtain a Network ID and then enter it using the friend list available in the Home menu.

Nintendo adds, “We encourage younger users to make friends on Wii U only if they are friends in real life (such as friends from the same school or neighbourhood). Therefore, do not attempt to exchange your Nintendo Network ID with other users on Miiverse.”

Nintendo is traditionally very careful about protecting its users from unwanted intrusions and suspect social contact.