Nintendo disappointed their many loyal fans and GC owners by announcing that they will not showcase any first-party online-enabled titles at this year's E3.
While Microsoft and Sony are doing everything in, their considerable, power to market, promote and further their online console offerings, Nintendo seem to be sticking to their "it's too soon" policy.
It all started when Shigeru Miyamoto, in a recent interview, hinted that Mario Kart online would not be a good idea. Despite those comments however, most expected Nintendo to push forward with online plans, after all a company whose console is struggling should be keeping up with its competition, right?
Apparently not so; in an interview with Computer and Video Games, Nintendo of Europe PR manager Shelly Friend was asked why Nintendo are shying away from online console gaming while Microsoft and Sony are moving on, her reply?
Online is what everyone is currently focusing on, but that does not necessarily mean that it is here and now. The fact that all these games can be playable online doesn't mean people will be. It's a nice, sexy thing to talk about but I think the reality is a little way off.
She added: I know our stance always seems like we're dissing it or ignoring it, but Nintendo's been looking at connectivity and online elements for many, many years - probably a lot longer than anyone else - and is continuing to. Nintendo is about making things mass market and we do not see this yet as mass market. If online can bring that element of unique surprising gameplay, then it will form a part of Nintendo's plans, but until that is ready then we won't.
So those statements make it crystal clear, no first-party online titles at E3.
In order to better explain the company's position she also added I think the key thing now is that we're focusing on games that everyone can play.
Although no online games will be shown, Nintendo will still go ahead with the planned presentation of some form of LAN connectivity for GameCube, which will, most probably, cater for extended multiplayer sessions but not the full online play people were hoping for.
Unfortunately for Nintendo fans this means no Mario Kart Online, Pokemon Online or the eagerly anticipated online aspects of Animal Crossing 2.
