Nintendo Connect

Nintendo Connect is an online multiplayer gaming and digital media service which will unify the existing Wii and Nintendo DS online network, Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection and introduces many new features. The service will serve as the central hub for online functions on the Wii, Nintendo DSi, the upcoming Nintendo 3DS and Wii HD video game consoles and will accompany the Wii HD launch.
User Information
Mii
Mii in the Nintendo Connect network generally serves as the universal system for the whole player identification, rewards, friends, and digital avatar system and also replaces the 12-code Friend System currently used with the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection service. Specifically though, it will only serve as the player’s digital avatar, profile information, reputation, and summary of recent activity. Information displayed on Miis include accumulated ‘Credits’, recent games played, current status, and the Mii Name as well as information such as recent comments posted and the About Me section if the user chooses to provide it. Other players can also post comments on a Mii profile which serves as a more personalized reputation view to other players in the Nintendo Connect network.
Nintendo will also start requiring developers to integrate Mii avatars into video game titles to strengthen its general use.
Mii Name
A Mii Name is used to identify the player on the Nintendo Connect network. A Mii Name must be unique and can be up to 16 characters long in length including numbers, letters, and spaces. The Mii Name cannot be changed and the number of profiles that can be stored on the system depends on the console in use.
Credits
‘Credits’ is an achievement and reward system used to measure rewards users accumulate. These rewards dubbed ‘Credits’ can be used to buy almost anything in the Wii Shop Channel. Some things like certain DLCs can only be bought using credits earned from a certain game allowing developers to encourage players to play their games more.
To limit players from using ‘Credits’ as a primary source to gain items from the Wii Shop, Nintendo will place specific dates, which will usually be in a per-month basis, to which users can spend their accumulated ‘Credits’.
All Virtual Console games do not have reward users with credits as they do not support the Credits system. Also, some WiiWare games do not feature any ‘Credits’ support and therefore do not reward users with any ‘Credits’.
Mii Hub Channel
The Mii Hub will serve as the central hub for all users in the Nintendo Connect network. Digital avatars will serve as the visual representation of the player in the Mii Hub. Users can walk freely around in the virtual Mii Hub world. Users can find players playing games in a certain designated area which can feature certain features related to the game (ex. landscaping change, game cover art, animations, etc.). Developers can designate their own space and design it to which it will basically serve as the central hub as to which players are playing the specific game or media. The Mii Hub will also serve as the online multiplayer search function allowing users to find specific players and join a server game. Players can choose a up to 10 favorites to which it will automatically show the friend's current status. The Mii Hub feature will only be available to the Wii and Wii HD consoles.
Nintendo Chat
Nintendo Chat will serve as the chat system for the Nintendo Connect network. Users can chat anywhere and anytime. Nintendo Chat also features a Private Chat feature which lets users voice chat with a friend privately. Nintendo Chat also features Video Chat exclusively for the Wii and Wii HD, allowing full-screen video chatting. Video Chat requires the Mii Camera accessory or any third-party compatible camera add-ons. Nintendo Chat will be available for all Nintendo Connect-compatible systems including the Nintendo DSi and Wii and will require a headset to function for certain systems.
Wii Shop Channel
The Wii Shop Channel is an online shop for the Wii and Wii HD video game console that serves as the digital delivery service for Nintendo Connect allowing users to download Virtual Console and WiiWare games, and new channels. Downloading may require redeeming Wii Points and/or 'Credits'. Available software is currently organized into three sections: Virtual Console, WiiWare, and Wii Channels.
WiiConect24
WiiConnect24 is a feature of the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection service specifically for the Wii console that allows the system to be connected to the Internet even when the console is in standby mode. Games and channels that utilize WiiConnect24 can send and receive data even while the game is not being played. Players can also send friends messages using WiiConnect24 from the Wii Message Board. When a message is received, the Wii's slot light will glow blue. WiiConnect24 will also be featured in the Nintendo Connect network.

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