Following last week's announcement of an April 11th European release date for Mario Kart Wii, Nintendo has updated the game's hub page on its UK website with confirmation of the ability to text chat with registered friends outside of races.
"You’ll be able to race against up to 11 other players from around the world in massive online races or race against your friends. You can create rooms for friends to join and even text chat while you’re waiting for other racers."
Given that previous Wii firmware updates have made it possible to use USB keyboards in the Internet Channel and elsewhere, it would seem likely that Mario Kart Wii will support the use of keyboards in addition to the familiar Wii Remote text input method.
As well as chatting with each other prior to competing, friends will be able to jump into each other's races at any time, serving as spectators until joining in the action when the next circuit commences. Rounding off the game's online features, Mario Kart Wii will install its own Channel on the Wii Menu that will allow players to compare their top times with the best the world has to offer, download ghost data to compete against, and participate in special events organised by Nintendo.
Mario Kart: Double Dash >> Logitech Speedforce Racing WheelWell the wheel was an officially licensed accessory though...
I don't know how convinced I am that a keyboard is necessarily going to be usable. When was the last time a first party game supported a non-first party piece of hardware. Is Nintendo really going to deal with support calls from people that can't make Brand X Wireless Keyboard work on their Wii?
If that thought proves true, let's hope this means we'll get a slick first party wireless keyboard of some sort to go with it and not that we'll be expected to use a cellphone texting interface on the screen....
Nintendo shouldn't be responsible for it. Remember that a wireless USB keyboard isn't any different than a wired one to the device it is being plugged into. Only the keyboard knows it is wireless.
Nintendo shouldn't be responsible for it. Remember that a wireless USB keyboard isn't any different than a wired one to the device it is being plugged into. Only the keyboard knows it is wireless.
It only makes a difference if the wireless keyboards doesn't have a receiver and needs a existing standard to connect to (ex. Logitech bluetooth keyboards) those require a device with a bluetooth card that can accept those types of devices and I'm sure Nintendo designed the Wii to accept connections from Wii remotes and Wii balance boards(so far).
You know, USB hubs do work with the system too. That's what I use with the Wii. I am not gonna worry myself over it being wireless or not.
Too bad the USB port isn't really enabled either.
It only makes a difference if the wireless keyboards doesn't have a receiver and needs a existing standard to connect to (ex. Logitech bluetooth keyboards) those require a device with a bluetooth card that can accept those types of devices and I'm sure Nintendo designed the Wii to accept connections from Wii remotes and Wii balance boards(so far).
Update: IGN has learned from Nintendo of America that the text chat feature will be limited to a selection of pre-determined phrases, and therefore will not be input via an on-screen or physical keyboard.
Because Nintendo knows the evil that lurks in our hearts, the moment we log on, we'll automatically engage in potentially offensive communication that involves sex and or excrement.
QuoteWhen does the hurting stop? >:(
It will stop when people stop having high expectations for games and just enjoy them when they come out.
Seriously, am I the ONLY one who doesn't care for any form of chat? I admit it sounded neat when it was revealed, but I was going to enjoy the game even if it didn't have it.
Since when did we start acting like spoiled babies and get pissed the minute a feature is not in the game or is not what we expected?
Update: IGN has learned from Nintendo of America (http://uk.wii.ign.com/articles/855/855033p1.html) that the text chat feature will be limited to a selection of pre-determined phrases, and therefore will not be input via an on-screen or physical keyboard.
When does the hurting stop? >:(
Update: Never get excited about anything involving the words "Nintendo" and "online"
Update: Never get excited about anything involving the words "Nintendo" and "online"
what do we have to look forward to for this game?? A crippled online? Last-gen graphics?You haven't read a single bit of information on the game have you?
Quotewhat do we have to look forward to for this game?? A crippled online? Last-gen graphics?You haven't read a single bit of information on the game have you?
Mario Kart DS's online mode was crippled as well. Years later and its STILL selling and getting a lot of connections.
I played a worldwide 4 player match yesterday and it setup real quick and easy, same as at launch. Friendly matches on the other hand are a bit of a pickle, some could say a game in itself. It should be much better in Mario Kart Wii though.
