Nintendo Wii

That’s right FREE, just snatched this up from GL, Nintendo Of America president Reggie Fils-Aime has been marked as saying that playing the Wii online will cost the same as the Nintendo DS. FREE! It just does not get any better than that. the interview was brief Q and A style, but here’s the good part.

Q: A few years ago, Nintendo made a conscious decision to lie low when Microsoft introduced Xbox Live and began promoting its subscription online gaming service. In retrospect, does that look like a good decision?

A: I wasn’t here. What I can tell you is the way we’ve approached online play now is really with a view to the masses. With Nintendo DS (a dual-screen handheld player), for example, we offer free Internet play in a wide-ranging series of games. Our focus is getting as many consumers to enjoy that online experience as possible. And we’ve done that.

Q: You’re not pursuing a subscription model?

A: We view online gaming as essentially an enhanced way to enjoy the gaming experience and drive more sales of hardware and software.

Q: How do you extend your online strategy to Wii?

A: It’s the same premise. We will offer online-enabled games that the consumers will not have to pay a subscription fee for. They’ll be able to enjoy that right out of the box. The Wii console is going to be Wi-Fi enabled, so essentially, you’ll be able to plug it in and go. It won’t have hidden fees or costs.

Let’s repeat that. No hidden fees or costs. No subscription means more money for hardware add-ons, games and accessories. Specs aside, with announcements like this Nintendo appears to be winning by appealing to the pockets of buyers. And that may be all they need to do.