Nintendo Files Online Invitation System Patent

Nintendo has been issued a patent for what is termed an “Invitation system for on-line video games.” (View patent application for US Patent No. 20070123353) Now, as we all know, this doesn’t mean that any sort of system is immediately forthcoming. Nintendo, like any other company that is constantly working on new technology, files for patents all the time. Some get used, some don’t, and some get shelved for possible later consumption.

However, the implications of this patent bear some examination. The patent itself describes a system through which one user can send a game invite to a friend they see logged in to the server. Could this mean that we could see a major change to the way that the Wii handles online play? Maybe a friends list, and an ‘always online’ feature?

Realistically, we don’t even know that this patent will be applied to the Wii. However, it does seem to signify that Nintendo is looking at ways to expand their utilization of the online play and communication that is so prevalent in all facets of gaming today.