So with all the buzz about 3DS from Nintendo's recent event, where they confirmed the presence of online play in specific titles (while its certainly implied for others, i only know of SSF4 where they have explicitly stated it)

To my knowledge, Nintendo also glossed over details of the virtual handheld. So we are left to speculate, but the speculation is highly significant, because i would be rather shocked quite frankly if Nintendo retained the exact same online setup as before. While it would be hard to make the case that thier lacklustre online implementation has really hurt their sales, either of software or hardware, i would definitely bet that they're receiving significant pressure from 3rd parties to get their online act together, both in making a more attractive online marketplace and a more user-friendly online multiplayer model, and given that the 3DS seems to be trying to lean somewhat towards the "hardcore" sphere, Nintendo might be trying to appeal that way on the online front, but we shall see

I honestly don't know what they'll do. I'm afraid that if they do make 3DS same as Wii and DSi, then that means the next console will be exactly the same too, but at the same time them being so tight-lipped about it can't lead to something very significantly revised, can it?

Maybe there are so tight-lipped about it because they have totally revised it. If they haven't it would mean they don't seem to think it's a big issue so why be tight-lipped about it? Maybe I am just looking at it wrong.

Also I can remember interviews were Nintendo basically admitted having lackluster online and that it was somewhat hurtful for them. I also seem to remember they tried to think of ways to get people buy more downloadable stuff. So at the least I expect some improvement in the way the online shopping will work. Though I really hope online play is also improved.

I have faith in you Nintendo please don't disappoint.

They would've announced it already if the online system was radically different.

That would already be a huge improvement in my opinion, still like to see them throwing the friend codes out of the window entirely. But I actually think this has the most change of how they will handle online on there next generation consoles. Somehow Nintendo has to go against the grain at times, sometimes very annoying and sometimes they hurt themselves because of it, but maybe also a reason why they are so successful.

Actually, I think it'll be a single Friend code, but still with no unified account.

But they're even keeping quiet stuff like the Virtual Handheld, and i would at least assume that was in place by launch, so there are different features they're neglecting to talk about, also how Nintendo points will work and whether the existing DSiWare library will be available for download

Your point is valid (as i mentioned in the OP), but that just makes it an even chance if it being there or not.

I don't understand what "unified account" means, someone help me out? :)

Think LIVE, PSN, Steam. One account, one unified friends list that spans all games, being able to activate the account on multiple devices is a plus, instead of Wii/DSi's setup where the console is your account as far as managing downloads goes, and each online-enabled game represents its own unique account with unique friends lists

thank you  mate! then i think i'll go with a unified account, surely they have learned there lesson by now.I hope...

My guess is that they have gotten their act together. They haven't mentioned anything about online, but like you said, SSFIV 3D will launch with online. If anything, Nintendo is planning somthing huge with the 3DS.

After watching, and studying  the video closely, I saw

-A GAMERTAG- LIKE SYSTEM (Pause the video at 1:09)

-AN ACHIEVEMENTS LIKE SYSTEM (Pause the video at 1:18)

Overall, I think it will be good