Online isn't a major focus for them and isn't anywhere near PSN/XBL, so they shouldn't draw attention to it if they can help it.

Absolutely they should. They should spell it right out for consumers who can't see that online fees will cost them an additional $400 or so on another system. And they should link that free online marketing with top online titles like COD and MarioKart.

they need to get a serious online infrastructure first before playing their online as a card.

All I know is that Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 works flawlessly.  It took almost the exact same amount of time for me to get into an online game as it does for me to get into an online CoD: BO1 game on Xbox 360.  Rarely disconnects or lags, either.  Other games I've played just need more players and more mics.  The online is leagues better than anything the Wii had already.

Messages and invites are fine, too.  No cross game chat, etc. either.  It's definitely no Xbox Live or anything but it's not garbage, either.

Given that their online structure is still pretty simple and unified, it really isn't that big of a card to play unless they manage to create a online multiplayer or some sort of other internet related phenomenon that draws people toward the system for it.

It is attractive for me at this stage (no fee). It's difficult maintaining 2 online subscriptions for 2 systems (worse for 3), and that's after purchasing the hardware, games and peripherals.

If their infrastructure is up to par with XBL or provides value like PSN then I would not mind paying for it in the future.

At this stage I probably would not pay for it since I already have to pay for PS+, and I only see myself playing Nintendo exclusives on the Wii U, and currently they don't support much online play. However, if they did charge, I'd gladly give them my money to enjoy Smash Bros. Wii U online. I'm probably going to sink more hours in that game than every other title on any platform combined, so I might as well pay for it lulz.

I agree.

It won't sway the nerd gamer... it will sway the parent buying systems for their child.

"Online, i'm not paying monthly for that bullshit if i don't have to"

is what i'd expect to hear.

Anyone who cares about the quality difference likely already knows.

Yep they should go for it. Though any positives from this are balanced by the fact that the nintendo gaming systems are perceived (rightly or wrongly) to have much inferior MP than plastation or xbox consoles.

Hopefully, when the addictive Miiverse comes to 3DS, we won't have to worry about friend codes ever again.   The Wii U already dropped them.  A man can dream, right?

Definitly. Its a strong point they have now that Sony went into the paid boat.