IGN N-Podcast 60 and Summary - How Wii doesn't even compare to Current Gen.

[Gnizmo]

Gamerace said:

Absolutely granted any lag would kill the game. However it was never even attempted.   Yes, it was an artistic decision by Miyamoto and I agree it's best played together in the same room where you get a lot of laughs.   But... there is something to be said to catering to your loyal fans.   Online would not have cost much for them to impliment and while I'd rather play it with people locally too, it'd be nice to play it online as well.   Brawl and Kart are better locally too for that matter but I still play them online.  I don't see the difference.

Artistic vision is the difference. Miyamoto had an idea of how he wanted the game to be experienced. That idea did not translate into online gameplay so it was never included. I can understand being disapointed, and I can understand still wanting it. Calling them lazy is either ignorant, or intentionally hostile though. Sticking to your design ideals is not lazy. It is just an artist getting caught up in his work.

Edit: Just to be clear I would like to state I am not objecting to your desire for online play in NSMBWii. I am objecting to the claim it was done because they were lazy. Everyone has the right to bitch about whatever they like so long as they are bitching for the right reasons.