I thought that's what they were doing with the DSi...they're trying to test the market for stronger online markets. Basically, Nintendo has been ready to enter the online market for some time. But unlike Microsoft and Sony, who are willing to jump into the market by force (at a loss or making their users pay a fee), Nintendo has always stated they need to have additional revenue sources available to pay for the literally millions of users who would be using their servers and online services.
If things like DSiWare and WiiWare keep doing well, they probably will go full on into online support with their next systems. Using excess funds from services like DSi/WiiWare to cover it.











