i'm not too bothered about it, but I though it would be a standard feature by now. What with being built into Xbox 360 and Playstation vita, along with PC (because of skype), Nintendo may have it's own online network now but it's still one step behind because of limited voice chat

This only applies to in-game chat.  And to further the confusion, here's a tidbit on what kind of headsets will be allowed on Wii U (hint: it's not Bluetooth):

http://www.examiner.com/article/wii-u-voice-chat-confusion-is-an-unforced-error-by-nintendo

"Third-party peripheral makers can create headsets that plug into the USB port of the Wii U (wirelessly or wired) but developers have to specifically program game and chat audio through the USB."

This is all so disappointing.

I don't care too much about this but is it possible that Nintendo is planning or working with a third party to have "software based" cross-game chat. As several people have already asked, what are they doing with that 1GB of RAM?

It could simply be downloadable from the Nintendo store and that way it's usage could be governed by the parental controls on the system. If Mummy and Daddy don't want little Johnny talking to randoms then no download.

Just a thought.

Ok cool. Honestly, I don't care for in game chat, since the games I play tend to be ones that are best played without constant chatter in your ear. And I don't really care for Moderm Warfare type games - but I would love the option, for example, if I get the chance to play Dead Space 3 co-op on Wii U. So I can see why Nintendo will leave it all up to the developers to impliment if they so chose.

Other question though, does MS have a patent on cross game chat? I heard this being said, so I was wonder if it is true.

I was afraid you would say that :)

I honestly think some gamers are over-reacting. Examples:

1) The pro controller mic jack. Maybe the headset doesn't need a jack, maybe it's bluetooth or super wifi or whatever the U uses.

2) It's possible that Nintendo can't invest in a VOIP service at the moment. Remember guys, these are not just features, many come at a cost.

3) It's possible that the API allows the dev servers to communicate with other dev servers in case gamers want to cross-game chat. It seems to be up to the devs for the U.

I'm sorry but... please just fragging copy Microsoft on this, they managed to get it right back in 2005! O.0

It's so easy to say things like this. Microsoft has lots of money and the infrastructure to do VOIP. They also charge for their online services (I'm subscribed to Live and it aint free).

I don't understand how you guys don't undertsand that. It's easy to ask for features, but we esp. on vgchartz should understand that it's not just a feature, there are requirements and constraints surrounding said feature, so it's not fair to expect it and no online fees, no expensive cost and no maintenance.

Sorry, but irrelevant, and I have no trouble understanding it, Nintendo is a game publisher and hardware maker that just got of a high with the Wii and DS, lack of money is no excuse.

6 years on and their are plenty of services, companies and employees that have done it years ago, it's not like voip is a gargantuan monster that's extremely hard for any hardware company to tackle anymore, especially when they've had 6 years to contemplate and work on it.

I use Skype for all my online gaming, so this news doesn't bother me.

No bro, you don't understand it. First of all it has nothing to do with the time it takes to contemplate.

VOIP has a kick-off cost that Nintendo may not want to spend, for what return it gives. The servers cost a lot of money, and the service is high-bandwidth, so they need some very solid infrastructure there (networking equipment, geo-scattering and all). It's not something Nintendo CAN do I don't even think.

For such an insignificant feature, I don't think they are interested in the costs.