Tags are easier than number strings?  Will they keep them or transition maybe through update or Wii 2?

never probably

Not sure they'll ever get rid of them unless they can find an alternative that is just as safe to use. To my understanding that's the main reason the system is set up as it is.

Nintendo Friend Codes are a joke a different code for every game. What a huge headache. A gamer tag is a way better and simpler way of online gaming. PS360 have the right approach, simplifying online gaming for their owners.

Doubt they will dump them, but they revise them.

no, you think?

the main question was when

OT: probably never

And that answered his question?

@OP I agree with everybody else. Unless they find another way to keep online "safe" friend codes are here to stay.

When they see it as a necessity just like they finally see the storage problem as a necessity. Probably N6 will have an Xlive like setup.

i think they should quickly i don't use online of the wii much because its a pain having to copy the friend codes.

If it was one friend code for the system I wouldn't mind not being able to make friends online but a different code for every game is BS.

Edit: on topic, by the end of this gen, Nintendo will allow more access to the system so games will be able to do this... when there is a storage solution in the year 2012.