Nintendo unveils social networking 'Miiverse' for upcoming Wii U console

Tokyo, June 4 (ANI): Japan's leading game console maker Nintendo's new Wii U console will have a social networking, according to a report.

Users will be able to share messages and gaming tips via a new social network called the Miiverse, the BBC reports.

The machine will promote the Miiverse in which users can see what others are playing, share self-created game content and swap gaming tips.

The Japanese firm said that members would eventually be able to connect to the network via its 3DS handheld, PCs and smartphones.

The firm's share price has nearly halved since it first announced the Wii U last year after investors expressed doubts about the potential of the next-generation device.

The presentation, by the firm's global president Satoru Iwata, said that when users turned on their console it would show animated avatars on the television screen showing the most popular games at that time.

"We believe it can solve the issue of 'alone together'," Iwata said.

The focus of the network is on a smaller touch screen on the Wii U Game Pad.

However, Patrick Garratt, founder of gaming website VG247, expressed reservations.

"The social aspects in the presentation show Nintendo realises people now need to be constantly connected through their digital devices, but my concern is that the entire system appears to be closed," he said. (ANI)