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[thefro]

I don't have a problem with this, and obviously it covers Nintendo's liability.

Hopefully they have parental controls turned on by default as well for these accounts.

 

[iceatcs]

Oh dear, poor orphan children.

 

[jman2050]

...Has Nintendo never heard of credit card holds?

 

[Zee-Row]

This is awesome! Now parents can't sue Nintendo if something happens online! This is such a genius idea!

 

[wildfire]

Still think Nintendo should take the hit though, rather than the consumer.

Even if Nintendo only gained half the sales the wii made, that 50 cents still amounts to 22 million in the WiiU's lifetime.

 

[Lancehead]

Did Nintendo say anything about this? I only see the confirmation dialogue in the OP where they put it as a matter of parental consent, but I see many in the thread pitching it as a move against pedophilia.

 

[Atcha]

is that just for the child account ?

 

[Bony Manifesto]

This is awesome! Now parents can't sue Nintendo if something happens online! This is such a genius idea!

A lot of people seem to be saying stuff like this, but I'm not seeing the logic. Where does the extra legal security come from?

 

[Metalmurphy]

I approve of this method. Very smart way to make sure the kids got their parents to agree.

A lot of people seem to be saying stuff like this, but I'm not seeing the logic. Where does the extra legal security come from?

Seeing as this requires a credit card to buy, kids with credit cards aren't that common I think.

 

[RurouniZel]

I'd rather they refund the charges so that there'd be less complaining, but otherwise I can see why Nintendo would rather do this to alleviate themselves of any liability regarding online interaction.

 

[The_Hitcher89]

A lot of people seem to be saying stuff like this, but I'm not seeing the logic. Where does the extra legal security come from?

2+2=Paedophile scare

 

[TunaLover]

Good, the less kids infesting online comunity the better.

 

[freddy]

Did Nintendo say anything about this? I only see the confirmation dialogue in the OP where they put it as a matter of parental consent, but I see many in the thread pitching it as a move against pedophilia.

Nintendo Direct will probably mention it at some stage.

 

[Bony Manifesto]

Seeing as this requires a credit card to buy, kids with credit cards aren't that common I think.

But you can create an account without a credit card if you say you're over 18, right?

 

[jman2050]

A lot of people seem to be saying stuff like this, but I'm not seeing the logic. Where does the extra legal security come from?

It makes it more difficult for parents to claim they didn't give their consent for their kids to be on the service I guess.

But you can create an account without a credit card if you say you're over 18, right?

In that case Nintendo is no longer liable anyway so it doesn't matter.

 

[ElectricBlanketFire]

Seeing as this requires a credit card to buy, kids with credit cards aren't that common I think.

Credit card? You got it!

 

[Goldmund]

nvm, can't read.

 

[Htown]

It makes it more difficult for parents to claim they didn't give their consent for their kids to be on the service I guess.



In that case Nintendo is no longer liable anyway so it doesn't matter.

Yeah, the point is that there is literally no way for a minor to get online other than

1) Getting a parent's permission via credit card

or

2) Lying about their birthday

In either case, a parent can't blame Nintendo for letting their kid online.

 

[Randolph Freelander]

This is a good idea in theory.

Charging everybody 50 cents for a profile would be a better idea in practice.

 

[Bony Manifesto]

In that case Nintendo is no longer liable anyway so it doesn't matter.

So this isn't actually about protecting kids online, rather it's about Nintendo being able to cover their ass legally? If it's only for Nintendo's benefit, then that's even more reason for them to refund the fee!

 

[Platy]

This is a good idea in theory.

Charging everybody 50 cents for a profile would be a better idea in practice.

I'm with you on this ...

 

[whatsinaname]

Interesting move. A CYA where if something does go wrong, they have a legal "guardian" of the account holder in the owner of the credit card. It makes sense to have something show up on the credit card, otherwise kids might just try our random card numbers or use their parents card and hope they don't notice the small temporary hold.

As to why 50 cents, you have to remember a large portion of that will go directly to Visa/MasterCard. For such small over the web transactions , the fee might be as high as 30 cents.

 

[Acrylic7]

Isn't this a good thing, or am i missing something

1. Its just 50 cents. and it further covers Nintendo s ass from more BS that all console manufacturers have to go through.
2. Its a far better tactic than asking for age and an email, where everyone lies.
3. its a one time thing, right?

 

[kliklik]

Why are they trying to prevent kids from creating fake minor accounts?

"Gosh! I really wanted to make myself a child account with age restrictions. You got me, Nintendo - I'm a kid and have no credit card. Foiled again!"

 

[Writer_Head]

If the purpose is verification, why is it nonrefundable?

eh...uhm...
...
...Next question, please?

 

[AzaK]

Reverse paedophile protection: all kids will now say theyre just 18 and get a normal account to fratenise with sexual predators online. Paedophiles however will be put off by their Mii's 18 year old status. NINTENOVATION IN ONLINE ACCOUNTS.

I imagine parental controls will allow you to set if someone can make a mii/account. Therefore the parents should go int, set the controls to give themselves full access and noone else. Then the parents have to make the accounts for the kids.

Charging money sucks arse, but I see the whole Credit Card verification being good to limit fake minors. However they should really just give you a small credit to the eShop for that.

Great idea for limiting, but pretty shitty they charge you for it.

 

[TheGreatDivide]

How does this protect anyone or change anything? If a child is going to make a purchase on the store that their parents don't want, presumably they've already found a way to acquire the card. What does a 50c fee achieve? I'm genuinely intrigued.

 

[bryehn]

How much does it cost to register as a sex offender?

...I didn't read the thread, apologies if my joke is stale.

 

[KingFire]

Credit card? You got it!

 

[Sir_Crocodile]

Wouldn't the act of taking and then refunding 50 cents cost nintendo money?

probably why they're not bothering

Credit card? You got it!

brilliant

 

[EdwardTivrusky]

How does this protect anyone or change anything? If a child is going to make a purchase on the store that their parents don't want, presumably they've already found a way to acquire the card. What does a 50c fee achieve? I'm genuinely intrigued.

Closest i can fathom is Htown's - Nintendo are not liable... answer. It's about removing Nintendo from complaints about material children can access on the Nintendo Network.

I've still yet to see any segregation of junior and adult content or actions mentioned yet so absolving Nintendo of responsibility is still my main theory behind this.

 

[Acrylic7]

How does this protect anyone or change anything? If a child is going to make a purchase on the store that their parents don't want, presumably they've already found a way to acquire the card. What does a 50c fee achieve? I'm genuinely intrigued.

It requires an adults credit card and maybe their personal info (something a child should not have access to). So I'm guessing that if the child were to play something like GTA5 alarms would go off.

Parents don't usually pay attention but when they have to input personal info or pay cash they pay close attention. I know I do.

and if the kid gets into some trouble due to a games violence ect, Then Nintendo is covered. They basically have you on record stating that you are a bad parent that lets your kid play gta5.

 

[Anticitizen One]

It should be $10

 

[MrCunningham]

People are ok with this. Wow.

People over the age of 20 with a credit card: OK with it.

Under the age of 20 without a cc: Hate it.

Me personally? It doesn't seem like a big deal.

 

[Liberty4all]

Its pretty arrogant to be honest.

 

[hitmon]

Wow, Nintendo must be desperate for cash.

 

[The Technomancer]

Its pretty arrogant to be honest.

Wow, Nintendo must be desperate for cash.

I don't get either of these reactions. What are your feelings about XBL?

 

[Tylahedras]

While this is true, very few of those Americans have consistent internet access (which would require either of those things) and are early adopters of new, cutting-edge video game consoles (which would require a significant amount of money).

Both good points. I'm not trying to indicate Nintendoom.

I don't think the price is very important, Nintendo will sell out regardless. I more think it's a slight drag on long term sales in the states.

I think Microsoft's ability to get the 360 to lower price points quickly really helped with the middle America crowd, and they didn't care about paying for online, since as you say, they don't have the internet connection for it anyway.

Edit* Misunderstood, thought this was to set up a profile. I see it's just for network access. Still some slight crossover but yeah, as you say not a big deal.

 

[SLV]

No biggie, kids at least can get debit cards

HOOOHOOHOOO, the whole system busted !

 

[Neo C.]

Of all the things one could rage over the Wii U... how is this topic able to grow over several pages?

 

[FantasticMrFoxdie]

Wow.

 

[hitmon]

I don't get either of these reactions. What are your feelings about XBL?

I don't pay for Xbox LIVE. I don't recall the Xbox 360 requiring a charge to create a profile for a minor.

 

[qq more]

Well, shit. I'm only 3 years old and a half.

 

[Haunted]

Not sure if I'm impressed by the shamelessness or the ingenuity. Should provide better control than an age-gate at least.

 

[TheGreatDivide]

Closest i can fathom is Htown's - Nintendo are not liable... answer. It's about removing Nintendo from complaints about material children can access on the Nintendo Network.

I've still yet to see any segregation of junior and adult content or actions mentioned yet so absolving Nintendo of responsibility is still my main theory behind this.

It requires an adults credit card and maybe their personal info (something a child should not have access to). So I'm guessing that if the child were to play something like GTA5 alarms would go off.

Parents don't usually pay attention but when they have to input personal info or pay cash they pay close attention. I know I do.

and if the kid gets into some trouble due to a games violence ect, Then Nintendo is covered. They basically have you on record stating that you are a bad parent that lets your kid play gta5.

I guess that kinda makes sense.

 

[OldJadedGamer]

I don't get either of these reactions. What are your feelings about XBL?

There is no fee to set up a minor account.

 

[PetriP-TNT]

Parental controls. Truly Orwellian.

Hide yo kids, hide yo wife, they are raping everybody at Nintendo Network.

 

[metalslimer]

There is no fee to set up a minor account.

Besides the initial 30-60 dollar startup fee overall.

 

[The Technomancer]

There is no fee to set up a minor account.

So is it just the minor part of it? If Nintendo charged a one time 50 cent fee for every account (without charging for online service from that point forward, call it the "online service purchase price") would that be alright?

 

[Baller. PhD]

LOL at people freaking out about 50 cents.

If you're that bitter about 50 cents (only for MINORS) then you shouldn't be buying a $300 console.

I mean really. You guys are being ridiculous.