Flow began life as a flash game

Following Microsoft's decision to welcome independent games (indie, or third-party developed casual games) on its Xbox Live service, Nintendo has announced its WiiWare service will do the same.

WiiWare will launch in the US this May for the Wii console. It features a range of online services.

Sony shall also disseminate casual games online online via the Playstation Network. It already hosts "Flow" and "Everyday Shooter," games made by teams of just one of two people.

Though indie games are unlikely to boost console sales, they may serve to boost the big-time consoles' "indie cred," an IDC analyst told Reuters.