In yet another Nintendo marketing move that will challenge the gaming industry, Nintendo of America President and COO Reggie Fils-Aime hinted at making the console's online services free of charge for its users in an interview with CNET. Conversely, Microsoft's Live service for the XBox 360 charges an annual fee to play online.

Last week, Microsoft revealed it would sell video and television downloads via the Live service. Nintendo is focusing purely on the fun of gameplay rather than tout its next-gen console as a multimedia center as competitors Sony and Microsoft do.

"We view online gaming as essentially an enhanced way to enjoy the gaming experience and drive more sales of hardware and software," said Fils-Aime.

Kicking off this month, Wii's $200 million marketing blitz is aiming to take marketshare from Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Sony's PS3.