In a recent press release by IGN's GameSpy, the company announced it would continue its partnership with Nintendo and provide a more robust online experience for the Wii and DS. Nintendo first worked with GameSpy to develop Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection to power online multiplayer DS games, and now that relationship will expand to the Wii. According to GameSpy they will provide third-party developers the tools to use the Wii's online capabilies along with friend rosters, player matchmaking and ranking data.

Nintendo has flirted with online multiplayer for a few years now, so hopefully this is a step in the more serious direction.