Split-Screen Online Play Supported in Mario Kart Wii

Nintendo is slowly rolling out new details on Mario Kart Wii, with the latest coming through the official Nintendo UK website. A walkthrough of the game’s online component revealed, among other things, the ability to play online with two players on a single console – very sweet. That was certainly atop the wishlist for plenty of Wii owners.

When looking to join a game online, if you happen to be connected with a group that’s already in mid-race, you’ll be able to spectate while you wait for your turn to join in on the action.

Exchanging friend codes will allow you to see who’s online and join a game to easily meet up with friends. While it’s still a far cry from a Halo matchmaking system, this is better than nothing. Which is to say, it’s better than essentially what you’re getting in the communication department, which I would describe as “paltry.” I’m still hurt that I won’t be able to make snide remarks following a successful Banana Peel Beatdown (TM).

We already knew about the Mario Kart Channel that the game would install on your system; the walkthrough says you’ll be able to “check up on a host of options” without needing to pop the game disc in. They don’t go into any specific details on that, so we’ll have to wait and see.

The website promises more details, so we’ll be keeping an eye out for any new information that pops up.