Nintendo has announced a new feature built specifically for social gaming - the new Wii Speak Channel. The Wii Speak Channel allows users to keep in touch with friends and family a whole lot easier. The new service will be launched across Europe on December 5th this year and will connect users with the free-to-use Nintendo Wi-Fi connection.

However, this isn’t a one-to-one personal chat feature. Wii Speak will connect directly to the console and pick up the conversation from an entire room of people meaning the fun - and also the arguments - are shared all around. This feature will also bring the user’s Mii to life - as each personal character will appear on screen to represent that specific user, it will also speak in time with what the user says.

The user can access the Wii Speak Channel from the main menu allowing contact with four other Wii users which can be anywhere in the world - here you can chat, share pictures and messages all at no extra cost. There is, however, a “Friend Code” that each users need in order to communicat. I guess this safety precaution have also been thought of by Nintendo.

Future plans for the Wii Speak include incorporation into other Wii games, meaning that new opportunities can be created for social game-play amongst the console’s fans.