Nintendo is planning to really beef up its online efforts with the Wii U, but don't fret Mario loyalists, it doesn't look like they plan to nickel and dime you with a subscription for their online service. Company president Satoru Iwata spoke to the possibility of a subscription-based service during a shareholders meeting, saying that such a move wouldn't be “the best approach.”
With Nintendo's Miiverse set to play a major role in connecting their new online community, Iwata made it clear that he doesn't want to alienate any Nintendo gamers by segmenting the market with a subscription.
Nintendo, that has got to be the smartest move you've made all year week!
[Source]