The heart-breaking news that New Super Mario Bros. Wii gameplay is local-only was not the doing of Nintendo of America boss Reggie Fils-Aime, but instead was the (not so) bright idea of the developers.

“This was a decision made purely by the developers,” he said. “They believe this experience, in the same room, to be elbowing your friends and family members as you’re playing the game [is ideal]. It was really their decision. I personally would have loved for it to be online capable as well, but having played the game, I really can’t fault it for not being online multiplayer.”

While Fils-Aime can’t fault the developers for not adding online multiplayer, the fans sure can. This was another perfect opportunity to get Wii owners in on the online fun. If Super Smash Bros. Brawl and Mario Kart Wii were successful online games, Nintendo should have known better not to leave online out of NSMBW. Oh well, maybe next time.

The game is out now in America and will be out this Friday, November 20, in Europe.