Nintendo are to release a new voice communication system for the Wii called Wii Speak. This will allow gamers on up to four Wii's around the world to talk via the magic of the internet.

Unlike voice chat on the PS3 and XBox which generally use a headset, Wii Speak will continue Nintendo's push to make the Wii a social gaming system. The Wii Speak will use a room mic and your tv's speakers so that everyone in the room can speak and hear. This also makes sense from a movement perspective, it's hard to play Wii boxing when you are tethered to a headset. This approach will not get in the way of flailing about like a lunatic when you play

I wonder if we will see a Wii See addon at some point, allowing full video conferencing type communications?

I can see this being great for families and friends who are far apart, to get together and socialise over a game of Mario cart.

The Wii Speak channel launches on the 16th November (just in time for those absent family members to phone in christmas/thanksgiving). No price information yet.

More info at PC Advisor