Nintendo banking on Miiverse being the 'killer app'

The Wii U's social messaging Miiverse has been labeled the console's 'killer application' by Nintendo's Reggie Fils-Aime.

The Nintendo America president hails Miiverse as the first social network based around gaming, claiming it sets the Wii U apart from other platforms.

"As the network grows and the installed base grows, it will prove to be a true killer application for the system," he told AllThingsD. "And I say this loving what we have done with Nintendo TVii and loving all the games.

"Until you try it and experience it, you may not totally understand it. People have to leave the current paradigm behind to understand what we are trying to do.

"Miiverse is going to be embedded right on the game platform, so literally some of the activity will be able to happen immediately as people experience it."

The Miiverse will be a virtual lobby where avatars can walk around, while players can interact and share their opinions using speech bubbles. It will be free to anyone who purchases a Wii U.