Miiverse, Nintendo's social network, is now accessible on PC and mobile devices by going to the Miiverse website through an internet browser. The beta version includes access to your Activity Feed, where you can view updates from friends and give them Yeahs. You'll also be able to browse communities and check your notifications. However, the current version of Miiverse for PC and mobile is read-only. You won't be able to post updates, nor will you be able to register for the service. These features are exclusive to Wii U only, for now.

Read more: Coming this year to 3DS »

Nintendo continues to slowly narrow down a release date for its Miiverse smartphone and web app. At the Game Developers Conference, Nintendo's Kiyoshi Mizuki said that the app is coming sometime in April or May, which is just slightly more specific than its previous promise of Spring.

Read more: Miyamoto joins Miiverse »

Nintendo spent a lot of time talking about the Miiverse in today's Nintendo Direct promising updates and new features in the near future. It also announced a new Miiverse app for smartphones, detailed back in June, would be coming this spring.

Read more: Miiverse updates coming »

Wii Sports quickly became the "killer app" for Nintendo's last-generation Wii. But, what will lure in the mass market to Wii U? Surprisingly, Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime says that the company's online offering via Miiverse could be it.

Read more: Feature will 'pleasantly surprise people' »

Nintendo has traditionally been the most closed off of the big three. While Microsoft has opened up Xbox Live to iOS, and Sony has a games platform for Android devices, Nintendo has avoided broadening its reach outside of its proprietary hardware. At E3, however, the company announced plans to open up Miiverse--its upcoming social network--beyond Wii U.

You'll be able to access Miiverse from the web on PC and mobile phones. However, you'll be able to do much more than look at status updates. You'll even be able to purchase games and queue them up for delivery while your system is on standby.

Read more: Games will be ready 'by the time you arrive home' »

Nintendo's Miiverse seems pretty progressive, by Nintendo standards. You'll be able to see other friends' statuses, leave messages or tips, and take screenshots. But if you were expecting unfettered access to leave any message you want, no such luck. This is Nintendo we're talking about.

Read more: 'Human resources' to review messages »

When you launch your Wii U and log yourself into the Nintendo Network, you'll be greeted by Miiverse. It's a virtual space where your Mii can check on the status of others in your network: other Miis on your console, Miis you've friended, and Miis enjoying the same games as you. As with Near on Vita, you'll not only see what people are playing, but what they think of the game. It's a decidedly Nintendo approach to online social gaming.

Read more: Connect Wii U to 3DS, PC, and mobile »