Interesting. An IGN Insider forum member who previously established some cred as a Nintendo insider by predicting the Wiimote speaker says that voice recognition technology is coming to the Wii.

"voice communication will be via wireless, head-mounted microphones" - To be expected, there will be a similar DS VoIP set soon to chat easily in Pokemon Diamond/Pearl.

"Some peripherals for the DS will be compatible with Wii and vice-versa." - So you could use the DS stylus to write a letter to a friend on Animal Crossing Wii.

"Many Nintendo first party games (specifically games designed for a younger audience) will feature a new system currently being developed by Nintendo called 'voice to text communication'. This system also allows online voice communication to be easily censored by the user." - That's a great way to sensor bad language from people not on your friends list, or to not have to hear a friend all the time in a co-op game of Super Smash Bros Brawl.

It is perhaps that last point that gives us the greatest pause. Is this the same voice recognition technology in play in Brain Age for the DS? "Blue. Buh-lew. Buh-rew. BREW! BREW DAMMIT!" Florian Eckhardt

Will Wii Feature Voice Recognition? [Video Games Blogger]