When it comes to online gaming, most believe Nintendo lags behind Microsoft and Sony in a distant third.

But Super Mario Bros. and The Legend of Zelda creator Shigeru Miyamoto reckons criticism of Nintendo's online gaming strategy is "unfair".

In fact, he says Nintendo's "proactive" when it comes to online multiplayer, and the Japanese company's efforts have been "well received".

In most cases, to play online with a specific person using the Wii, you need to exchange a unique 12 digit Friend Code generated by the game you're playing. Individual friends lists can be maintained in each game.

Many Nintendo fans will find Miyamoto's comments puzzling. The Nintendo Wii is considered to be the weakest of all the major three home consoles when it comes to online gaming.

"To be honest, I think it's rather unfair whenever I hear such comments - that Nintendo isn't proactive when it comes to its online strategy," Miyamoto told Edge in an interview.

"The fact of the matter is that we always want all Wii consoles to be connected online, all the time, so Nintendo has never been less than proactive in that kind of endeavour."

Miyamoto did, however, admit that Nintendo is "less active" when it comes to online gaming as a core business.

"It is true, though, that Nintendo hasn't been very proactive in developing such online activities as an MMOG. But when it comes to our endeavours that try to take advantage of internet technology, where we can provide our customers with more fun and entertainment, then I think we can say we have been very, very proactive and well-received. And that attitude won't be changed at all in the future.

"But probably the other thing that we are desperate to realise is the core business structure. Do we need to demand customers pay monthly fees to enjoy online activities? Or give an online subscription that is free of charge, but then offer something extra for people that pay, so that they get some extra value? With these core business strategies I think we are less active than we should be."

While the Wii's online functionality can't compare to that of the Xbox 360 or the PS3's, in terms of sales, the Wii is the clear winner.

Perhaps if and when Nintendo releases a new console, we'll see Nintendo "realise" online multiplayer as a core business structure.

What do you think? Is criticism of online gaming on Nintendo consoles unfair? Let us know in the comments section below.