Friend codes are banished, plus other Wii U online details!

From the Japanese Nintendo Direct, and North American video shortly after it, we received new details on the online functionality of the Wii U and its requirements:

• For functionality such as Miiverse, Wii U Video Chat, being able to play Wii games, and the eShop; you will have to download the day 1 update for the console.
• Friend codes are now a thing of the past and the Wii U will feature an account system. You will be able to create 12 accounts per console.
• Any game downloaded to the Wii U console will be available in all other accounts assigned to that console, and users will not be required to purchase the software again.