Source.

So now it makes even more sense why Nintendo has been dodging every question asked about their online services. Between not having the Virtual Console at launch, no worthwhile multiplayer service for months (if ever, we still don't know how it will work), and now friend codes making their triumphant return, clearly they didn't want the bad publicity over the last couple months. So it begs the question: Why do it this way at all?

After what Reggie said I'll wait for more info about this.

I mean their line has always been that friend codes are in place to protect children playing online. From Nintendo's own website:

"We encourage you to instruct your children never to give out their Friend Codes to strangers, nor to post them on Internet forums."

@citizencoffeecake: And it is quite possibly the dumbest statement they make. It makes zero sense.

Why not?

I imagine it's more safe than using an email address or a username that might exist elsewhere.

@paulmako: Because friend codes are attached to usernames anyway. And how is a random person online going to find somebody's friend code? Probably by that person telling them your friend code.

@ericsmith:

Eh, this doesn't surprise me. I mean, they're handling Switch matchmaking and lobbies via a 3rd party app on your smart phone. http://nintendotoday.com/switch-app-matchmaking/

Nintendo has always been half-baked when it comes to online functionality. They could learn a lot from Steam, Xbox Live, and PlayStation Store... though with a 32 gig hard drive, I'm not sure how well they'd be able to apply those lessons even if they did learn them. *shrug*

DeNA totally made the online infrastructure.

@ericsmith: I think they only show the nickname and not the user id that you use to login. At least, they should if they are going this route.

You don't have to swap froend codes, just one person needs to know the other person's. Effectively, it's the same as one person searching for the other like on any console, but you need proof you know the other person by using a code.

The difference between this and a username is someone can't instantly find you from a multiplayer game when they see your username. As someone who's been on the recieving end if harrassment because I played poorly in multiplayer match, I like them keeping it separate.