AOL is to provide its new "Ladder" service to Nintendo online users.

AOL's "Ladder" is currently on launch for PS2 and will be available for Nintendo users next year. If you are an AOL subscriber the service is free, for those who are not "Lucky" enough to have an AOL subscription, you will have to pay about �15 ($20) per month for the privilege.

The "Ladder" is an online system of registered users designed to help people find opponents of similar skill and experience. Global rankings will be created via user-inputted match results. The PC online gaming scene has been using such a system for a long time as has Xbox live.

Why is this significant news for Nintendo fans, with only one confirmed online game -Phantasy Star Online II: C.A.R.D. Revolution, for next year, why does it matter? Well, think about it, Phantasy Star doesn't really lend itself to the concept of "Rankings" very well, if at all. So this could be a hint that there are more things to come for GameCube Online next year. Watch this space.