# Nintendo Independent Wiki Alliance

> Wiki alliance consisting of Nintendo-related wikis

**Wikidata**: [Q101561553](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q101561553)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/nintendo-independent-wiki-alliance

## Summary
The Nintendo Independent Wiki Alliance (NIWA) is a collaborative network of Nintendo-related wikis, including Bulbapedia, Super Mario Wiki, and Zelda Wiki. Founded in 2010, it serves as a centralized platform for fans to document and share knowledge about Nintendo games, characters, and lore.

## Key Facts
- Founded on February 14, 2010, as a wiki alliance for Nintendo-related projects.
- Operates under the domain **niwanetwork.org** and has over 158 site links.
- Includes wikis such as **Bulbapedia**, **Super Mario Wiki**, and **Zelda Wiki** as founding members.
- Has social media presence on **Twitter (@NIWANetwork)** and **Facebook (NIWANetwork)**.
- Active Discord server with **249 members** as of 2021.
- Supports multiple languages, including English, Italian, German, and French.
- Linked to **WikiIndex** and has cross-references with other Nintendo wikis.

## FAQs
### Q: What is the Nintendo Independent Wiki Alliance?
A: The Nintendo Independent Wiki Alliance (NIWA) is a collaborative network of Nintendo-related wikis, including Bulbapedia, Super Mario Wiki, and Zelda Wiki. It was founded in 2010 to provide a centralized platform for fans to document and share knowledge about Nintendo games, characters, and lore.

### Q: How many wikis are part of the Nintendo Independent Wiki Alliance?
A: The alliance includes multiple wikis, with founding members such as Bulbapedia, Super Mario Wiki, and Zelda Wiki. Additional wikis like Nookipedia and StrategyWiki have also joined over time.

### Q: What languages does the Nintendo Independent Wiki Alliance support?
A: The alliance supports multiple languages, including English, Italian, German, and French, with some wikis available in these languages.

### Q: How can I join or contribute to the Nintendo Independent Wiki Alliance?
A: Contributions can be made through the individual wikis listed on the NIWA website. The alliance does not have a direct membership process but encourages participation across its affiliated wikis.

### Q: Is the Nintendo Independent Wiki Alliance affiliated with Nintendo?
A: No, the Nintendo Independent Wiki Alliance is a fan-run organization and is not officially affiliated with Nintendo. It operates as a community-driven resource for Nintendo fans.

## Why It Matters
The Nintendo Independent Wiki Alliance plays a crucial role in preserving and expanding Nintendo-related knowledge. By providing a centralized platform for fans to document games, characters, and lore, NIWA fills a gap left by Nintendo’s own resources, which are often limited or incomplete. The alliance’s collaborative nature ensures that information remains accurate and up-to-date, benefiting both casual fans and hardcore enthusiasts. Additionally, NIWA fosters a sense of community among Nintendo fans, encouraging shared contributions and discussions. Its impact is particularly notable in the gaming wiki space, where it serves as a model for other fan-driven knowledge networks.

## Notable For
- Being the first major wiki alliance dedicated to Nintendo-related content.
- Supporting multiple languages, including English, Italian, German, and French.
- Hosting a Discord server with active fan engagement.
- Providing cross-references with other Nintendo wikis, such as Bulbapedia and Zelda Wiki.
- Maintaining a strong social media presence on Twitter and Facebook.

## Body
### Origins and Founding
The Nintendo Independent Wiki Alliance (NIWA) was founded on **February 14, 2010**, as a collaborative effort to centralize Nintendo-related wikis. The alliance was established to address the lack of comprehensive fan resources for Nintendo content, which was often fragmented across multiple sites.

### Core Wikis
NIWA includes several key wikis as founding members:
- **Bulbapedia** (English, founded February 14, 2010)
- **Super Mario Wiki** (English, founded February 14, 2010)
- **Zelda Wiki** (English, founded February 14, 2010)

Additional wikis joined later, including:
- **Nookipedia** (founded November 19, 2010)
- **StrategyWiki** (founded October 15, 2010)
- **English SmashWiki** (founded October 29, 2010)

### Language Support
NIWA supports multiple languages, with some wikis available in:
- English
- Italian
- German
- French

### Social Media and Community
NIWA maintains an active presence on social media:
- **Twitter**: @NIWANetwork (since May 7, 2011)
- **Facebook**: NIWANetwork
- **Discord**: Server with **249 members** as of 2021

### Cross-References and Integration
NIWA wikis are interconnected, allowing seamless navigation between related content. This includes cross-references with:
- **Bulbapedia**
- **Zelda Wiki**
- **StrategyWiki**
- **Ukikipedia**

### Recognition and Impact
NIWA is recognized by **WikiIndex** and has been referenced in academic and gaming communities for its contributions to Nintendo fandom. Its model has influenced other wiki alliances in the gaming and entertainment sectors.

## References

1. [About the Nintendo Independent Wiki Alliance](https://www.niwanetwork.org/about/)
2. [View interwiki data - NintendoWiki](https://niwanetwork.org/wiki/Special:Interwiki?oldid=0#p-NIWA-label)
3. [Nintendo Independent Wiki Alliance – WikiIndex – the index of all wiki](https://wikiindex.org/Nintendo_Independent_Wiki_Alliance)