There seems to be a push inside of Nintendo to really get their downloadble services working well. In our previous post, we mentioned they’ll be providing a download service for the Nintendo DSi. They are also looking at improving Virtual Console and the storage issue that currently plagues the Wii. During a press conference in Tokyo last week, Nintendo president Satoru Iwata outlined how Nintendo will be addressing the Wii’s storage problem. The solution will be available in Spring ‘09. Here’s the rough translation from the press conference:
“When there’s not enough room on the Wii’s internal memory, you’ll be able to buy and download Virtual Console and WiiWare software from the Shopping Channel to an SD memory card. You’ll need to go through only one process in order to transfer Virtual Console or WiiWare software on an SD card to the Wii console and then be able to play it. We’ll deal with this issue using two methods. Since the updates required for these new structures will require significant revisions to the Wii system, and these changes need to be made by considering a variety of different angles, this process will become effective beginning next spring. For some of you, this may be considered late, but please know that we really appreciate your cooperation and understanding. We are working hard so we can begin the service as soon as possible.”
There’s a huge opportunity for Nintendo if they get this right. Downloading countless games with a few simple clicks on the Wiimote for immediate gratification… count us in!
Tags: Countless Games, Dsi, Internal Memory, Satoru, Sd Card, Sd Memory Card, Storage Problem, Storage Solution, virtual console, Wii, Wiimote
Nintendo News | 
Comments (0)
The newest member of the Nintendo DS product line was announced on October 2nd, the Nintendo DSi. It is thinner and lighter than the Nintendo DS Lite due to the fact that the DSi has removed the Game Boy Advance slot. The introduction of an SD card slot is a welcome addition, plus it features dual cameras, music playback, bigger screens, and a Wii-style channel interface are added. It will also be able to download games from the Nintendo DS Shop, stored on an SD Card or in internal memory. It will be available to Japanese gamers on November 1, 2008, but European and U.S. gamers will have to wait until “well into” 2009 before it is available. Nintendo DS sales are lagging in Japan but still strong elsewhere, hence the reason for the release delay in other markets.
While there is already some griping from hardcore enthusiasts (like the fact that it doesn’t have an internal hard drive, lack of dual touchscreens and only low resolution cameras), it looks to be a solid next step in the DS evolution. Adding every bell and whistle possible would have put its price out of reach for the average consumer.
Just as interesting is the stir the Nintendo DSi has created among the video game retailing industry - and not in a good way. The DSi’s new downloadable games service could threaten traditional game retailers. While content may be limited at first, this is an obvious cash cow for Nintendo, and it is anticipated that the service will ramp up very quickly. Let’s just hope the DSi service integrates with the Wii Virtual Console in some way.
Tags: Channel Interface, Downloadable Games, Dsi, Game Boy Advance, Game Retailers, Games Service, Internal Memory, Nintendo Ds, Resolution Cameras, Style Channel, Touchscreens, Video Game, Wii
Nintendo News | Comments (0)
Mark | October 8, 2008
