Nintendo 3DS, Wii U get in-game downloads starting late 2011
updated 12:55 pm EDT, Mon August 1, 2011
CEO calls digital content a major focus
In Friday's earnings briefing, Nintendo CEO Satoru Iwata revealed the company is planning to implement paid downloads for both the 3DS and Wii U. Iwata said developers will have access to the system for the 3DS by the end of the year. He said Nintendo was interested in extending the life of some games by making new levels available, since that kind of value-added content builds a stronger relationship with its customers.
Iwata said Nintendo will not support low quality content, such as unlocking keys or stat increases. He also seemed to indicate that free-to-play games, which can be downloaded for free but would charge for additional content later, would not fit in the company's preferred content model.
Iwata said the expansion of digital content would be a major focus for Nintendo over the next three years. He acknowledged customer dissatisfaction with the internet connection rate on the DS and 3DS has been an obstacle that needs to be addressed. Iwata also said he expects that the Nintendo e-Shop, the online shop that's accessible from the 3DS, will evolve into a larger presence. He envisions a future where players will pay for digital content with no reservations. He called it building another pillar alongside package software. [via Andriasang]
