Introduced unofficially with the 3DS’s edition of Mario Kart, the Nintendo Network is Nintendo’s online offering; set to compete with Microsoft’s Xbox Live and Sony’s Playstation Network. During the investor presentation that was held on Wednesday, Nintendo finally spoke for the first time about the updated infrastructure that the Japanese-based company has been working on for their Internet-based gaming network.
Connecting the 3DS and WiiU together as the PS3 and PS Vita will for PSN, the Nintendo Network will allow downloadable content, current downloadable versions of WiiU and 3DS titles, multiplayer functionality & personal online accounts for all who use the service. For social aspects of the network, you’ll be able to use text & voice chats to communicate with others. According to Nintendo President Satoru Iwata, the network is fully ready to go. While none of these features are revolutionary at all, it’s good to see Nintendo finally catch up to how the PS3 and 360 were back in 2007.
I’m only saying that in good fun, knowing that I’ll be one of the first people in America to pick up the next Nintendo console within the year as long as Nintendo doesn’t delay the WiiU’s expected release this holiday season. The first full game that’ll be available for download made for the new Nintendo consoles will be a Japanese 3DS title which will include additional add-on content and will release in February. How transactions will be made hasn’t been officially announced, but my guess is that Nintendo will continue using their “Nintendo Points” system to make transactions for titles and game add-ons. Until more announcements come out, that’s all we know.
Source – GamePolitics
