Topic: Wii U Controller to Feature NFC Functions

[NWR_pap64]

The advanced connectivity feature will be available right out of the box, Portal of Power not required.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/29094

The Wii U tablet controller will have Near Field Communication functions, Nintendo President Satoru Iwata announced at today's Third Quarter Financial Results Briefing.

In addition to some of the confirmed features of the controller, Nintendo decided to add NFC functionality. This allows the Wii U controller to establish radio communication with enabled objects that are in close proximity. Iwata explained that "by installing this functionality, it will become possible to create cards and figurines that can electronically read and write data via noncontact NFC and to expand the new play format in the video game world." NFC-like technology was introduced into gaming last year through Skylanders' Portal of Power where figurines with embedded RFID chips allow players to import characters into the game.

Iwata further noted that "adoption of this functionality will enable various other possibilities such as using it as a means of making micropayments." Many credit cards as well as some mobile phones include embedded chips that would make such a system possible. Nintendo plans to implement the FeliCa and MIFARE standards, which are used in currently used in payment systems around the world.

[MegaByte]

This is interesting. Nintendo's now subsumed the two new major third-party technological additions to the Wii -- the tablet and NFC (as well as camera and mic functions).

[noname2200]

I wonder if this is the feature Ono was getting at in his last interview?

 I haven't played Skylanders, so I'm not clear on what benefit this brings to videogames. I have to wonder though if they'll use this sytem instead of storing your credit card information, thus letting them off the hook on the security end.

[MegaByte]

It's pretty forward looking since only recently were laptops announced with this tech, and the system is widespread on phones in Japan, but only getting started in the US.

[BlackNMild2k1]

I just hope every credit card has a password protection otherwise I could see some sneaky kids walking by mom's purse with transactions ready hoping to get approval.

[TJ Spyke]

Who knows, I know some real life stores don't require a password for credit cards. For example, I could use a credit card at Burger King and not need to know the PIN or sign anything.

[Chozo Ghost]

When I first glanced at the title I thought it said "KFC functions". I was like lol what? Seriously, I never heard of NFC. That's something I will need to research now.

[nickmitch]

I just hope every credit card has a password protection otherwise I could see some sneaky kids walking by mom's purse with transactions ready hoping to get approval.

Knowing Nintendo, I'd be surprised to see if there weren't any parental controls around the feature.

[Plugabugz]

Oh great. NFC. I've had it in my Nexus S since i bought it in December 2010.

I've only ever used it once when it accidentally came into contact with my oyster card. All it did was recognise it as "unknown tag". Since then (and that was day one of having the phone) it's been turned off.

I'm not against NFC but i am against the forced nature of contactless payment systems magically appearing on all of my credit/debit cards and exclamations by the bank of YOU CAN TAP AND PAY!, despite there being no card systems anywhere that has it. And with Google's consistent USA-focus on everything Google Wallet hasn't appeared here yet, still. Meaning NFC will still be turned off on my phone.

But does Iwata mentioning payment systems suggests they will have to partner with somebody to get NFC payment systems in place. Does that mean we'll see interfacing with phone payment systems?

[SMWiz]

I hope they let us turn this off--it'll be a battery killer.

[BlkPaladin]

Most things you can throttle/turn off, plus I'm thinking it will not be an always on thing. Only if the software is asking for the service. For example Credit Card readers, if the register isn't asking for the information most readers are in a stand-by mode and will not read the NFC function. (We have readers at work, nice innovation to have to keep the magnetic tape from wearing out.)

As for parental controls I think the same will be in place for what they have for Credit Cards normally for the Wii/DSi/3DS.

[Ceric]

I wonder if this is the feature Ono was getting at in his last interview?

 I haven't played Skylanders, so I'm not clear on what benefit this brings to videogames. I have to wonder though if they'll use this sytem instead of storing your credit card information, thus letting them off the hook on the security end.

The best example of the Skylanders stuff is the speed at which you can decide and pick characters.   By not needing to pull up a menu to see and select you character you can actually be doing that while you play the game and make a kick swap in and out.  It actually makes calling in a tag partner in fighting games seem a little antiquated.  Another good example is not needing to type in codes to get Store bought DLC and the like in.

A good example would be buying Points cards and just having to lay them on there without need to put a code in.

Though I would buy Skylanders Wii U day one and not need to find the portal and keep batteries in it be a plus.  Though I would hope for a new 3DS game because that is the superior game.

...
I'm not against NFC but i am against the forced nature of contactless payment systems magically appearing on all of my credit/debit cards and exclamations by the bank of YOU CAN TAP AND PAY!, despite there being no card systems anywhere that has it.
...

Here in the Nashville area most food establishments that you order at the cashier have those if they have gotten  a new system.  Big retailers as well.  Now I can't seem to get a card from my bank to use that tech, but thats another issue.

[UncleBob]

Another good example is not needing to type in codes to get Store bought DLC and the like in.

Woah.

I have it on authority that one major retailer attempted to sell downloadable games via codes - but stopped because it confused the customer... seriously.

Imagine if the "media" for the download was a "card" that you "load" by setting it down on the controller for a few seconds.

Is this technology cheap enough to use on a disposable basis like this?

[noname2200]

Another good example is not needing to type in codes to get Store bought DLC and the like in.

A good example would be buying Points cards and just having to lay them on there without need to put a code in.

Interesting examples. Thanks!

[Ceric]

Another good example is not needing to type in codes to get Store bought DLC and the like in.

Woah.

I have it on authority that one major retailer attempted to sell downloadable games via codes - but stopped because it confused the customer... seriously.

Imagine if the "media" for the download was a "card" that you "load" by setting it down on the controller for a few seconds.

Is this technology cheap enough to use on a disposable basis like this?

Yes at Volume. 
The dumbest ones that could just store say a number and are passive can be gotten individual for about 7ΒΆ.  That price can drop dramatically, by my understanding, with volume.  Plus that number is a little old.

You can also embed it into objects like Skylanders does.  Imagine buying a figure of Bane to Unlock your download of the Newest Batman game featuring him.

Lets take another example.  Let's look at Street Fighter.  Character DLC could be bought straight or buy a figure of the new character, put it by your tablet, and the game does the necessary leg work.  Plus they could take it the Skylander step and use a more expensive chip that would allow you to save your customization to your Ryu figure.  Then at a tournament you take out the Ryu figure, you've probably customized appearance for, set him by the reciever, the game recognize it, and loads up your data.  You got your custom stick, your mascot, and all your settings.

Here's an even more interesting scenario to consider.  Nintendo could decide to switch there internal inventory system to use this tech, one of its original designed uses, and embed into a 3DS cart one of these, though it probably be at the case level.  You then be able to place your 3DS Cart collection just on the Tablet and it would suck it into the Wii U to register with Club Nintendo.

I know all of these sound silly, but its a more engaging way to get digital content from physical medium.

[Chocobo_Rider]

Very interesting.  A whole host of Skylanders rip-off games will be announced now =P jk jk ....?

[Stogi]

I'm surprised no one thought of Pokemon.

[BlackNMild2k1]

Happy Meal Toys are about to become really really popular again

especially when they trigger the download/launch of some silly skylanders or pokemon like marketing ploy they will pass off as a game.

[ControlerFleX]

I'm surprised no one thought of Pokemon.

Yesssssss!!!!11! Time to catch em' all!! Aaaaaand go broke....

[Ceric]

Happy Meal Toys are about to become really really popular again

especially when they trigger the download/launch of some silly skylanders or pokemon like marketing ploy they will pass off as a game.

Actually, McDonalds already has an online universe of there own.  Have had it for a while.  You get stuff with Happy meals.  I've never registered or did it since my son is probably still young for that and I didn't want to bother putting in a code.  That would be an excellent implementation.

Very interesting.  A whole host of Skylanders rip-off games will be announced now =P jk jk ....?

Even without this tech built in I be surprised if we didn't find at least 1 Skylanders Knock-off.  The chances of it being remotelly as good is close to zero.  I'm actually surprised we haven't seen Super Skylanders sold on eBay, granted I haven't really looked but I haven't heard of them.  Just the tags with fully upgraded versions of the different Skylanders.
 

I'm surprised no one thought of Pokemon.

The appeal of the game would go down if you had to physically collect them all.  I could see some promotional ones and like.  Plus that would be assuming a main line Pokemon be on Console.  Sacrilege.
 
Back to Skylanders they do an excellent job of making every character feel different.  Besides Variants there isn't any clones in the game.  Plus they each have 2 paths in the console game that can be wildly different.
 
I hope they make a Skylanders RTS now that I think about it.
 
Here's another fun Idea.  Special Pen and Paper Die that knew how they landed.  Just roll your die near the tablet and it can show the numbers on the screen.

[Ian Sane]

Skylanders is a publisher friendly game.  It provides no real benefit to the player.  It's just an excuse to sell extra crap.  I don't want Skylanders to be the future model for videogames.  I was quite disappointed when the game succeeded.

I like Ceric's dice idea.  It could be like a modern take on Quest for the Rings.  But the real selling point for Nintendo is that they can tell third parties that the Wii U allows for selling DLC in the form of real-world trinkets.  It's a big merchandising opportunity.

[Ceric]

Skylanders is a publisher friendly game.  It provides no real benefit to the player.  It's just an excuse to sell extra crap.  I don't want Skylanders to be the future model for videogames.  I was quite disappointed when the game succeeded.

I like Ceric's dice idea.  It could be like a modern take on Quest for the Rings.  But the real selling point for Nintendo is that they can tell third parties that the Wii U allows for selling DLC in the form of real-world trinkets.  It's a big merchandising opportunity.

*Shrug* I can't really imagine doing that game much any other way and it being nearly as good.

[Chozo Ghost]

Isn't this just like the E-reader thing on the Game Boy Advance? How is it different?

[broodwars]

Isn't this just like the E-reader thing on the Game Boy Advance? How is it different?

People will actually buy the Wii U controller.

[MegaByte]

e-Reader used dotcodes so you had to scan the cards. This uses radio communication so all you have to do is bring the card near the controller. Also, the e-Reader was proprietary and nothing else used it whereas NFC is standardized and already in use.