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.
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.
I wonder if this is the feature Ono was getting at in his last interview?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.
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.
...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.
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.
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Another good example is not needing to type in codes to get Store bought DLC and the like in.
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.
Yes at Volume.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. :D
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?
I'm surprised no one thought of Pokemon (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XeoB1voCit4).
Happy Meal Toys are about to become really really popular again ;)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.
especially when they trigger the download/launch of some silly skylanders or pokemon like marketing ploy they will pass off as a game.
Very interesting. A whole host of Skylanders rip-off games will be announced now =P jk jk ....?
I'm surprised no one thought of Pokemon (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XeoB1voCit4).
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.*Shrug* I can't really imagine doing that game much any other way and it being nearly as good.
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.
Isn't this just like the E-reader thing on the Game Boy Advance? How is it different?
Skylanders is a publisher friendly game. It provides no real benefit to the player.
Actually been working on m Wife's save. She's trying to perfect the levels. We need to get a collector thread going sort of I'm missing 4 that are out because I didn't see the January 16 wave...Skylanders is a publisher friendly game. It provides no real benefit to the player.
...except that it's a really super fun game. Which is about the only benefit I expect from my games.
