Save data CAN be transferred from cartridge to an SD card for use with the eShop version...in spring 2013.
http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/31964
Past retail 3DS releases will be coming to the eShop in Japan on November 1, according to a recent Nintendo Direct. You can also transfer your save data from the cartridge to an SD card to work with your download version of the game if you double-dip. However, that function won't be available until the spring.
The list of the games include a number of first-party titles, and can be seen below.
The video also details how you can purchase the games, either on the eShop or in stores using various eShop cards for money or the specific game. More games will be on the way and will be announced later.
There is currently no word as to whether this will be happening in North America or Europe.
which is not how digital is supposed to work...
But Jonny, Nintendo has historically indicated that they believe in selling retail 1.5 year-old games at full price. Why would they do something different for digital?
Just don't buy these. Retail digital copies are ripoffs. You pay full retail price for the benefit of NEVER being able to sell it
You know, I don't resell my games either... but this isn't that great of a deal...
Mario Tennis Open - New, on sale, $30.
Mario Kart 7 - New, on sale $30.
Super Mario 3D Land - New, on sale $30.
Star Fox 64 3D - New, on clearance, $20
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D - New, $40.
Pilotwings Resort - New, on clearance, $5
$155 vs. $240. - 35% off. Yeah, I'll stick with retail. :D
I almost bought Nintendogs just because it was $7 somewhere. Then I realized I likely wouldn't play it ever.
I would probably rebuy Steel Diver if I ever came across it for like $5. It was cool, but I sold that after I reviewed it because I knew I'd never play it again. (how's the copy, JP?)
I've been boycotting the e-Shop for a while now and will continue to do so because Nintendo charges way, way too much for their online products. They're missing out on a crap ton of money by pricing themselves out of competition. Nintendo, you continue to over-charge and I'll continue to spend my money elsewhere and build up loyalty with other suppliers.