Topic: No 3DSWare Moniker for 3DS Download Software

[MegaByte]

Nintendo doesn't want downloads treated as second-class citizens.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/26736

Nintendo will not be using any special name for downloadable software on 3DS, according to an anonymous third-party developer we spoke with at E3.

Though Nintendo filed for 3DSWare trademarks, it appears the name will go unused. Apparently, Nintendo wants to remove the distinction between downloadable titles and those released on physical media. They found that many automatically assume that download games contain inferior content. By removing the "Ware" distinction, they hope to remove stigma on software appearing on the eShop.

Some WiiWare/DSiWare developers have received 3DS development kits, but there is currently no time frame for when such games might appear. The eShop launched with the first downloadable title, Pokédex 3D, last week.

[pandaradox]

This may be a little too late.  I mean, even on XBLA and PSN, downloaded content is viewed as inferior content.  Not having a tangible representation of the game reinforces the illusion that something downloaded is not full featured.  The idea of being able to transfer something relatively quickly is already tainted by iphone and android apps and is viewed as a small piece of software.  I hope this works and they don't take the PSN/XBLA route of charging offensive amounts for a game to emphasize its production value. 

[Enner]

Who views downloadable games on the XBLA and PSN as inferior content? Granted, there different expectations between retail and downloadable games on home gaming consoles, but the overall quality of downloadable games can go toe-to-toe with retail games.

[NWR_insanolord]

On the 360, XBLA is superior content.

[pandaradox]

I suppose those not in the know or look on face value see it as app-like software. 

[NWR_insanolord]

The thing is, those kind of people tend to be the kind of people who wouldn't look down on something for being app-like. People who look down on the whole app thing would likely be discerning enough to look past the name of the service.