Some other notable functionality may have to wait as well.
http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/24807
Nintendo has announced that several key features of its new 3DS system will not be initially included on launch devices, most notably an online game store. Devices will also be missing a web browser, the ability to view 3D movies, and functionality allowing users to transfer DSiWare titles to the device.
While Nintendo assured the public that their online store (which it called the "eShop") would feature DSiWare and 3DS games as well as Game Boy and Game Boy Color Virtual Console titles, they offered no launch date for the service. They also gave no timetable for the availability of the other features, though it is still possible that the required software updates will become available at or near launch.
The Nintendo 3DS launches on March 25 in Europe, and March 27 in North America.
In other words, there was never any hope for the 3DS to have launched Q4 2010 like many of us and all of the investors were hoping.
Yep, this is pretty disappointing. This actually seems very un-Nintendo; typically they like to give customers a complete experience, especially hardware-wise, so gamers don't have to futz with the system after they plug it in. They updated Wii after release, but the amount of updates for Wii were miniscule compared to those for PS3 and 360 (with Sony and Microsoft revamping their systems repeatedly), and didn't add a lot in the way of core functionality (save the SD card fridge-cleaning update).
Of course, I pre-ordered my system from Amazon yesterday. Hahahaha.
There is no way they delay it for a year. At the absolute latest would be an E3 launch as it goes live right after it's previewed in their press conference in June. But it's more likely that they just a need a few extra weeks to get everything tweaked and ironed out and will launch it sometime in April.
I actually contacted Opera yesterday regarding the browser and got this response: "We're not able to comment on your question, unfortunately."
http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-01-21-3ds-estore-will-be-ready-on-day-one (http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-01-21-3ds-estore-will-be-ready-on-day-one)QuoteContrary to speculation, the 3DS's digital download store and internet browser will be up and running from launch, Nintendo has confirmed.
A Wired report earlier this week claimed that the new handheld's eStore would not be ready on the day of release and would be added in later via a firmware update.
However, a spokesperson for Nintendo told Eurogamer today that although neither an internet browser nor the eStore would be included in the console's "initial firmware" they will be "updated on day one".
The eStore is where you'll be able to download DSiWare titles, retro Game Boy classics, game demos, trailers and new digital titles made exclusively for the 3DS.
Nintendo hasn't confirmed a full line-up for the portable's Virtual Console equivalent, however, screenshots indicate that Super Mario Land and Zelda: Link's Awakening will both be available at some point.
The Nintendo 3DS launches across Europe on 25th March.
They compete for consumer mindshare, time, money & pocket space, so yes, they do compete with Apple.
They compete for consumer mindshare, time, money & pocket space, so yes, they do compete with Apple.
You could say that about any consumer product. If some decides to buy a book published by RandomHouse instead of a Nintendo game, are Nintendo competing with them too? Nobody buys a iOS for the games. They may buy some games when they have one, but they don't buy one as a gaming device.
