Topic: Wii U to Feature an App and E-Book Store?

[NWR_pap64]

An e-reader could be the first of many app experiments on the Wii U.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/rumor/28847

The Wii U may yield an expansion of apps according to rumors that have surfaced around the web, one of them stating that an e-reader service for digital books is in the works.

According to an anonymous source of Forget the Box, Nintendo has approached a software company in Los Angeles in order to publish some iOS software on the Wii U so it can be played using the system's touch screen controller.

The same source also stated that Nintendo may bring an e-reader store where users can download books, magazines, newspapers, comics and even guides which then can be read on the touch screen. The digital issues would have a searchable index, and users would also be able to zoom into the pages. Much like the way different iOS devices share content, the 3DS could share the same e-reader software.

In addition to the books and other print media, Nintendo has also been looking to provide digital manuals for some of their games, including Virtual Console releases. Allegedly, Nintendo has also been seeking to collaborate with various publications to provide content based on different subjects like fashion, sports, film, health, lifestyle and such. Furthermore, Nintendo is interested in releasing digital issues of their Nintendo Power magazine, featuring issues from 1988 all the way up to the current issue.

The Wii U app store is believed to be very robust, and Nintendo hopes to attract several audiences so the system gets heavy use by everyone in the family.

[Jonnyboy117]

Perhaps Nintendo should become competent at selling games digitally before they branch out into other markets.

[BlackNMild2k1]

Perhaps Nintendo should become competent at selling games digitally before they branch out into other markets.

No more f#(%n' baby steps. It's time for Nintendo to get up and walk like a BOSS.

[Mop it up]

I don't think Nintendo wants to sell games digitally.

[supergtt]

I just don't see this being very useful at all. I'm not going to take my wiipad out and about with me, too clunky to function as an ereader (and eink is the only way to go if you aren't going to go with real books), and anything else, I will have my computer AND my smartphone there as well.


I'm sure as **** not paying nintendo prices for iOS ports of any damn thing. I'm not going to pay nintendo prices for VC games either for that matter.

instead of trying to chase the perpetualy fickle casual market, they should take care of their own house first, mainly, us(nintendo fans) and other actual gamers who buy full price retail games.

This would really make them look like they are fad chasing. (as if the ipad I mean wiipad didn't make that statement loudly enough already)

[BlkPaladin]

Nintendo currently has a "app" store for the eShop and the prices are free-to-1.99. And the Nintendo made apps make up most of the free apps. And these are usually the only apps worth getting. (Swapnote, Pokedex3D, etc.) So I really don't get the Nintendo prices comment. Even with the games on the 3DS they are fairly well priced. One of the most expensive games is cut-the-rope at $8 (which is expensive for a game of that type), it seems the developers of the game seem to think console owners are willing to pay more for a game just because it is a game, which is a mistaken view. We are willing to pay more for a game that we know is deeper and took the developer's resources to make, unlike cut the rope where you can beat in one sitting and get most of the stars in all levels in that time. (Yahtzee from Zero Punctuation)

[StrawHousePig]

They shouldn't even try to compete, just put a good web browser in it and make any "app" (like the store itself) easy and intuitive to use. We all know where the bar is for usability and functionality in a tablet device. Falling short of that will do them anything but good. Usability they can match, functionality they never could.

Have all updates include new features or whatever, not just anti-piracy stuff.

Moar freebeez! Even limited time ones.

Knock off the "binding legal contract" EULA baloney! But this goes for the entire internet.

[motang]

This could be cool for older "Wii sports" gamers.

[BlackNMild2k1]

Nintendo currently has a "app" store for the eShop and the prices are free-to-1.99. And the Nintendo made apps make up most of the free apps. And these are usually the only apps worth getting. (Swapnote, Pokedex3D, etc.) So I really don't get the Nintendo prices comment. Even with the games on the 3DS they are fairly well priced. One of the most expensive games is cut-the-rope at $8 (which is expensive for a game of that type), it seems the developers of the game seem to think console owners are willing to pay more for a game just because it is a game, which is a mistaken view. We are willing to pay more for a game that we know is deeper and took the developer's resources to make, unlike cut the rope where you can beat in one sitting and get most of the stars in all levels in that time. (Yahtzee from Zero Punctuation)

according to past interviews with other devs about WiiWare, Nintendo sets the price of the software, not the Dev/Pub.
I think that is Nintendo's way of not turning this into a $0.99 free for all and also protecting the overpricing of their VC portfolio.

[Ceric]

I hope they partner with someone. Preferably Barnes and Noble since I have an original Nook.  That way the Media side can travel to your truly portable reader.

[BlackNMild2k1]

They'd be better off partnering with Amazon and then also getting all your eShop purchases up on the site too. They might even be able to broker a deal about the Amazon Movie streaming service too.
I'm sure Amazon would love to have another device to feature their service that will be as popular as a Nintendo one. I know Netflix is LOVING it.

[AV]

does this mean Wii U tablet will have a newer touch screen, if they want to ap support this will probably be key because developers won't want to water or change interface much. I really like the 3DS touch screen, but for multi touch gestures buttons can't always replace it.