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3DS

3DS Online Game Store, Other Features to Miss Launch?

by Jon Lindemann - January 19, 2011, 8:08 pm EST
Total comments: 28 Source: (Wired), http://www.wired.com/gamelife/2011/01/3ds-download...

Some other notable functionality may have to wait as well.

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.

Talkback

CAN WE PLEASE GET THROUGH ONE HARDWARE LAUNCH WITHOUT A NINTENDO MOMENT!?

King of TwitchJanuary 20, 2011

MaryJane called it. Looks like they took the last 6 months off for vacation.

BlackNMild2k1January 20, 2011

Well, I guess that answers my question from the other thread.

It also proves my statement a from yet a different thread.

Quote from: BlackNMild2k1

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.

Seriously. what has Nintendo been up to for the last 6 months?

eShop w/ VC games and DSi transfers should be easy enough.
and internet browser should have easily been a day 1 thing.
Avatar3D should have been a pack in movie cross promotion of 3DS Movies and Avatar 3D

Someone is dragging their feet over there in Japan.

RABicleJanuary 20, 2011

Sometimes I reckon Nintendo just have like, two guys who work fulltime on the various Ware stores. This has got to be a joke. I mean the hardware in this thing is probably amazing, it probably supports WPA3 and other standards that haven't been invented yet. It charges by induction. And here they are like it's 2001 and digital distribution isn't top of their agenda.

Well, if something could shake my launch day hopes, this would be it. I'm still a sucker and I'm really wowed by the system, but c'mon. My absurd DSiWare collection is throwing Nintendo the middle finger right now.

KDR_11kJanuary 20, 2011

Overpriced AND rushed? Talk about caring for the customer.

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.

motangJanuary 20, 2011

Hopefully we won't have to wait too long for these features.

LittleIrvesJanuary 20, 2011

I'm not too concerned about this.  Seems odd, sure; but given its ability to upgrade automatically (through the magic of "SpotPass"TM!) I imagine one morning we'll all wake up, open the 3DS, and see a notice saying, "The eShop is open for business!"  See, Nintendo isn't keeping features from us.  They're merely dosing them out in increments, so as to add to our future enjoyment. 
And yes, I've drunk the kool-aid. 

KDR_11kJanuary 20, 2011

Quote from: NWR_Lindy

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.

The Wii had some not-yet-implemented channels initially that told you to wait for an update.

I imagine an Apple-like delay between the platform and the app store. So about a year.

BlackNMild2k1January 20, 2011

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.

Kytim89January 20, 2011

Quote from: BlackNMild2k1

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 see them opening up the online store a few weeks after the 3DS release and then revealing GBA, Game Gear and Neo Geo Pocket Color support for the store at E3 of this year.

Mop it upJanuary 20, 2011

I think it's strange that the shop won't be available at launch. How hard could it be to set it up? They are probably going to miss out on a lot of download sales from early adapters itching for more games to play, since no system ever has enough games around launch.

TJ SpykeJanuary 20, 2011

It could be up as soon as the next day, keep the release schedule that they have for VC/WW/DSW.

yoshi1001January 20, 2011

I'm actually a bit more worried about the browser-a lot of hotspots require you to go to your browser to accept terms of use before you can log on. I'm fine with waiting until I get home to buy off the shop, but it'll be though trying to play games online on the road without a browser.

Also, keep in mind that Nintendo probably isn't developing the browser themselves-it's likely an Opera product, which means it isn't 100% within their control. Who knows? Maybe the shop and browser both share some code base and that's why neither of them are there day one.

I actually contacted Opera yesterday regarding the browser and got this response: "We're not able to comment on your question, unfortunately."

I expect these features to be ready on launch day. They just aren't ready in time for the production line.

Quote from: MegaByte

I actually contacted Opera yesterday regarding the browser and got this response: "We're not able to comment on your question, unfortunately."

Unfortunately.


Glorious.

BlackNMild2k1January 21, 2011


eStore & Internet browser will be there day 1 afterall.

Quote from: BlackNMild2k1

http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-01-21-3ds-estore-will-be-ready-on-day-one

Quote:

Contrary 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.

TJ SpykeJanuary 21, 2011

Very good news.

Kytim89January 21, 2011

If the store was not available on day one then it could have hurt their standing against Apple.

TJ SpykeJanuary 21, 2011

They don't compete with Apple.

BlackNMild2k1January 21, 2011

They compete for consumer mindshare, time, money & pocket space, so yes, they do compete with Apple. Not to mention that Apple has been eating up handheld marketshare from teh DS & PSP, so the 3DS is an attempt to claim all that was lost and then some.
Can they convince the masses that they should own a 3DS even though they mostly just play games on their iDevice? or Android device?
Maybe, but that really is a conversation for a different topic.

The new focus of this topic should be that eShop and Internet Browsing should will be available on Day1 and that Nintendo couldn't made that alot clearer from the start.

TJ SpykeJanuary 21, 2011

Quote from: BlackNMild2k1

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.

No, but they may choose not to buy a 3DS because it doesn't offer enough beyond what they can do with their iOS device. Nintendo has to convince people they need to buy a second device, and in that regard they are competing with Apple.

BlackNMild2k1January 21, 2011

Quote from: TJ

Quote from: BlackNMild2k1

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.

If 3DS ends up with a Kindle-like App (which is likely at some point), then NO, even then Random House Publishing and Nintendo are not competing because Nintendo doesn't sell books.

iDevice & 3DS are portable consumer multi-tasking multi-media/game devices so they overlap in market appeal and functionality.

If the next best comparison you have is a Toaster vs 3DS then please, save your breath.

King of TwitchJanuary 21, 2011

Rich hipster nerds. OVERLAP AFFIRMATIVE, CAPTAIN.

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