The first whisperings of a new online platform called “Nintendo Network” came last week via the rumour mill.
Today at an earnings briefing, Nintendo CEO Satoru Iwata has shared the first official details about how it will actually work.
Nintendo Network will be available to 3DS as well as Wii U owners, and it will be different to the current Wi-Fi connection service that 3DS owners have access to.
The new platform will offer functionality that is already present in other online game networks, such as voice communication amongst users and the sale of digital content.
Some of the features that the service will offer are already be trialled in Mario Kart 7’s “Communities”.
Nintendo’s Tobidasu Purikura photo decoration app will be the first paid add-on content available via Nintendo Network. The app was originally made available to 3DS owners on 27 December.
Additional paid-content will be released for this app further down the line, said Iwata.
The first game planned for Nintendo Network is Square Enix’s Theatrhythm Final Fantasy, which is due for release on 16 February.
This is expected to be the first game to offer additional digital content sales, and players will be able to purchase music for it.
Iwata also revealed that the Wii U will have a personal account system that will be compatible with Nintendo Network. The account system will be designed to make it easy for multiple family members to use the system.
- Nintendo Network
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