Nintendo has put out a press release that once again details how you can expect Nintendo's software to be downloaded. This pertains to the eShop for now, but will work with both 3DS and Wii U. Your three digital options are...
1. Download Cards
2. Download Codes
3. Directly through eShop
Each one has its benefits, depending on what type of gamer you are. There are important options here for younger kids and parents that aren't too sure on how these setups work. Should pan out nicely for everyone.
For those wondering, downloads will go up the day of release in Japan, live on the eShop at 9 in the morning.
Link
1. Download Cards
2. Download Codes
3. Directly through eShop
Each one has its benefits, depending on what type of gamer you are. There are important options here for younger kids and parents that aren't too sure on how these setups work. Should pan out nicely for everyone.
For those wondering, downloads will go up the day of release in Japan, live on the eShop at 9 in the morning.
Link
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What's the difference between 1 and 2? Is the card like one of the pre-paid cards but with the game code?
@LegendofSantiago seems like it, yeah.
I assume download code would be something you can buy on a website and they would email the code, while download card would be a scratch off card containing a code you would buy in a brick and mortar store.
@zeeroid So, you can buy it via online stores like amazon and get a code or if you go to retail locations like gamestop you can get the download cards? Cool
I'd imagine that if amazon wanted they could give sales on download cards (Nintendo already said this right?)
Welp, i'm going to go buy a 32 gig SD card for my 3DS XL
Still not gonna buy a single retail game with the current system they have. it needs a complete overhaul.
@Ryanbt ....there is no one named janice here
If Nintendo is SMART like Valve is, they will put some of their full retail games on sale in digital form from time to time. I doubt Nintendo will actually DO this, but I guess $1 discounts on 3DS VC stuff is a start.
Anyone who buys a full-priced game before Nintendo implements an account system is taking a huge gamble. It's one thing to lose a $4 Virtual Console game. It's another to lose a $40 game. Neither is acceptable in this day and age, however the latter will be a much harder pill to swallow.
Systems break. Systems get lost and stolen. Do you want you entire game collection to vanish with your system?
Of course, as soon as Nintendo sets up an account system this point will be moot, however until that happens, going digital on a Nintendo system is a risk. Don't think it can happen to you? Take a listen to the latest Radio Free Nintendo podcast and hear about how Jonny lost his 3DS in NYC and well over $100 of digital content to boot (and that doesn't include the potential value of the Ambassador titles).
If you lose your iPod, you just go on to iTunes and deactivate the old iPod and activate your new iPod. Then you just transfer your content to your new iPod. Simple. You're protected from data loss and Apple is protected from piracy.
Hurry up and turn on your account system Nintendo.
I'd assume as an option to let you avoid putting your credit card information into their network if you're not cool with that. I'd assume that's especially helpful for kids who don't maybe HAVE access to a/their parents' credit card.
@Jet Pilot
As a member of the Club Nintendo Tech Support Forums (I Might even be featured on the front page still! I AM!!!), this might be wrong.
I remember the Wii having an account system in place as you could delete it off your Wii. Sure it was system specific, but it was still there. Club Nintendo also tracks your serial # and games so if you do end up losing it, they can get replaced. Games HAVE been replaced before due to being stolen and etc. If it breaks, Nintendo will also allow you to send it over to a new 3DS.
Sure right now the system isn't the best, but I think you might be scaring people too much here. And I'm sure an account system might come along with the Wii U launch.
Just glad to see these features coming
Glad they realized that having the store update earlier than noon is worth the effort.
Ha, that's earlier than many store chains open, no shipping wait (of course), no pre-ordering and no lines.
I doubt you'll see many savings from purchasing directly from eShop, but potentially from download codes bought from stores, which just negates the benefits I listed above.
Oh well.
@Autosaver
The current system involves police reports (which are not legally possible to obtain when a system gets lost) and sending official documentation to Nintendo). And even then, the decision to let the user transfer their content is at the whim of Nintendo.
That is completely absurd.
The user should be able to deactivate one device and activate another and transfer content on their own without any input from Nintendo.
And as you said, they already tie all of our purchases to our Club Nintendo accounts. They know what software we have purchased. It should be real simple to implement an online account system. However Nintendo just refuses to do so, to the detriment of their customers.
I will not give Nintendo once cent to purchase a retail game digitally until they establish a system that protects the consumer.
this, it's dumb as shovel.
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