Nintendo has finally given a first release date for its new downloadable games eShop feature that it has been discussing since the Nintendo 3DS’s first announcement, with customers in Japan getting access to a host of downloadable games to their console from the 28th July.
The games and feature will coincide with the official launch day of the new Nintendo 3DS XL console which will also come on the 28th July and it will allow users to download full version of 3DS games.
First up for download is Super Mario Brothers 2 and the latest iteration of Dr. Kawashima’s Brain Age / Training and both will be on sale, with Mario retailing at 4,800 yen (£38!) and Dr. Kawashima’s coming in for 3,800 yen (£30!).
These games will go into the eShop and will be the first line of full 3DS games to be available, with Nintendo sure to make the move to full downloads of all games in the future. Nintendo currently has a host of retro and classic games available to download but this is the first time you can forgo the shops and just download the game directly to the console.
Many see the move to downloadable games as the future of console gaming but Nintendo have been ridged in their support of physical games (especially the cartridge format), but with the Sony PS Vita having the download to console feature available it seem Nintendo will be feeling some competitive pressure.
We are not sure when the feature will be available in the UK and Europe but when we know we will keep you posted.
You can check out the full press release below.
[spoiler]
Announcement of sale (Download Version) Nintendo 3DS card software
(Minami-ku, Kyoto, President: Satoru Iwata Corporate Headquarters), Niokimashite Japan, from 9:00 am Saturday, July 28, two of the following title, the sale of software download version of the Nintendo 3DS Card Nintendo Co., Ltd. We are pleased to announce that more start.
● “New Super Mario Bros. 2”
Manufacturer suggested retail price: 4,800 yen (tax included)
● “five-minute train the brain demon training supervised by Professor Ryuta Kawashima terribly Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University”
Manufacturer suggested retail price: 3,800 yen (tax included)
Version software download, in order to be able to save to SD memory card is inserted into the Nintendo 3DS, do not have time or want to play more than one soft carrying at the same time, replace. It will be released the same day at the same manufacturer suggested retail price respectively (boxed version) Nintendo 3DS card software so far, that the time of purchase depending on your preferences, you can choose either .
To purchase software download version has the following three methods.
To purchase the “download card”
Enter to download (※) Nintendo e-shop number download buy “download card” soft target in the game, such as dealers, are described.
“Download card” can be purchased at a convenience store retailers and some of the products of some Nintendo.
To purchase a number “download”
Purchased a number “download” the soft target in the online shop, to download Enter the Nintendo e-shop.
Number “download” is available for purchase at the online shop of some.
Buy direct download
Directly download the software to purchase the Nintendo e-shop with credit card etc..
Let us know your thoughts on our comments below or via our @Gadget_Helpline Twitter page or Official Facebook group.
[/spoiler]