Nintendo’s DS Download Trial Begins
Not a thrilling court battle, but free games in Japan. Read on…
As you may have read many times, the DS will employ its rather groovy WiFi and storage capabilities to enable users to download games on loan from kiosks at selected retail outlets.
The system has just been out on trial in Japan, with pleasing results according to reports from our friends on the ground in Tokyo and Kyoto. There are currently 36 terminals in various positions in the cities, offering samples of Meteos and Polarium for the next month.
Also, and arguably of more interest is the ability to get additional content for existing games, a brilliant idea if rolled out full-scale across the globe. Right now, the test stands feature an impressive six bonus tracks for the frenetic Band Brothers rhythm game which will remain on the Nintendo DS’ game card forever.
The demos offered will be erased as soon as the unit powers down, though Nintendo is keen to point out that using sleep mode will enable gamers to keep hold of data for extended periods of time.
The current trial will close on March 21, whereupon Nintendo officials will remove the test units (dressed like FBI agents, we hope) and whisk them away to analyse the data and presumably decide whether the whole concept is viable or not.
Here’s hoping!
The system has just been out on trial in Japan, with pleasing results according to reports from our friends on the ground in Tokyo and Kyoto. There are currently 36 terminals in various positions in the cities, offering samples of Meteos and Polarium for the next month.
Also, and arguably of more interest is the ability to get additional content for existing games, a brilliant idea if rolled out full-scale across the globe. Right now, the test stands feature an impressive six bonus tracks for the frenetic Band Brothers rhythm game which will remain on the Nintendo DS’ game card forever.
The demos offered will be erased as soon as the unit powers down, though Nintendo is keen to point out that using sleep mode will enable gamers to keep hold of data for extended periods of time.
The current trial will close on March 21, whereupon Nintendo officials will remove the test units (dressed like FBI agents, we hope) and whisk them away to analyse the data and presumably decide whether the whole concept is viable or not.
Here’s hoping!
Companies:
Nintendo
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Comments
Ditto 28 Feb 2005 17:24
1/2
I think these ablities could prove to be one of the biggest strengths of the DS, and I hope that Nintendo decides to continue to bring commercial games in this way.
One thing that I continue to resent is the way that Nintendo is still too focused on Japan. As an international company, they really should be testing and making decisions on a global scale. Even if these system isn't successful in Japan it may be in the US or Europe.
Also remember that Nintendo has done these pods in stores time and time again, with the most successful being with the Super NES which extended the console's life well into 2002 (that's right, new Super NES games were still being released into Japan in 2002).
One thing that I continue to resent is the way that Nintendo is still too focused on Japan. As an international company, they really should be testing and making decisions on a global scale. Even if these system isn't successful in Japan it may be in the US or Europe.
Also remember that Nintendo has done these pods in stores time and time again, with the most successful being with the Super NES which extended the console's life well into 2002 (that's right, new Super NES games were still being released into Japan in 2002).
Pandaman 28 Feb 2005 23:55
2/2
See, this would completely make up for the fact that Nintendo higher-ups declined for the usage of demo disks on the Cube.
Assuming there arn't just like...three of them in the US or somethng.
Assuming there arn't just like...three of them in the US or somethng.