Nintendo launched a new feature on its North American website today that allows for the purchase of digital first-party Wii U and 3DS titles. You can choose to have codes delivered via email, or have software automatically downloaded by signing in with a Nintendo Network ID.
Those who opt for the former option can choose to gift their purchase to another Wii U/3DS owner. Check out this excerpt from Nintendo’s official FAQ:
Can I give a game to someone else?
Yes. Once you complete your purchase, we’ll send you an e-mail confirmation with a download code for the game. (For pre-orders, we’ll send you the download code on the day the game is released.) The download code can only be used once, but anyone can redeem it. If the game is a gift for someone else, provide them with the download code so that they can redeem the game on their system.
Be sure to read the full FAQ here if you have additional questions about eShop purchases on Nintendo.com.
This video also shows that the 3DS eShop music, which now features the same Wii U tune!
The New 3DS received several major upgrades over the original systems. For instance, the web browser loads much fast and is able to handle new types of content.
This extends specifically to support for YouTube. New 3DS users can watch 3D videos on YouTube without glasses (or with, though that’d defeat the 3DS’ purpose).
It turns out that purchasing Wii U and 3DS titles from Nintendo’s website isn’t just limited to pre-orders. Most – if not all – first-party titles available on the eShop can also be bought on the site.
Super Smash Bros. for 3DS, Hyrule Warriors, and Zelda: Ocarina of Time are among the games that can be ordered by using Nintendo’s website. Chances are that if you search for any first-party release, it will be available for purchase or pre-order.
The Wii U and 3DS will both be receiving Amiibo support in the future. What might the functionality mean for a franchise like Pokemon?
While Game Freak’s Junichi Masuda won’t share any specifics regarding potential ideas, he did tell GameSpot that the company could be open to supporting Amiibo down the road. That will happen “if we can find some really cool way out to use Amiibo with NFC, and add some new type of gameplay,” Masuda said.
His full comments:
“You might be aware that Pokemon as a brand used NFC for Pokemon Rumble U for the Wii U. Not in the exact same way as that, but if we can find some really cool way out to use Amiibo with NFC, and add some new type of gameplay, then I think we’d definitely be supportive of using it in the future.”
Nintendo’s North American website seems to have been updated recently with a new feature. Wii U and 3DS owners can now pre-order the digital versions of various games, including Super Smash Bros. for Wii U.
Fans can pre-order games by filling out a simple form. On release day, Nintendo will email consumers their code.
Those who sign in with their Nintendo Network ID will be able to save information for future orders. Additionally, games can be sent directly to Wii U/3DS systems.
Here’s the initial lineup of titles that can be pre-ordered from Nintendo’s website:
Wii U
Super Smash Bros.
Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
3DS
Fantasy Life
Pokemon Art Academy
Pokemon Omega Ruby
Pokemon Alpha Sapphire
German website ntower was recently given the opportunity to speak with Junichi Masuda and Shigeru Ohmori from Game Freak. Both staffers talked more about Pokemon Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire.
If you don’t want to sit through the entire thing, here’s a summary that ntower shared with us:
– Project started on 11.21.2012
– Hoenn is a place full of life. Pokémon with special abilities are sitting in the grass and you can see them on the overworld map. There are also Pokémon at the beach, etc.
– Some places did change, even the story has been changed a bit
– There are going to be trainer battles underwater. Special battle animations like a slower movement of Pokéballs are going to make this a special occasion.
– PSS/PokéMonAmi/Supertraining will all be present in the remakes
– Pokémon X / Y will be compatible with ORAS, but there will be no patch to make the primal evolutions available in X and Y. The same goes for the new mega evolutions.
– You remember the trumpets? Yeah, they are going to be present in the Remakes, but not as much as before.
– The origin of the trumpets lies in Masudas past, since he was part of a marching band in Highschool.
– You will be able to do much more once you have finished the story of ORAS, like flying around with Mega Latias and Mega Latios. Secret bases, contests, hunting legendary Pokémon and other stuff will keep you busy.
– Figuring out the origins of the Mega Evolution will be a big part of the story.
– Multi-Nav is going to be on your touchscreen and will show different things, like Pokémon in your current area or a map. It also shows what your friends do in their games.
