Nintendo is a seasoned game developer and console innovator, but the company has never been known for its online services.
As the Xbox 360 and PS3 cultivated a market for downloadable content this generation, the Wii sat back and observed the process. Now, with the newly released Wii U, the Big N has plunged into a space where additional content for games post-launch is an expectation.
Nintendo's director of product marketing Bill Trinen told Gamespot, "We look at [DLC] from a couple different perspectives. New Super Mario Bros 2 was our first foray into add-on content with the downloadable packs for that game, and we'll continue to support that. Fire Emblem for the Nintendo 3DS is another game that in Japan has launched and has downloadable content. And we'll also be bringing that game to North America next year."
He adds, "Separate from that, we have done actually a fair amount of non-paid downloadable add-ons. Whether it's things like Professor Layton games where you can download additional puzzles. So we look at it in terms of what makes for an individual game. But gradually as time goes on, I think we're starting to really look into how can we try to extend the gameplay experience for people both on the 3DS and probably in the future on Wii U as well with additional download packs."
While Nintendo continues to dip their toes into the waters of online services, the message is still unclear whether or not the Wii U's games will receive the same add-on content as their Xbox 360 and PS3 counterparts.
The Wii U launched on Sunday in two flavors: Basic and Deluxe. The Basic version is white and has 8GB of memory, a sensor bar, an adapter, and a HDMI cable. The black Deluxe release sports 32GB of memory, and comes bundled with Nintendo Land, a Gamepad charging cradle and stands for the console and controller.
Launch Game List
ZombieU, Scribblenauts Unlimited, Nintendo Land, Rabbids Land, New Super Mario Bros. U, Game Party Champions, SiNG Party, ESPN Sports Connection, Your Shape: Fitness Evolved 2013, Batman: Arkham City Armored Edition, Darksiders II, Assassin's Creed III, Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor's Edge, Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two, Skylanders Giants, Call of Duty: Black Ops II, Warriors Orochi 3 Hyper, Tekken Tag Tournament 2, FIFA Soccer 13, Just Dance 4, Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed, Transformers Prime, Wipeout 3.
- Contribute to this Story:
- Send us a tip
- Send us a photo or video
- Suggest a correction
