14 DAY TRIAL // Initial reports about the upcoming Nintendo 3DS handheld talked about an eShop and a specially developed web browser that would be offered on day one to those who buy the new platform, but now the developer is saying that both the services will only be delivered at some point during May, at the same time for all territories.
Speaking to those who invest in Nintendo Satoru Iwata, who is the president of the company, clarified the situation, saying, “The first system update is scheduled for late May, at almost the same time around the world.”
The news is not too good for those who are planning to get the Nintendo 3DS in Japan, where the device is being launched on February 26.
Europe will get it on March 25 while gamers in North America will be able to buy it two days later.
The May update is also set to allow buyers of the 3DS who have DSiWare titles on their old devices to transfer them, although the games will not be taking advantage of the three-dimensional gaming abilities of the new console.
Iwata also ensured those listening in that Nintendo is planning an eShop which evolves the concept already seen for the Wii and the DS and will offer more accessibility and more information on the games offered for sale.
He said, “As it is critical in digital software distribution that the software available there won't be buried and go unnoticed, and that we can prepare pleasant encounters for consumers, we will be running a drastically redesigned shop for Nintendo 3DS in which you can more comfortably purchase software through downloads.”
The eShop is set to deliver trailers, demos but also full fledged retro titles, mining Nintendo's deep game catalog.
The 3DS is shaping up to be the main hardware launch of the year and will redefine the way mobile gaming works.