14 DAY TRIAL // Video game publisher and hardware developer Nintendo has recently announced that they are planning to launch digital versions of all their retail titles starting with August for the 3DS handheld and it seems that retail chains will be crucial to the success of the new initiative.
Satoru Iwata, the chief executive officer at Nintendo, stated, “It seems that, in general, digital distribution of the software available today is mainly aiming at no involvement from retailers. Nintendo has decided to choose an approach in which we will ask our retailers to be proactively involved.”
The executive added, “Furthermore, we recognize that one of the biggest hurdles for the expansion of our digital business is the limited methods to expose digitally downloadable products to potential consumers. This recognition is one of the reasons why we are taking this sort of approach.”
Gamers have the option of going to the Nintendo eShop in order to get a digital version of a title or they can use a retailer, either in virtual or brick and mortar form, in order to get a code that can then be redeemed on the 3DS.
Retailers will have a lot of freedom within the frameworks of the system as they can set whatever price they want for the downloadable codes and they can also use other payment options for those who do not have or do not want to use a credit card.
Nintendo plans to use the same strategy for the upcoming Wii U home console when it launches later during the year, with players encouraged to use the new online features to get their content.
GameStop, the biggest specialist video game retailer in North America, has recently announced that it plans to expand the presence of digital titles in its own stores, which will presumably mean more exposure for Nintendo and more overall sales.