Nintendo eShop
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The Nintendo eShop icon and logo.
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The Nintendo eShop's main page on the Wii U
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| Developer | Nintendo |
|---|---|
| Type | Online distribution |
| Launch date | June 6, 2011 (3DS) November 18, 2012 (Wii U) |
| Platform | Nintendo 3DS Nintendo 3DS XL Wii U Nintendo 2DS |
| Status | Active |
| Members | 26 million (as of September 2013[update])[1] |
| Website | Wii U Official US website Official UK website Official Australian website Official Japanese website Nintendo 3DS Official US website Official UK website Official Australian website Official Japanese website Official South Korean website |
The Nintendo eShop (ニンテンドーeショップ Nintendō īShoppu?) is an online marketplace powered by the Nintendo Network for the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U. Launched on June 6, 2011 in North America and June 7, 2011 in PAL regions and Japan, the eShop was enabled by the release of a system update that added the functionality to the Nintendo 3DS's HOME Menu.[2] Unlike on the Nintendo 3DS, the eShop was made available on the launch date of the Wii U, although a system update is required in order to access it.[3] It is also a multitasking application, which means it is accessible even when a game is already running on background through the system's Home Menu, though this feature is only available on Wii U. The Nintendo eShop features downloadable games, applications and information on upcoming film and game releases.
Contents
Features[edit]
The Nintendo eShop icon appears as part of the HOME Menu on the Wii U and Nintendo 3DS and requires an Internet connection to access. Initially, the two versions of the Nintendo eShop between the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U were independent of each other. Whilst this still remains largely true, after the implementation of Nintendo Network ID for the Nintendo 3DS, users that register the same ID account between both systems (currently at one time per console) could share certain data between both versions of the eShop, such as a combined funds balance, home address, saved credit and debit card information, wish list entries, and linked Club Nintendo accounts.
The eShop stores a record of all downloads and purchases, allowing users to re-download previously purchased software at no additional charge, provided the software is still available on the eShop. Downloads can be started immediately, or they can be queued up and be pushed to the console while it is not in use or when the eShop application is not running.[4] Users upgrading from a Nintendo DSi system can transfer their previous DSiWare purchases to the Nintendo 3DS, with limited exceptions such as Flipnote Studio and the DSi web browser.[5] A December 2011 update enabled a similar feature allowing users to transfer their purchases between 3DS systems.[6] Prior to the implementation of Nintendo Network ID for the Nintendo 3DS in December 2013, only five transfers between Nintendo 3DS systems were permitted. The limit on system transfers has since been permanently waived.
Currency[edit]
Unlike the Wii Shop Channel and the DSi Shop services, which use Nintendo Points for purchases, the Nintendo eShop lists pricing in the appropriate regional currencies, such as dollars and euros.[7] Accounts can be funded using either credit cards or prepaid cards purchased in stores.[8]
Multitasking[edit]
The Nintendo eShop can be accessed anytime via the HOME menu screen, even when a game is already is running at the same time. This feature however is only available on Wii U. Background downloading is also possible via SpotPass while playing games, watching videos, listening to music, looking at photos, using the web browser or using any other application on the Wii U, and while in Sleep Mode on Nintendo 3DS.[9] Currently, 10 downloads can be queued up at a time. The status of the downloads can be checked on the HOME menu under the "Download Manager". If notifications are activated a pop-up message will appear in the top right corner of the screen to notify the user that a download is finished.
Ratings[edit]
The Nintendo eShop supports user reviews of games, applications, and other media. After an eShop title has been acquired and used for at least one hour, users can then submit a review consisting of a crescent range of one to five "stars", representing the title's quality. Users can also categorize games by age and gender, and as being suitable for either hardcore or casual gamers. Wii U has Miiverse integration for user reviews on the Nintendo eShop.
Deluxe Digital Promotion and Nintendo Network Premium[edit]
On 13 September 2012, during a Japanese Nintendo Direct presentation, Satoru Iwata introduced a new dimension to Nintendo's online offering, called Deluxe Digital Promotion (North America)/Nintendo Network Premium (Europe, Australia and Japan). It is a loyalty program similar to PlayStation Plus offered on PlayStation Network and Xbox Live Gold on Xbox Live.
Consumers who purchase the Wii U Deluxe Pack in North America, or the Wii U Premium Pack in Europe and Japan, will receive a free two-year subscription to this service which lets Wii U owners receive points for each digital purchase.
Members who buy games and apps through the Wii U Nintendo eShop will receive ten percent of the price back in the form of Nintendo Points, which can subsequently be put towards future online purchases on both the Wii U and Nintendo 3DS eShop. The promotion is currently planned through December 2014, with any future plans to be revealed at a later date.
Club Nintendo integration[edit]
Club Nintendo has a variety of unique rewards at many price points. Once linked to Club Nintendo, every product downloaded through the eShop is automatically registered in the Club Nintendo account. The user can also then take a survey for each product registered to earn additional coins/stars, which then prizes can be redeemed.[10] As of December 2013[update], Club Nintendo accounts are no longer linked directly to the Nintendo 3DS eShop accounts, but rather to the single Nintendo Network ID account registered on the eShop.
List of available content[edit]
The following types of games, applications and media are available to download from the Nintendo eShop.
| Content | Free or Purchase | Wii U | Nintendo 3DS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video Game Software | |||
| Download Software | Free and Purchase | Yes | |
| Retail titles | Purchase | Yes | |
| Add-on Content | Free and Purchase | Yes | |
| Patches/Update Data | Free | Yes | |
| Demos | Free | Yes | |
| 3D Classics | Purchase | N/A | Yes |
| WiiWare titles | Purchase (Transferable for Free) |
Wii Shop Channel only | Not Supported for 3DS/2DS |
| DSiWare titles | Purchase (Transferable for Free) |
Not Supported for Wii/Wii U | Yes |
| Virtual Console | |||
| Famicom/NES | Free and Purchase | Yes | |
| Super Famicom/Super NES | Purchase | Yes | TBA |
| Nintendo 64 | Purchase | Announced; already available via Wii Mode | No |
| Nintendo DS[11] | Purchase | Announced | DS Game Cards are backward-compatible; No plans for 3DS eShop digital distribution |
| Sega Master System | Purchase | Wii Mode only | No |
| Sega Mega Drive/Genesis | Purchase | Wii Mode only | Sega 3D Classics only |
| PC Engine/TurboGrafx-16 | Purchase | Announced; already available via Wii Mode | Announced |
| Neo Geo | Purchase | Wii Mode only | TBA |
| Commodore 64 | Purchase | Originally available via Wii Mode (North America and Europe only); Full library was since delisted | No |
| MSX | Purchase | Announced; already available via Wii Mode (Japan only) | No |
| Virtual Console Arcade | Purchase | Wii Mode only | 3D Classics only |
| Game Boy | Purchase | No | Yes |
| Game Boy Color | Purchase | No | Yes |
| Game Boy Advance | Free and Purchase | Yes | Ambassadors only |
| Sega Game Gear | Purchase | No | Yes |
| Picture | |||
| Screenshots taken from in-game footage | Free | HD | 2D and 3D |
| Video | |||
| Game videos (including trailers, behind the scenes, interviews, commercials, and promotional videos) | Free | HD and SD | 2D and 3D |
| Video walkthroughs | Free | HD and SD | 2D and 3D |
| Short films from third-party studios | Free and Purchase | No | 2D and 3D |
| Nintendo Show 3D (North America only) | Free | No | 2D and 3D |
| Nintendo TV (Official Nintendo Magazine) (United Kingdom only) | Free | No | 2D |
| Nintendo eShop News | Free | Yes | |
| Nintendo Direct conference videos | Free | Yes | |
| Other | |||
| Apps | Free and Purchase | Yes | |
| Club Nintendo integration | Free | Yes | |
Download Software[edit]
A extension of the WiiWare and DSiWare series of downloadable software, these titles have been specifically created to utilize the capabilities of the Wii U and Nintendo 3DS respectively. These can be either applications, videos, or games.
Retail titles[edit]
Select Wii U and Nintendo 3DS retail software titles are available to download via the Nintendo eShop. The first of these titles was New Super Mario Bros. 2, which launched on the Nintendo 3DS eShop alongside its retail release in August 2012.[12] A system update in March 2013 allows players to transfer save data from a card version of a game to a download version.[13]
Download-only titles[edit]
Any video game company, notably indie video game developers, may publish their own games via the Nintendo eShop as download-only software for both the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U.
Add-on content[edit]
Add-on content includes downloadable content (DLC) to augment existing titles, the addition of new features, and patches. Add-on software can be added to both downloadable and physical games.
Demos[edit]
As of 6 December 2011[update], a system update upgraded the service to feature downloadable demos of retail games and eShop games.[4] Developers have the option to limit access to demos, such as limiting the number of plays available to the user.[4] The first paid demo was released in Japan on August 4, 2011,[14] and free demos were further released in Japan on December 27, 2011[15] and in North America on January 19, 2012. As of 9 December 2013[update], Nintendo Network IDs were implemented onto the Nintendo 3DS, becoming required for downloading free demos from the eShop.
Software updates[edit]
Software updates, more commonly known as patches, have been available on both Nintendo 3DS, since April 25, 2012,[16] and Wii U, since November 18, 2012,[17] via a system update. These system updates gave the ability to patch downloadable titles, as well as retail games, through both the Nintendo eShop and HOME Menu. These patches have the main purpose of fixing security vulnerabilities and other bugs, and improving the usability or performance. Patches can also be downloaded while using other applications via the systems' Download Manager.
Virtual Console[edit]
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| Developer | Nintendo |
|---|---|
| Type | Classic video game re-release |
| Launch date | Nintendo 3DS June 6, 2011 Wii U January 23, 2013 (soft launch) April 26, 2013 (official launch) |
| Platform | Nintendo 3DS Wii U |
| Website | Nintendo 3DS Official US website Official UK website Official Japanese website Wii U Official US website Official UK website Official Japanese website |
Virtual Console (バーチャルコンソール Bācharu Konsōru?), sometimes abbreviated as VC, is a specialized section of the Nintendo eShop online service that allow players to purchase and download games and other software for Nintendo's Wii U and Nintendo 3DS consoles.
Wii U[edit]
The Wii U uses the Wii U Menu and Nintendo eShop to access and purchase Virtual Console titles, respectively. Virtual Console games on the Wii U can be suspended and users can also create save states anytime. The GamePad is only compatible with these titles through Off-TV Play.
Currently, titles from the NES, SNES and Game Boy Advance libraries are available for purchase on the eShop. Most of the Virtual Console library available on the original Wii is also available on Wii U, but only through the implementation of the console's "Wii Mode" and Wii Shop Channel, to access and purchase Virtual Console titles. Wii Virtual Console games cannot be controlled using the Wii U GamePad, albeit the current versions of the system software support displaying Wii Virtual Console games on the GamePad screen, as if playing any other Wii game.
Planned future releases will include purchasing software from the Nintendo 64, Nintendo GameCube[citation needed], and Nintendo DS libraries.
Nintendo 3DS[edit]
The Nintendo 3DS uses the HOME Menu and Nintendo eShop to access and purchase Virtual Console titles, respectively. Virtual Console games on the Nintendo 3DS can be suspended and users can also create save states anytime.
Currently, titles from the Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Nintendo Entertainment System, and Sega Game Gear are available for purchase on the eShop.
Planned future releases will include purchasing software from the Game Boy Advance and TurboGrafx-16 libraries. In the case of the former, at least ten titles are already available for a select number of Nintendo 3DS owners, precisely the ones who became eligible in the Ambassador's program (users who logged onto the Nintendo eShop prior to August 12, 2011, and did not format their personal eShop details). Special features in this interpretation of the Virtual Console allow players to create Restore Points, temporarily saving the game state for use later, and the optional ability to view games in their original resolution accompanied with special borders or templates.
3D Classics[edit]
3D Classics are a series of NES/Famicom, Arcade, and Sega Mega Drive/Genesis games remade with added 3D functionality and updated features, albeit overall graphics retain its original art style and appearance. So far, the released games are as follows:
WiiWare and DSiWare[edit]
Both WiiWare and DSiWare services originally available on the Wii Shop Channel and DSi Shop respectively are available on the Nintendo eShop.
WiiWare[edit]
WiiWare, for the Wii video game console, has been available for the Wii U since launch day, when an update added support for the Wii Shop Channel's library of WiiWare games. Unlike the Nintendo 3DS, WiiWare software is only available for download on the Wii U through Wii Mode, not the Nintendo eShop. Similarly to using Wii software on the Wii U, WiiWare can only be played in its original resolution, via Wii Mode, and Wii U Home Menu functionality is disabled whilst WiiWare software is being played. There are over 450 downloadable games available in North America as of October 2012[update]. Initially all titles, with sole exception of LostWinds, were made available on the Wii U. LostWinds had since been patched and made available for transfer and purchase on the Wii U.[18] Nintendo has yet to reveal the fate of the WiiWare library in the future.
DSiWare[edit]
DSiWare, for the Nintendo DSi handheld game console has been available for the Nintendo 3DS since June 2011, when an update added support for the Nintendo eShop service which contains most of the DSi Shop's library of DSiWare games. With a few exceptions for certain games or applications such as Flipnote Studio, the majority of existing DSiWare software is available for download on the Nintendo 3DS through the Nintendo eShop. Similar to using Nintendo DS software, DSiWare can be optionally viewed in its original resolution and Home Menu functionality is disabled whilst DSiWare software is being played. There are over 200 downloadable games available in North America As of August 2010[update].[19]
Video services[edit]
The Nintendo eShop offers a wide range of video services for Wii U and Nintendo 3DS. These services are only available for download on Nintendo 3DS since Nintendo TVii already integrates Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon Instant Video and TiVo.[20] Users can watch episodes of TV shows and movies on their Wii U in 720p HD, and on Nintendo 3DS handhelds in 240p. It should be noted however that these streaming services are available independently from Nintendo Network services.
These videos can either be downloaded to the system's memory through SpotPass or streamed over the user's Internet connection. On the Nintendo 3DS, many of these videos are offered in 3D; on the Wii U, only 2D videos are available. The exact content available varies by region.
Future plans include bringing Netflix outside of North America to the United Kingdom and Ireland with a selection of full-length 3D movies[21] and Hulu Plus to Nintendo 3DS. Nintendo also plans to bring other video on demand and DVR services to Wii U through Nintendo TVii.
| Content | Free or Subscription | Wii U | Nintendo 3DS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video services integrated within Nintendo TVii | |||
| Hulu Plus (United States only) | Subscription | Yes | N/A |
| Amazon Instant Video (United States only) | Purchase (Optional Amazon Prime subscription available) |
Yes | |
| Netflix | Subscription | Yes | |
| DVR services integrated within Nintendo TVii | |||
| TiVo | Purchase | Yes | N/A |
| Standalone video services | |||
| Netflix | Subscription | Yes | |
| Hulu Plus (United States only) | Subscription | Yes | |
| Amazon Instant Video (United States only) | Purchase (Optional Amazon Prime subscription available) |
Yes | No |
| LoveFilm (Europe only) | Subscription | Yes | No |
| YouTube | Free | Yes | |
| Nintendo Video | Free | No | Yes |
| YNN![22] (Japan only) | Subscription | Yes | No |
| Nico Nico Douga (Japan only) | Free | Yes | No |
| Online Shows | |||
| Nintendo TV (Official Nintendo Magazine) (United Kingdom only) | Free | No | Yes |
| Nintendo eShop News | Free | Yes | |
| Nintendo Direct conference videos | Free | Yes | |
| Other video services | |||
| Short Films | Free and Purchase | No | Yes |
Canceled Services:
- SpotPass TV - ceased operations on June 20, 2012.[23]
- Eurosport - ceased operations on December 31, 2012.[24]
- Nintendo Show 3D - last episode aired on March 28, 2013.[25]
Nintendo Unleashed (Official Nintendo Magazine)[edit]
Nintendo Unleashed is a video gaming online magazine published by Future Publishing for Nintendo Network. It is produced by the team behind the Official Nintendo Magazine and features video reviews and previews and footage of upcoming and recently released Nintendo games. Episodes are released monthly on the Nintendo eShop, Nintendo Channel and YouTube where users can watch all the latest news, reviews and previews of Wii, Wii U, Nintendo DS, Nintendo 3DS and Virtual Console games. The shows original name and format was called "Nintendo TV".[26]
Nintendo Show 3D[edit]
Nintendo Show 3D was a video gaming online show produced by Nintendo and hosted by Jessie Cantrell. It featured video previews and footage of upcoming and recently released Nintendo 3DS retail and digital game titles. Episodes were released every two weeks on the Nintendo eShop free of charge. This series was exclusive to North American Nintendo 3DS consoles.[27] Nintendo Show 3D released its last episode on March 28, 2013,[25] two years after the North America original 3DS release.
Nintendo eShop News[edit]
Japan exclusive news video conferences hosted by Satoru Iwata.[28][29]
Short films[edit]
The Nintendo eShop offers a wide range of downloadable video content for the Nintendo 3DS. These videos are mostly offered in 3D, and are downloaded right to the system's storage. In order to produce and distribute these short films, Nintendo has partnered with companies such as Breakthru Films, Black Box Productions, Atlantic Productions, Ka-Ching Cartoons and DreamWorks Animation.
In the future, Nintendo also plans to expand this video distribution service to even larger companies like DreamWorks, bringing exclusive content to Nintendo 3DS and Wii U owners.[30]
Availability[edit]
As of 29 July 2014[update], the Nintendo eShop and all of its features are officially available in 27 countries.[31][32]
As access restrictions are based on the address entered by the user and not on IP address, it is possible for users from non-supported regions to use the service, although there may still be certain limits, such as the inability to use credit or debit cards to purchase content or add funds, unless said cards are issued by banks in supported regions.[citation needed] In spite of the fact that all global PAL version Nintendo eShop users have access to identical hardware and servers, content availability does vary between local versions of the eShop in European and Oceanian continents due to legal reasons and differences in localisation entities.
Many countries may have official access to a localised variant of the Nintendo eShop, however the Nintendo eShop available in those countries may include limited or no downloadable content. Possible content could include only information on first party Nintendo titles, and Ambassador-eligible downloads for early Nintendo 3DS adopters.
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ "Third Quarter Financial Results Briefing". Nintendo. January 31, 2013.
- ^ Yin-Poole, Wesley. "Nintendo 3DS e-Shop and browser delayed". Eurogamer.
- ^ Wii U Will Require Day One Update for Key Features - Wii U News @ Nintendo Life. Nintendolife.com. Retrieved on 2013-08-23.
- ^ a b c Evan Narcisse (2011-10-28). "Nintendo Adding Playable Demos, eShop Web Interface and Sleep Mode Downloads to 3DS". Kotaku.com. Retrieved 2011-11-07.
- ^ "Nintendo 3DS - General Information". Nintendo. Retrieved 2011-08-06.
- ^ 3DS November Firmware Update Detailed | RipTen Videogame Blog. Ripten.com (2011-10-21). Retrieved on 2013-08-23.
- ^ Giancarlo Varanini (2011-06-02). "The 3DS eShop: What You Need to Know". GameSpot.com. CNet. Retrieved 2011-11-07.
- ^ "Nintendo 3DS - How To - Applications & Features". support.nintendo.com. Retrieved 2011-11-07.
- ^ Narcisse, Evan. "Nintendo Adding Playable Demos, eShop Web Interface and Sleep Mode Downloads to 3DS". Kotaku.
- ^ Link Shop Account to Earn Coins. Club Nintendo (2010-08-23). Retrieved on 2013-08-23.
- ^ "Nintendo DS Games Heading to Wii U Virtual Console". IGN. Retrieved 2014-03-26.
- ^ Plunkett, Luke. "New Super Mario Bros. 2 Will be Nintendo's First Proper Downloadable Game". Kotaku.
- ^ 3DS system update restores eShop, Game Notes access for some users - Gaming News. Digital Spy (2013-04-05). Retrieved on 2013-08-23.
- ^ ニンテンドー3DS｜謎惑館 音の間に間に 第一話「光る目」｜Nintendo. Nintendo.co.jp. Retrieved on 2013-08-23.
- ^ The Five 3DS Game Demos Aren't Unlimited. Some Are Nice, Though. Kotaku.com. Retrieved on 2013-08-23.
- ^ McWhertor, Michael. (2012-04-21) Nintendo 3DS Firmware Update Adding Folders, Game Patches | Side Mission. GameTrailers. Retrieved on 2013-08-23.
- ^ Wii U - System Update. Nintendo.com. Retrieved on 2013-08-23.
- ^ Whitehead, Thomas (2014-04-26). "LostWinds Now Available For Wii to Wii U Transfer". Nintendo Life. Retrieved 2014-09-12.
- ^ "NINTENDO DROPPING PRICES OF NINTENDO DSI AND NINTENDO DSI XL SYSTEMS ON SEPT. 12" (Press release). Redmond, WA: Nintendo. August 30, 2010. Archived from the original on September 5, 2010. Retrieved March 26, 2014.
- ^ Reisinger, Don (2012-06-05). "Nintendo confirms Netflix, Hulu Plus, others for Wii U | E3 2012 - CNET Reviews". CNET. Retrieved 2012-10-25.
- ^ Brian Crecente (2011-07-14). "Netflix Hits the 3DS Today, 3D Movies On the Way". Kotaku.com. Retrieved 2011-09-23.
- ^ More apps announced for Japanese Wii U eShop | GoNintendo - What are YOU waiting for?. GoNintendo (2012-12-05). Retrieved on 2013-08-23.
- ^ SpotPass TV Canceled in Japan - News. Nintendo World Report. Retrieved on 2013-08-23.
- ^ Nintendo/Eurosport 3DS app to see support end in 2013 | GoNintendo - What are YOU waiting for?. GoNintendo (2012-12-18). Retrieved on 2013-08-23.
- ^ a b Nintendo Show 3D comes to an end | GoNintendo - What are YOU waiting for?. GoNintendo. Retrieved on 2013-08-23.
- ^ Nintendo TV - Episode 1. YouTube (2011-12-16). Retrieved on 2013-08-23.
- ^ Nintendo eShop Official Site - Videos. Nintendo.com. Retrieved on 2013-08-23.
- ^ [Chotto Nintendo Direct] Nintendo eShop News 2013.1.25. YouTube (2013-01-25). Retrieved on 2013-08-23.
- ^ [Chotto Nintendo Direct] Wii U Nintendo eShop News 2013.2.6. YouTube (2013-02-05). Retrieved on 2013-08-23.
- ^ Nintendo Partners with DreamWorks Animation for Exclusive 3DS Video Content. The Hollywood Reporter (2011-10-04). Retrieved on 2013-08-23.
- ^ "Usage Guide: How to Use the Service". https://p.nintendo.net/. Nintendo. Retrieved 2 August 2014.
- ^ "Usage Guide: How to use". https://p.nintendo.net/. Nintendo. Retrieved 2 August 2014.
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