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DS Games To Be Downloadable to the Wii

In a New York Times article generally discussing Nintendo's gangbuster success with the Wii and DS, Reggie Fils-Aimie reveals that in the future the DS will more tightly integrate with the console. Full games will be downloadable to the Wii platform, and then transferable via wireless to the handheld. "In Japan, the DS's functionality extends beyond its game-playing ability. There the device is used to give information during museum tours, and to download content from the Wii. Some of those features will eventually be introduced into the North American market as well. 'To aggressively drive DS business we need to provide other forms of entertainment to excite the consumer,' said Mr. Fils-Amie."

6 of 151 comments (clear)

  1. too late by maclizard · · Score: 3, Funny

    DS games are already downloadable on the PC.

  2. Re:Sony did it by poot_rootbeer · · Score: 3, Insightful

    The integration between a PS3 and a PSP (both abilities available at launch and things that have been talked about coming around int he future) is what made me want to get a PS3...

    I agree that there's some exciting potential there, but what I've seen so far has been underwhelming. Why can't I download content to my portable through my existing home PC and Wifi network? Why do I have to buy and use a set-top console from the same company for what should be a simple

    It stunk of vendor lock-in when Sony did it, and if Nintendo is going to require me to own a Wii to get downloadable content for my DS, that shall stink too.

    It sounds silly, but Nintendo definately needs to get DVD playback on the Wii going

    I agree that it sounds silly, because it is. Nobody's refusing to buy a Wii because it doesn't have DVD playback. Most households have a DVD player hooked up to their TVs already, and those that don't yet can get one at K-Mart for under $30 now. It's not worth Nintendo's time to add the feature.

  3. Another possible improvement by el_munkie · · Score: 4, Interesting

    They need to add a Wii app that lets users vote on priorities for VC game porting. I want Blaster Master, dammit.

  4. DS is a most amazing device by sloth+jr · · Score: 3, Interesting

    Bought my first one this Christmas - and promptly went out to buy a second. I am impressed by some of the software to utilize the stylus. I like handwriting and speech recognition, the split displays works out better than I had thought, wireless is seamless. It wouldn't take much to make the DS the uber-pda. I would like to see some accelerometers added for additional control mechanisms in games, and some traditional wi-fi surfing.

  5. Nintendo needs to fix the VC accounting first... by Myrv · · Score: 4, Interesting

    This is all fine and dandy but until Nintendo fixes how the VC DRM works I won't be participating. I have a Wii but I refuse to buy any VC content because Nintendo insists on locking the downloads to the machine and not the user. Currently the only way you can transfer VC games/applications between Wiis is if you send it in for repair (note you can't use Nintendos express replacement option either, you have to physically send it in and wait for them to return a repaired or fixed version). In other words, if my Wii is stolen/lost/destroyed I have no way of recovering any of the games or apps I have bought and downloaded from Nintendo. I can't re-download them or restore them from an SD card. All the Wii points I've spent will be lost. Unfortunately I didn't realize this until I got the machine. I was really looking forward to playing the VC but when I found out how it really works I basically had to give up on it. Oh well, live and learn. At least Mario Galaxy and Metroid are fun.

  6. Re:Nintendo needs to fix the VC accounting first.. by Chuck+Chunder · · Score: 4, Insightful

    if my Wii is stolen/lost/destroyed I have no way of recovering any of the games or apps I have bought and downloaded from Nintendo
    Isn't that what insurance is for?

    Do you refuse to buy normal games because if they are stolen/lost/destroyed you are screwed?

    The VC just buys convenience. Sure, perhaps it could be a bit more convenient but it's not that bad.
    --
    Boffoonery - downloadable Comedy Benefit for Bletchley Park