Nintendo eShop

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Nintendo eShop
The official Nintendo eShop logo
Developer Nintendo
Type Online market
Launch date June 6, 2011 (3DS)
November 18, 2012 (Wii U)
Last Updated May 17, 2013 (details)
Platform Nintendo 3DS
Nintendo 3DS XL
Wii U
Status Online
Members 26 million[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 e-Shoppu?) is an online marketplace powered by Nintendo Network for the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U. Launched on June 6, 2011 in North America and June 7, 2011 in Europe and Japan, the eShop was enabled by the release of a system update that added the functionality to the Nintendo 3DS' HOME Menu.[2] Unlike the Nintendo 3DS, the eShop will be available right on launch in the Wii U, but it requires a system update 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 a wireless internet connection to access. 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.[4] Accounts can be funded using either credit cards or prepaid cards purchased in stores.[5]

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.[6] 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.[7] A December 2011 update enabled a similar feature allowing users to transfer their purchases between 3DS systems.[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 watching videos, listening to music, looking at photos, using the web browser and playing games on the Wii U, and while in Sleep Mode on Nintendo 3DS.[9] Officially 8 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. Users can submit a software review of with "stars" ranging from one to five, representing its quality in a crescent order. Users can also categorize games by age and gender and as suitable for hardcore or more casual gamers. Wii U will also have Miiverse integration for user reviews on the Nintendo eShop. These reviews can only be submitted after using the software at least one hour.

Deluxe Digital Promotion/Nintendo Network Premium [edit]

Nintendo Network Premium logo
Main article: Nintendo Network

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's a loyalty program similar to PlayStation Plus offered on PlayStation Network.

Consumers who purchase the Wii U Deluxe Pack (North America) / Premium Pack (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 per cent 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]

List of available content [edit]

The following types of games, applications and media are available to download from the Nintendo eShop.

Content Available via 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) Yes N/A
DSiWare Titles Purchase (Transferable for Free) N/A Yes
Virtual Console
NES/Family Computer Free and Purchase Yes
Super NES/Super Famicom Purchase Yes No
Nintendo 64 Purchase Yes No
Game Boy Purchase No Yes
Game Boy Color Purchase No Yes
Game Boy Advance Free and Purchase Yes
Sega Master System Purchase Yes No
Sega Mega Drive/Genesis Purchase Yes No
Sega Game Gear Purchase No Yes
TurboGrafx-16/PC Engine Purchase Yes TBA
Neo Geo Purchase Yes No
Commodore 64 Purchase Yes No
MSX Purchase Yes No
Virtual Console Arcade Purchase Yes No
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]

Nintendo Download Software
Nintendo 3DS Download Software logo
Developer Nintendo
Type Online market
Launch date June 6, 2011 (3DS)
November 18, 2012 (Wii U)
Last Updated September 19, 2012 (details)
Platform Nintendo 3DS
Wii U
Main articles: Wii U Download Software and Nintendo 3DS Download Software

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 downloadable games.

Retail titles [edit]

Main articles: List of Wii U games and List of Nintendo 3DS games

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.[11] A system update in March 2013 allows players to transfer save data from a card version of a game to a download version.[12]

Add-on Content [edit]

Add-on includes downloadable content, addition of new features, and patches. Add-on software can be added to both digital and physical games.

Demos [edit]

As of December 6, 2011, a system update upgraded the service to feature downloadable demos of retail games and eShop games.[6] Developers have the option to limit access to demos, such as limiting the number of plays available to the user.[6] The first paid demo was released in Japan on August 4, 2011,[13] and free demos were further released in Japan on December 27, 2011[14] and in North America on January 19, 2012.

Software updates [edit]

Software updates, more commonly known as patches, have been available on both Nintendo 3DS, since April 25, 2012,[15] and Wii U, since November 18, 2012,[16] 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]

Virtual Console
Wii Virtualconsole Logo.png
Developer Nintendo
Type Online market
Launch date November 19, 2006 (Wii)
June 6, 2011 (3DS)[17]
November 18, 2012 (Wii U) [18]
Platform

Wii Shop Channel

Nintendo eShop
Website Wii - Virtual Console
Nintendo 3DS - Virtual Console
Main article: Virtual Console

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.

Wii U [edit]

The Wii U uses both the Wii U as well as the implementation through the console's "Wii Mode" to access content available through the Wii Shop Channel, including its Virtual Console offerings:

Wii Shop Channel (Wii Mode)

Wii U eShop

Nintendo 3DS [edit]

The Nintendo 3DS' Virtual Console currently includes games from the following systems:

Planned future releases will include purchasing software from the Game Boy Advance, TurboGrafx-16, Arcade and Neo Geo libraries. 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.

3D Classics [edit]

3D Classics are a series of NES and Arcade games remade with added 3D functionality and updated features, albeit overall graphics retain its original appearance. So far, the following games that have been released are:

WiiWare and DSiWare [edit]

Both WiiWare and DSiWare services originally available on the Wii Shop Channel and DSi Shop respectively will be made available on the Nintendo eShop.

WiiWare [edit]

Main article: WiiWare

WiiWare, for the Wii video game console is available for the Wii U since launch day, which an update added support for the Nintendo eShop service and contains the Wii Shop Channel's library of WiiWare games. Most of the existing WiiWare software is available for download on the Wii U through Wii Mode. Similar 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.

DSiWare [edit]

Main article: DSiWare

DSiWare, for the Nintendo DSi handheld game console is available for the Nintendo 3DS since June 2011, which an update added support for the Nintendo eShop service and contains 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 functionality is disabled whilst DSiWare software is being played. There are over 200 downloadable games available in North America as of August 2010.[19]

List of Nintendo eShop 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 wireless internet connection. On the Nintendo 3DS, many of these videos are offered in 3D, while on the Wii U, there are only 2D videos 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.

Video Content Available via Nintendo Network
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) Subscription 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 TBA
Amazon Instant Video (United States only) Subscription Yes No
LoveFilm (Europe only) Subscription Yes No
YouTube Free Yes No
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:

Nintendo TV (Official Nintendo Magazine) [edit]

Not to be confused with Nintendo TVii.

Nintendo TV 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.[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,[28] two years after the North America original 3DS release.

Nintendo eShop News [edit]

Japan exclusive news video conferences hosted by Satoru Iwata.[29][30]

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 memory. 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.[31]

Availability by country [edit]

As of December 4, 2012, the Nintendo eShop is officially available in 25 countries, although the some features may be only available on a handful of selected markets.[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/debit cards to purchase content or add funds, unless said cards are issued by banks in supported regions.[citation needed]

See also [edit]

References [edit]

  1. ^ "Third Quarter Financial Results Briefing". Nintendo. January 31, 2013. 
  2. ^ Yin-Poole, Wesley. "Nintendo 3DS e-Shop and browser delayed". Eurogamer. 
  3. ^ http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2012/11/wii_u_will_require_day_one_update_for_key_features
  4. ^ Giancarlo Varanini (2011-06-02). "The 3DS eShop: What You Need to Know". GameSpot.com. CNet. Retrieved 2011-11-07. 
  5. ^ "Nintendo 3DS - How To - Applications & Features". support.nintendo.com. Retrieved 2011-11-07. 
  6. ^ 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. 
  7. ^ "Nintendo 3DS - General Information". Nintendo. Retrieved 2011-08-06. 
  8. ^ http://www.ripten.com/2011/10/21/3ds-november-firmware-update-details/
  9. ^ Narcisse, Evan. "Nintendo Adding Playable Demos, eShop Web Interface and Sleep Mode Downloads to 3DS". Kotaku. 
  10. ^ https://club.nintendo.com/link-shop-account.do
  11. ^ Plunkett, Luke. "New Super Mario Bros. 2 Will be Nintendo's First Proper Downloadable Game". Kotaku. 
  12. ^ http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/gaming/news/a470853/3ds-system-update-restores-eshop-game-notes-access-for-some-users.html
  13. ^ http://www.nintendo.co.jp/3ds/eshop/jhmj/index.html
  14. ^ http://kotaku.com/5871343/the-five-3ds-game-demos-arent-unlimited-some-are-nice-though
  15. ^ http://www.gametrailers.com/side-mission/12271/nintendo-3ds-firmware-update-adding-folders-game-patches
  16. ^ http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/systems/wiiu/en_na/system_system_update.jsp
  17. ^ http://m.kotaku.com//5801121/the-3ds-e+shop-has-been-delayed
  18. ^ http://uk.ign.com/articles/2012/09/19/what-excites-us-about-wii-us-eshop
  19. ^ http://www.webcitation.org/5sS3O1Dg0
  20. ^ Reisinger, Don (2012-06-05). "Nintendo confirms Netflix, Hulu Plus, others for Wii U | E3 2012 - CNET Reviews". CNET. Retrieved 2012-10-25. 
  21. ^ Brian Crecente (2011-07-14). "Netflix Hits the 3DS Today, 3D Movies On the Way". Kotaku.com. Retrieved 2011-09-23. 
  22. ^ http://gonintendo.com/?mode=viewstory&id=192341
  23. ^ http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/30122
  24. ^ http://www.gonintendo.com/?mode=viewstory&id=193035
  25. ^ http://gonintendo.com/?mode=viewstory&id=199202
  26. ^ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DAwaGAU_4w8&list=PL32AB53C6A3E5C74F&index=2&feature=plpp_video
  27. ^ http://www.nintendo.com/3ds/downloads/videos
  28. ^ http://gonintendo.com/?mode=viewstory&id=199202
  29. ^ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qbXIK7jGro
  30. ^ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=camyNe1RUjk
  31. ^ http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/nintendo-3ds-dreamworks-animation-shrek-243627
  32. ^ https://p.nintendo.net/
Hardware
Wii U Console and Gamepad.png
Online service
Home Menu
Games
Virtual Console
Backward compatibility
Wii series
Online service
Nintendo-3DS-AquaOpen.jpg
Applications
Games
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