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Report: 3DS eShop, browser coming in day-one firmware update
One of the most baffling, disappointing news items from the recent 3DS event is the absence of the "eShop" online store at launch. According to a statement from Nintendo to Eurogamer, the 3DS eShop won't ship with 3DS systems on the launch day -- but the firmware will be "updated on day one" with the eShop functionality and a web browser. Europe's launch date is March 25, two days before the system will be available in North America, so it stands to reason that if Europe's shop is ready, North America's will be too. Nonetheless, we've asked Nintendo of America for confirmation. If this report is true, that would neatly solve the problems caused by a missing eShop -- any prospective user would have to connect to the internet if they wanted to download any games anyway, meaning anyone affected would be able to download the update right away. Update: Nintendo of America's senior director of corporate communications, Charlie Scibetta, says "Games and services offered by Nintendo can vary by region. Nintendo of America will release additional information about Nintendo eShop, including timing, content and pricing, at a later date."
3DS eShop detailed: Virtual Console, DSiWare, demos, and the absence of 'Points'
Along with a push into the third-dimension, Nintendo appears to be using the 3DS to make a stronger push into the digitally distributed space on its handhelds. The DSi (and its big brother, the DSi XL) both started the company down the path popularized by Apple's hyperkinetic App Store – and emulated by everyone from Sony to Google to Microsoft. The 3DS will support DSiWare (whose name was, perhaps, just a smidge shortsighted) and, while Nintendo of America Product Marketing Manager Bill Trinen couldn't provide any details during an interview today with Joystiq, he did confirm that users will be able to transfer any DSiWare games they've already purchased to the 3DS. "There will be a function that will allow you to transfer games from your Nintendo DSi to the 3DS," Trinen said. "As we go into greater detail about the Shop, we'll go into detail about that specific function." But 3DS isn't just supporting what the DSi already supports; Nintendo is taking several cues from its Wii-based Shop Channel and Nintendo Channel playbooks, bringing Virtual Console to the handheld market in the form of Game Boy and Game Boy Color games, availability of demos, the ability to rate games, and even check out screenshots and videos for retail games. After losing backwards compatibility with Game Boy games with the DSi, we're especially happy about having that feature back in the 3DS; however, it won't be coming to the DSi. "Those will be on the eShop," Trinen told us, "which is specific to the 3DS." But what about the other carts the DSi design sent to retro heaven? Trinen says Game Boy Advance support isn't part of this announcement. "Basically we're focusing on Game Boy and Game Boy Color. If we decide to introduce [GBA games] at a later date, we'd announce later if we did."
