| Developer | Nintendo |
|---|---|
| Type | Online market |
| Launch date | NA June 6, 2011 EU June 7, 2011 JP June 7, 2011 |
| Platform | Nintendo 3DS |
| Website | Official website |
The Nintendo eShop is an online service for the Nintendo 3DS handheld gaming system. 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 3DS' Home Menu.[1] The Nintendo eShop features downloadable games, applications and information on upcoming film and game releases.
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The Nintendo eShop icon appears as part of the Home Menu on the 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.[2] Accounts can be funded using either credit cards or prepaid cards purchased in stores.[3]
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 updated enabled a similar feature allowing users to transfer their purchases between 3DS systems.[6]
The following types of games are available to download from the Nintendo eShop.
With a few exceptions, the majority of existing DSiWare software is available for download on the 3DS. 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.
An extension of the DSiWare series of downloadable software, these titles have been specifically created to utilize the capabilities of the Nintendo 3DS.
Similar to the Wii's Virtual Console service, the 3DS' Virtual Console currently includes games from the Nintendo Game Boy and Game Boy Color systems. Planned future releases will include software from the TurboGrafx-16 and Sega Game Gear systems, as well as the Nintendo Entertainment System and Game Boy Advance. 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 are a series of older video games remade with added 3D functionality and updated features. The first of these titles, 3D Classics: Excitebike, was temporarily made available for free at the eShop's launch.[7]
A December 2011 system update upgraded the service to feature downloadable demos of retail games.[4] Developers would have the option to limit access to demos, such as limiting the number of plays available to the user.[4] The first demos were released in Japan on December 27, 2011.[8]
The eShop offers a wide range of video services for the Nintendo 3DS. Many of these videos are offered in 3D, with some downloaded to the system's memory and others streamed over the user's wireless internet connection. The exact content available varies by region, but includes game trailers, music videos and news features.
Added in July 2011, Nintendo Video provides a range of 3D video content, including live-action and animated short features, movie trailers and music videos. The videos are downloaded to the 3DS via SpotPass and are available to be viewed off-line until they are replaced by newer content that is pushed to the system by Nintendo from time to time.[9]
In North America, Netflix subscribers can access their instant queues to view 2D movies on their Nintendo 3DS. In the future, a selection of full-length 3D films will be made available.[10]
In October 2011, Nintendo announced numerous new features that were planned to be added to the Nintendo eShop in the near future. One such feature will enable downloadable content, allowing games to be expanded with additional levels and other new features.[4] Hulu Plus will join the system's available video content offerings in the near future, allowing its subscribers to watch episodes of TV shows and movies on their 3DS consoles.[11]
A planned 2012 update will let users access and make purchases from the Nintendo eShop via personal computer or many other internet-connected devices. Initially, users will use their 3DS' camera function to capture a QR code that will take them to the desired content on their handheld, with future plans to eliminate the QR code step and purchase the content directly.
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