Is Nintendo Adding eReader Functionality To The 3DS And The Wii U?


According to Forget The Box, an inside source has revealed that Nintendo is in the process of prepping e-Reader functionality for both the 3DS and the Wii U, allowing users to download books, magazines, newspapers and comics to the Wii U controller and the 3DS.

Forget The Box is claiming that Nintendo is interested in making every copy of Nintendo Power and guides to old games available on the service, a move which plays into the nostalgia factor offered through the virtual console. It’s apparently all part of a move on Nintendo’s part to move towards the Wii U as a collection of services in addition to its normal functionality as a games machine.

It’s an interesting rumour, but one I’m a little cynical about. While Nintendo has added extra functionality to the Wii like the weather channel and other online services, it’s always remained reluctant to move away from its own unique niche in the games market. I could see Nintendo implementing some form of e-Reader functionality for guides and games magazines, but can’t see the Wii U controller being used as a full blown e-Reader like a Kindle, specifically since Nintendo has been keen to avoid labeling the Wii U as a traditional tablet.

I’ve been completely wrong about these things before however, and considering the Wii U is the first Nintendo console where it looks as though it is attempting to respond to trends instead of creating them, perhaps an e-Reader makes sense. As a company Nintendo has always been interested in utilising ‘withering’ technology to create new experiences, and e-readers fall into that category to an extent.

It’s possible that it’s simply an avenue Nintendo is looking into without making any kind of concrete decision. In any case, I’m keen to see precisely what direction Nintendo decide to take the Wii U in 2012.

Nintendo Set To Enter Realm of e-Readers [Forget The Box]


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