Next DS to be download-only in the style of PSP Go or Amazon Kindle?
Could the Nintendo DS 2 follow in the footsteps of Sony’s PSP Go and become a download-only handheld, where games are no longer on physical media and only available via a Nintendo online shop?
Nintendo’s President, Satoru Iwata, has stated that they are definitely looking into that possibility for the successor to the current DSi system (and the recently announced DSi XL).
Going one-step further, it looks like Nintendo is specifically looking at using the same 3G wireless network as many cell phones use, and they are looking at the Amazon Kindle for inspiration. That’s because the Kindle allows users to easily download thousands of e-books (including magazines, newspapers, novels, blogs, periodicals, etc.) directly from any wireless 3G connection for “free”, with the cost for that access being directly integrated into the price of the actual unit (which ranges from $259 to $489). And that is a model that Nintendo seems interested in studying.
Speaking to the Financial Times, Iwata said the following:
“I’m interested because the Kindle is a new business model in which the user doesn’t bear the communications cost,” Iwata told the Times. “Only people who can pay thousands of yen a month in mobile phone subscriptions can be iPhone customers. That doesn’t fit Nintendo customers because we make amusement products.”
Though Iwata is a bit worried about the initial cost of the system being a bit too steep if the Kindle model is the direction they will go in. “In reality, if we did this it would increase the cost of the hardware, and customers would complain about Nintendo putting prices up, but it is one option for the future.”
I personally do not like the idea of a download-only gaming system, and in some sense I agree with a friend of mine, who said she hopes the PSP Go crashes and burns. The problem from my perspective (as well as her and her husband’s) is due to the fact that not only is physical media non-existent (which means no more game collecting), but it also means that the company will maintain direct control over all aspects of your gaming library, from the price you have to pay (no bargain shopping) to the fact that they could even delete games from the service if they so chose to. I think it’s a slippery slope. However, I feel it may just be the inevitable future . . . Then again, they said books would also disappear. How many people do you see in public using their kindles in place of a traditional book/newspaper? Exactly.
Via GameSpot
Josh I respectfully disagree with you. I think you’re putting your head in the sand and ignoring the future of digital media. Gaming is one of the few media that has a bankable future in it and it’s especially thanks to digital distribution, perks and add-ons that actually have a shot at largely getting rid of the piracy that’s killing the music and movie business (unless they adapt to online distribution). As well as PC gaming, that’s why EA Sports stopped releasing their big titles on the PC/Mac according to Peter Moore.
I think your basis is the situation a while back when Amazon deleted copyrighted ebooks from Kindle users. They later gave it back citing it was a poor choice to delete it without notice as they meant to replace the ebooks not remove them or something like that.
You could make the same statement for your Myspace, Facebook and Twitter pages, those companies can delete the content you put out or embed from others at any given point if they deem to do that. And they don’t need your permission either, as it’s their service, you’re just using it. Yet you keep on using it despite the risk of deletion.
Or maybe it’s because you and your friends are collectors and are used to touching your games collection and displaying it with pride. I’ve seen people who grew up without the need for physical CD’s or DVD’s do the same with digital collections through online lists or galleries that show what you bought on your TV and those of your online friends.
As for your worries about pricing. Steam is a great example of PC digital distribution done right, they have weekly sales on many games that often discount their games 50-75%! Their automated updating system also makes sure you always have the most up to date versions of your games, as well as the bonus of free add-on packs and other extras that come in lieu of collector’s editions, although I am seeing those pop up on Steam now too. For example Dragon Age: Origins has a Digital Deluxe Edition:
http://store.steampowered.com/app/901037/
I can definitely see pre-order bonuses for digital games being shipped to your doorstep as well. Publishers will find it worth it to lock in early sales, not just for the revenue, but for it helping to build hype.
Like you said, neither ebook readers and books are going anywhere anytime soon. In the end, I believe both will co-exist. Although it will shift heavily towards online media, since people care about the content first and foremost.
Very interesting post. I’ll reply after I get finished working 
