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[Tadaima]

Nintendo has a reputation for being a bit behind the times when it comes to their online infrastructure. The "account system" is one example of an issue that many people have complained about when considering digital as an option for Nintendo platforms.

I currently own the following:
Wii U (Japanese; Nintendo Network account 1)
3DS XL (Japanese; NN account 1)
OG 3DS (PAL; NN account 2)

I am considering buying a New 3DS (Japanese or PAL) in the coming months.

I have bought digital Nintendo games on several occasions – releases such as Pushmo, Dillon, and various Virtual Console titles. My PAL 3DS contains the Ambassador games and a digital retail release (DKCR). I love being able to keep Steam games in the cloud and download/play them on demand, having access to a library of hundreds of games without needing to carry every disc with me.

I've been playing Nintendo for several decades and have always cherished the physical games, but my lifestyle no longer permits it. I hadn't sold or traded a single game from the past two console generations until last month (clearing clutter), so I don't really see the benefit of resale value. For Nintendo games, I tend to buy on or close to the release date, so there isn't much of a price difference between digital and physical.

I can know that I can sell/lose/break my Mac and my Steam library will be there waiting for me as soon as I get a replacement. An iOS library can be shared across multiple devices. PSN/Xb games are (as far as I know) tied to accounts and ready to download even though I don't own those platforms right now.

I would really love to finally go digital with Nintendo, but I am skeptical. For instance – what happens if I get rid of a Wii U or 3DS? Is it possible re-download the libraries on replacement systems in the future, akin to Steam and PSN? If I trade in my 3DS for the New 3DS, can I download my library again or do I need to buy the New 3DS before parting with the original 3DS later? What about if my Wii U dies long into the next (or next-next) generation – will my library be recoverable or is it gone forever?

I am sure there are many other people who are on the fence but can't find the answer to these questions. Any advice will be most appreciated.

Is now the time to finally go digital with Nintendo platforms, or should we hold out for longer? And if the latter, what are we holding out for, and what should our reservations be?

Advice from people on both sides of the fence will be appreciated.

 

[GloriousBagel]

Nope.

 

[Occam]

No, they have no proper account system.
Physical games can be resold, loaned to others or given away.

 

[gngf123]

I never buy digital on Nintendo stores unless there is no other option.

They have improved things a lot from their days of requiring police reports to recover games, but I would still rather go physical.

 

[Weevilone]

Nintendo has a comfortable lead on worst digital ecosystem.

 

[Shao Kahn Brewing a Stew]

"I would really love to finally go digital with Nintendo, but I am skeptical. For instance – what happens if I get rid of a Wii U or 3DS? Is it possible re-download the libraries on replacement systems in the future, akin to Steam and PSN? If I trade in my 3DS for the New 3DS, can I download my library again or do I need to buy the New 3DS before parting with the original 3DS later? What about if my Wii U dies long into the next (or next-next) generation – will my library be recoverable or is it gone forever?"

Nintendo should be the last company you wanna go all digital with. These are your biggest concerns, and the answer to this all is that your games are licenses to the hardware and cannot be carried over to other hardware.

 

[Bomber Bob]

You loose Your console you loose everything

 

[astrogamer]

If you want access to your games, you are going to need to keep the system so, I don't think it's up to your standards yet.

edit: Though if your system breaks, you shouldn't worry about losing your games too much if you contact customer service. Then again, I'm not sure about Nintendo's Japanese customer service

 

[Darkrider]

The fact that Nintendo almost never discounts their digital games makes me say, no. Oh, and the lack of well implemented account system...

 

[TheMoon]

You loose Your console you loose everything

Not true.

No, they have no account system.
Physical games can be resold, loand to others or given away.

Not true.

I would really love to finally go digital with Nintendo, but I am skeptical. For instance – what happens if I get rid of a Wii U or 3DS? Is it possible re-download the libraries on replacement systems in the future, akin to Steam and PSN? If I trade in my 3DS for the New 3DS, can I download my library again or do I need to buy the New 3DS before parting with the original 3DS later? What about if my Wii U dies long into the next (or next-next) generation – will my library be recoverable or is it gone forever?

Yes you can, but you'll need to call customer service so they unlock your ID from the old system you either broke or don't own anymore. A user-based way to do this has been rumored to be in the works for a long time now but no official ETA yet.

If you still do own the systems and want to upgrade to a new one, you can transfer everything manually.

Ultimately, your stuff is safe. It just requires a bit of work on your end to call them up in the rare event that shit breaks.

 

[gngf123]

"I would really love to finally go digital with Nintendo, but I am skeptical. For instance – what happens if I get rid of a Wii U or 3DS? Is it possible re-download the libraries on replacement systems in the future, akin to Steam and PSN? If I trade in my 3DS for the New 3DS, can I download my library again or do I need to buy the New 3DS before parting with the original 3DS later? What about if my Wii U dies long into the next (or next-next) generation – will my library be recoverable or is it gone forever?"

Nintendo should be the last company you wanna go all digital with. These are your biggest concerns, and the answer to this all is that your games are licenses to the hardware and cannot be carried over to other hardware.

Just to make this clear: They can be transferred. It's just a very smart idea to make sure you have both 3DS units with you when you do so.

That or phone Nintendo up with your ID and ask them to transfer for you. Maybe you'll need a serial number for both 3DS's, you used to but I think that has changed.

 

[trifelife]

Wait for an account. It's almost 2015! Gotta happen soon, right?

 

[fedexpeon]

Nope, I always avoid it and majority of the time, retail has better pricing because Nintendo has no one on staff to change pricing.

 

[Shao Kahn Brewing a Stew]

Just to make this clear: They can be transferred. It's just a very smart idea to make sure you have both 3DS units with you when you do so.

That or phone Nintendo up with your ID and ask them to transfer for you. Maybe you'll need a serial number for both 3DS's, you used to but I think that has changed.

The case with Nintendo that if your console dies, your games die with it. I've read a lot of horror threads here where people complain about losing their entire library and Nintendo Customer Service not doing shit about it. I think that stuff still applies, right?

It's still quite silly that it's up to chance on whether you get your games back, and whether the customer service agent is knowledgeable to help you with this situation, or is not having a bad day.

Don't get me wrong, everyone's service is shit, but it's quite appealing to go digital with other platforms that let you carry your titles over. Hell, even phones are ahead of Nintendo in this department.

 

[Tadaima]

Just to make this clear: They can be transferred. It's just a very smart idea to make sure you have both 3DS units with you when you do so.

That or phone Nintendo up with your ID and ask them to transfer for you. Maybe you'll need a serial number for both 3DS's, you used to but I think that has changed.

Does anybody have experience with this – buying a new 3DS, having already parted with the old one (such as trading it in as store credit for the replacement), and moving your library over via customer service?

For reference, I would be dealing with Japan or Europe customer service.

 

[chaosblade]

No, they have no account system.
Physical games can be resold, loand to others or given away.

This isn't really accurate, NNID is an account system. The problem isn't that it doesn't exist, it's that Nintendo has a one system activation limit and no device management options without calling customer support.

PSN suffered from the same problem initially, though it wasn't as bad since you had 5 activations. Now you can manage your activations yourself online. Nintendo needs to incorporate this so you can de-activate your Wii U/3DS from your account without needing access to it, and without having to call customer support.

 

[entremet]

Not without the Digital Download Promotion ending.

 

[Chittagong]

I have been all digital for Wii U for a year and a bit. Have got Wind Waker, NSMB U, NSLB, Pikmin 3, Mario Kart 8 and Super Smash Bros. It's great to be able to swap from one game to another on my sofa. I am, however, totally prepared to lose it all when I sell my console.

 

[Starwolf_UK]

The problem with the current Nintendo account system is the migration options open to the end user. That is system transfer tool only, need both systems on hand.

If you need more than that you need Nintendo. To speak in PSN terms it is a PSN account that can be used on one Wii U and one 3DS and has no end user revoke option (you can log out by formatting the system).

Wait for an account. It's almost 2015! Gotta happen soon, right?

NNID is the account. Oh wait it isn't a "proper" account system...goalposts were moved...

 

[Herb Alpert]

You loose Your console you loose everything

Well, this isn't entirely true.

 

[chaosblade]

I have been all digital for Wii U for a year and a bit. Have got Wind Waker, NSMB U, NSLB, Pikmin 3, Mario Kart 8 and Super Smash Bros. It's great to be able to swap from one game to another on my sofa. I am, however, totally prepared to lose it all when I sell my console.

Just make sure you deactivate your NNID from the system. Then you can use it on another console and have access to your games.

 

[trifelife]

NNID is the account. Oh wait it isn't a "proper" account system...goalposts were moved...

Ok, sorry. *modern competent functional account

 

[Skelter]

I'm digital everything. Being lazy > proper account.

 

[Elider]

Does anybody have experience with this – buying a new 3DS, having already parted with the old one (such as trading it in as store credit for the replacement), and moving your library over via customer service?

For reference, I would be dealing with Japan or Europe customer service.

My 3DS was stolen, making me lose a handful of digital purchases along with all of the Ambassador games. I called Nintendo customer service, and they asked for a copy of the police report. Which was no problem, of course. Then they immediately transferred everything to my new console.

And this was before NNID's, so I imagine it's slightly easier to pull of now. Not like that matters much since you still have to make the call, but even so.

 

[hongcha]

Does anybody have experience with this – buying a new 3DS, having already parted with the old one (such as trading it in as store credit for the replacement), and moving your library over via customer service?

For reference, I would be dealing with Japan or Europe customer service.

If you have a Japanese system outside of Japan, you are out of luck. There is effectively no account system in this case. If the console is broken, stolen, etc, Nintendo of Japan will not help you. You cannot transfer anything if you sell your old console before getting your new one. Buyer beware.

(I also have a JP 3DS, but I don't buy digital due to these risks).

 

[Tadaima]

So it sounds like the only serious complaint is the lack of a user-managed "remote deactivation" option.

Once we have that, we're all good to go?

 

[Bl@de]

No. Bad sales ... Physical is way cheaper on WiiU (at least in Germany). And cherish physical as long as its possible.

 

[chaosblade]

So it sounds like the only serious complaint is the lack of a user-managed "remote activation" option.

Once we have that, we're all good to go?

Yep. That's really the only issue.

 

[Tohsaka]

Not to me. I only buy digital on Nintendo platforms if it's a game I can't get elsewhere.

 

[openrob]

Not true.



Not true.



Yes you can, but you'll need to call customer service so they unlock your ID from the old system you either broke or don't own anymore. A user-based way to do this has been rumored to be in the works for a long time now but no official ETA yet.

If you still do own the systems and want to upgrade to a new one, you can transfer everything manually.

Ultimately, your stuff is safe. It just requires a bit of work on your end to call them up in the rare event that shit breaks.

Where are these rumors sprouting from (don't get me wrong, it makes sense, I just never head this yet)?

I don't really have much to add really, apart from no - I would not go all digital on Nintendo. Yes there are steps to getting your content back, but there are many ways to run into issues from the sounds of it. There isn't many tangible benefits to going digital with them except that you don't have to get up to change discs.
It's more expensive and hard to move your games to a new system.

 

[LQX]

No. Not until they have a proper account system akin to every other modern device with an account system where purchases are tied to your login rather than hardware. Moreover I think you will find better prices buying retail. Just last week BestBuy had a buy 1 get 40% off promo. You will never get deals like that going digital.

 

[Tadaima]

If you have a Japanese system outside of Japan, you are out of luck. There is effectively no account system in this case. If the console is broken, stolen, etc, Nintendo of Japan will not help you. You cannot transfer anything if you sell your old console before getting your new one. Buyer beware.

(I also have a JP 3DS, but I don't buy digital due to these risks).

What if you were to be overseas when your 3DS was stolen? I assume they would help you then, right? Do you need to show proof of residency? Not sure what the barrier could be.

 

[SmokedMeat]

What difference does it make if you own Wii U and 3DS when the games aren't shared?

Nintendo is the last system I'd go digital on right now. Maybe they'll make things right with their next system.

 

[batman2million]

i wouldn't. nintendo games tend to have a great re-sell value. and you'll never know when you'd want to or need to sell a game.

 

[Tadaima]

What difference does it make if you own Wii U and 3DS when the games aren't shared?

Nintendo is the last system I'd go digital on right now. Maybe they'll make things right with their next system.

AFAIK, the NN IDs are shared. And I was asking in general, since I would part with my original Wii U at the drop of a hat if Nintendo were to announce a smaller, lighter revision.

 

[chaosblade]

What difference does it make if you own Wii U and 3DS when the games aren't shared?

Nintendo is the last system I'd go digital on right now. Maybe they'll make things right with their next system.

This is also pretty unfortunate, though not really as big of an issue as user-managed remote system activations. I hope we do see it fixed on their next systems, but I'm not really sure how it would work.

Say your Wii U and 3DS VC games carry over to the new systems which have cross-platform VC. How do you "reward" the people who bought both previously, versus the people who only bought one? Maybe they don't, since the purchases were made with the previous systems in mind, but that would cause an uproar.

 

[Linkstrikesback]

NNID is the account. Oh wait it isn't a "proper" account system...goalposts were moved...

No-one meant what the NNID is currently when they said "account system". I know you and everyone else knows this so I can't help but be frustrated when people say this.

It's not moving goalpsots, and even if it is, they never reached the original location of the posts anyway.

Lord knows it's preventing me buying anything digital anymore at any rate.

 

[entremet]

My brother got a refurbished Wii U from Nintendo and it had 3DWorld installed.

No saves or NNID, but strange it had a game in it.

 

[zychi]

Only if it's cheaper. The account system is there, you just have to call and talk to Nintendo support to get them moved. I'm 99% digital on my 3ds, exceptions are the Zelda games. I only buy Nintendo games on their consoles, so I know I'm not going to resell any of their stuff. I grab a ton of Digital cards on sale at Best Buy every few months, and use that.

 

[TheMoon]

Where are these rumors sprouting from (don't get me wrong, it makes sense, I just never head this yet)?

It's been a while but there was an older Scott Moffit interview along with some behind the scenes rumblings in that vein. Again, nothing concrete. It's a thing that is inevitable. Just a question of how long it takes until end-users can manage the account unlocking process themselves from other devices.

My brother got a refurbished Wii U from Nintendo and it had 3DWorld installed.

No saves or NNID, but strange it had a game in it.

Chances are it was an a bundle before it was refurbished and resold.

 

[Gustav]

No. Downloads are tied to your system. It's a mess.

 

[atr0cious]

Actually Op, the last 2 years was when you should've went digital. I got over $100 back on the DDP promotion, which ends in a week. Also, the quick start makes the Wii U pretty amazing, especially when paired with an all digital library.

Plus, I don't know about your Wii U, but all my games are tied to my NNID and clubNintendo account.

 

[Starwolf_UK]

What difference does it make if you own Wii U and 3DS when the games aren't shared?

The eShop wallet is shared. However linking the NNID to a 3DS cripples it of the ability to change countries. Which is useful since I can buy Inazuma Eleven (all but UK) if I want to and enjoyed Snapdots too (Oceania only) which would both be impossible had I linked the NNID on a 3DS. On a Wii U multiple users are allowed on a system and each can be a different country all users can use all purchases. I should point out the other country problem is a number of eShop exclusives have been skipping Germany recently as the USK ratings are too expensive and that has been a long standing problem for Australia.

However, in Europe there are conditional discounts (own x to get discount on y), rarely even offering 100% off a game (i.e. cross buy) As it is down to developers only Luv Bunnies and Squids Oddysey were the only ones to offer this (other things have been 30% off like Shovel Knight). But these are so few and far between there isn't much reason to have an NNID linked on 3DS at all...

What if you were to be overseas when your 3DS was stolen? I assume they would help you then, right? Do you need to show proof of residency? Not sure what the barrier could be.

Speaking Japanese on the phone? Especially if you've imported the system.

 

[Onaco]

Fuck, guess I'm the minority who enjoys being able to load games without swapping carts. Can go between Animal Crossing, Smash, Mario Kart, all without losing carts or discs.

 

[DownGrader]

As a person who lost Smash Bros 3DS save data four times due to three faulty SD cards in a row (yeah, I am lucky), with over 80 hours played total, and wasn't able to back their up due to some weird Smash-specific rejection of creation backup data (aside from the usual symbolistic nature of their backup system), I would say no.

I am still waiting until they will implement at least some sort of backup system on Wii U. It's not stopping me from occasionally purchasing indies, Virtual Console games and "single A" download-only games (DuckTales: Remastered, Child of Light), but at least Wii U memory chips are not as faulty as those freaking $10 microSD cards.

Side morale of the story - if you are going to buy an SD card for your 3DS, don't be cheap asshole like me.

 

[Phamit]

If you don't live in the fear to loose your console and only wants to play on the same console, its totally okay to digitial with nintendo

Spoiler

don't complain when yoz actually loose your console and deal with Nintendo customer support instead to fix your problem

 

[Spieler Eins]

My god, always these spins for the semantics. Nintendo's interpretation/implementation of accounts is worthless and anti-consumer, which might as well be the same thing as ,,there's no accounts''. So, what's the point? It's still a stupid idea to go digital for Nintendo, no matter how hard you resist that ,,technically'' there are accounts.

If you must, for digital only titles, gotta swallow that crap. But better stay away from anything above 20 bucks.

 

[TI82]

My god, always these spins for the semantics. Nintendo's interpretation of accounts is worthless and anti-consumer, which might as well be the same thing as ,,there's no accounts''. So, what's the point? It's still a stupid idea to go digital for Nintendo, no matter how hard you resist that ,,technically'' there are accounts

Just more NDF nonsense. Like back in 2006 "only so many people own an HDTV it is pointless to support at this point". Or " who wants to talk online anyway just a bunch of annoying kids", etc etc

 

[Skelter]

i wouldn't. nintendo games tend to have a great re-sell value. and you'll never know when you'd want to or need to sell a game.

Some of us never sell our games. I don't and already games such as Pikmin 3 are becoming hard to find physically driving up the costs.

 

[L Thammy]

It isn't necessarily spin. I mean, they do have an account system and they can transfer them. That's the fact of the matter.

The problem is that they are backwards as hell and don't trust their consumers at all, so we'll be dealing with the same old shit next gen.