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.
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.