Multiple accounts per system are on the way.
Nintendo's online system has long been a point of contention for both fans of Nintendo and hopeful adopters. Given the major strides made in online integration to home consoles this generation, Nintendo has finally announced plans to deliver similar services on the upcoming Wii U system, as well as a number of other functionalities that encompass the 3DS. The overarching online solution is branded under the name "Nintendo Network." Perhaps the most important announcement is that the Wii U will have individual user accounts - no longer will the online functionality be tied to the system itself.
According to Iwata, each user can have a personal account which content and other information will be tied to. It's not clear if these accounts will be easily portable to other systems, but multiple users can each have their own account on the Wii U.
One example of such content tied to an individual's account is a digital version of a traditionally retail distributed game. Given the upswing of digital distribution, Nintendo is now equipped to distribute digital copies of retail games on both the 3DS and the Wii U. There are no current plans for titles to bring to the service and retailer relationships to consider, but when the time is right, Iwata claims that Nintendo is already prepared.
A formal paid DLC program also joins the ranks, which Nintendo is making available for both first and third parties. Square Enix's Theatrhythm Final Fantasy will be the first title to take use of the infrastructure when it launches in Japan on February 16.
Outside of the Nintendo Network, Iwata also detailed a new functionality of the Wii U's controller. Near Field Communication (NFC) will allow the tablet controller to communicate and exchange data with other wireless objects in close proximity.
"By installing this functionality, it will become possible to create cards and figurines that can electronically read and write data via noncontact NFC and to expand the new play format in the video game world. Adoption of this functionality will enable various other possibilities such as using it as a means of making micropayments."
Outside of this ambiguous description, it's unknown how or with what this NFC functionality will be used.
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