Nintendo may be synonymous with boxy plastic cartridges but it's also attempting to embrace digital distribution.
It's a subject that Nintendo CEO - now also the freshly-appointed CEO of Nintendo America - Satoru Iwata has been considering.
In a financial results Q&A, he was asked whether digital business could be a core business for Nintendo.
Responding frankly, Iwata stated that "We will not simply change our existing packaged software distribution channel".
Old habits
When talking about the free-to-play model, Iwata was rather abstract.
"Rather, we might have many other types of business models in addition to packaged software. For example, we might see more games that are similar to free-to-play games, games that cost much less or games that require a monthly subscription fee," he said.
And finally, Iwata hinted that - while vague - these new types of business models will be making appearance in the months ahead.
"I can definitely say that Nintendo will make new offers that go well beyond simply replacing packaged software with digital software," he said.
While it appears that Nintendo's packaged software distribution channel will remain key for the company, Iwata is clearly considering how best to capitalise on the 3DS and Wii U's growing digital libraries.
Yet in stating "I still feel that the digital ratio will change dramatically in two or three years' time", it seems that Iwata won't be announcing a shake up any time soon, despite Nintendo's less-than-impressive financials.
News
US Correspondent
Representing the former colonies, Matt keeps the Pocket Gamer news feed updated when sleepy Europeans are sleeping. As a frustrated journalist, diehard gamer and recovering MMO addict, this is pretty much his dream job.
Related Articles
News
Apr 25th, 2024
Everyone loves Nintendo… Delta emulator hits 4.4 million downloads in its first week
Top Stories
News
Apr 27th, 2024
PocketGamer.biz Podcast Week in Views E09 - Supercell's Squad Busters goes global, Embracer Group splits, and Apple's Vision Pro flops
News
Apr 26th, 2024
Week in Views - Squads busted, Apple crushed, War zoned and Snoozin' with the Snorlax…
Feature
Apr 26th, 2024
Speaker Spotlight: Dubai Future Foundation's Faisal Kazim on leading Dubai's gaming charge
Events
Esports Future Summit | Middle East | Apr 27th |
Dubai GameExpo Summit 2024 | Middle East | May 1st |
The MENA Games Industry Awards 2024 | Middle East | May 2nd |
GameDev Atlantic 2024 | May 4th | |
Mobidictum Meetup Berlin May 2024 | Europe | May 7th |
Mobidictum Meetup Tallinn May 2024 | Europe | May 21st |
Israel Mobile Summit 2024 | Middle East | Jun 6th |
DevGAMM Vilnius 2024 | Europe | Jun 14th |
Popular Stories
News
Apr 23rd, 2024
Supercell’s Squad Busters soft launches today with over 100,000 Google Play downloads
News
Apr 23rd, 2024