At Nintendo press conference in Japan they highlighted a Wi-Fi connection service called Nintendo Zone. DSi’s and DS Lites are both compatible with Nintendo Zones, but the Nintendo DSi doesn’t need to download any additional software since the Nintendo Zone viewer built in its internal memory. Once you log on to a Nintendo Zone you can download demos and “exclusive” content. I suppose Nintendo Zone content includes things like the online McDonalds menu and news application tested in Japan. McDonalds of Japan will be supporting the Nintendo Zone service and at this time no providers have been announced in North America.
Actually, Nintendo of America hasn’t official mentioned the service, but it seems like we’ll see Nintendo Zones in the USA. During a trademark registration blitz on October 2nd Nintendo registered Nintendo Zone with the above image in the US Patent and Trademark database. They also registered Club Nintendo, Rhythm Heaven, and Sin and Punishment, but these are items Nintendo of America already confirmed. So where will Nintendo Zones sprout? Most likely McDonalds where Nintendo of America used to offer free Wi-Fi.
Images courtesy of Nintendo.
Published: Oct 7, 2008 09:48 am