Best Buy is adding hotspots for 3DS
While I still haven't picked up a 3DS, its online abilities are one of the features I'm most interested in. Nintendo had some good ideas with the original DS but they seemed designed for a densely populated Japanese city like Tokyo or Kyoto where people would bump into each other more often. Wireless data transfer between handhelds is a bit less likely here in the pastures and hamlets of Ohio, unless you're on OSU campus a lot.
Now Best Buy is increasing the odds of data transfer by adding custom 3DS wireless access at 1,000 retail locations across the country. These in-store hotspots will upload all kinds of digital goodies to your 3DS using its SpotPass feature (it's like WiiConnect 24 but for handhelds). Naturally Best Buy will be putting ads for products and coupons on your 3DS, but you'll also get movie trailers and extra game content. I'm sure once the eShop launches in June there will be more robust content to download and plenty of discounted DLC on offer.
I'll probably just configure my 3DS to access my home wireless--the Best Buy system is obviously a ploy to get people into Best Buy stores--but getting a demo or two during my bi-weekly visit to Best Buy will be a nice surprise. I'm just glad Nintendo is partnering with more tech-focused names than McDonalds for their hotspots this time.
Nintendo 3DS Will Connect Automatically to Best Buy Wireless Hot Spots
REDMOND, Wash. & MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Nintendo and retail partner Best Buy are collaborating to give Nintendo 3DS™ owners customized, automatic wireless access at some 1,000 select Best Buy store locations nationwide beginning June 7. Once connected, the service will provide access to a variety of fun content via the system’s built-in Wi-Fi functionality, including the new SpotPass™ feature. The Best Buy service will also include exclusive offers as well as additional entertainment content such as gaming extras and movie trailers. Nintendo 3DS, which lets people see 3D visuals without the need for special glasses, launched March 27 at a suggested retail price of $249.99.
“Nintendo 3DS turns the page in portable gaming not just because of the stunning, glasses-free 3D visuals, but also in the way it keeps people connected to their friends, their games and their world,” said Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime. “Best Buy provides a firsthand look at the platform with experts to help people understand everything it offers.”
“We want our customers to fully tap into the potential of their Nintendo 3DS device, so we’re pleased to offer free access to special Wi-Fi and SpotPass content in-store,” said Chris Homeister, senior vice president of entertainment for Best Buy. “As a retail partner for SpotPass, this is another way that we’re delivering best-in-class gaming experiences at our stores across the country.”
Remember that Nintendo 3DS features parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access. For more information about this and other features, visit http://www.nintendo3ds.com.
