Following hints of the Nintendo Network shown on dummy boxes for Theatrhythm Final Fantasy and Dynasty Warriors Vs, Nintendo CEO Satoru Iwata has finally announced just what this new system will entail. While it doesn’t seem like they will be completely scrapping the Friend Code system which they have previously used on the Nintendo DS and Nintendo Wii titles, the Nintendo Network will be included in all releases of the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U consoles.
Based somewhat on the success of the “Communities” system in Mario Kart, this will be a network similar to the Playstation Network and XBox Live services where you can register a username, communicate amongst friends and other users as well as purchase digital content. This will also be included in games such as Theatrhythm Final Fantasy where you should be able to purchase new music tracks through the system. While they went into no specifics on the matter, they also mentioned they are explording the idea of selling full retail games through both the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U, also putting on par with its competitors however there are some concerns such as SD card space limitations.
There are as of this post, no specifics about when individual components of this network will be rolled out.