Iwata:
First of all, there are two main directions when it comes to the use of NFC. One is to use it for video games. For example, we can create cards and figurines with NFC and design our video games to work in conjunction with them. Also, an increasing number of arcade games are utilizing IC cards which can read and write data in order to record users' scores and it is possible for Wii U games to connect with them. We are in talks with several software developers regarding such possibilities. We are making preparations and, by the end of this year, we will probably be able to show you some output, tell you about some more concrete examples of the possibilities or even let you try out some tangible examples. The other direction is e-money. In Japan e-money called FeliCa is widely used, and FeliCa is included in NFC. Technically, it is possible to settle an account by waving an e-money card over the Wii U GamePad. We are conducting research into this right now as one of this technology's future possibilities. We will make an announcement when we are ready to discuss a more detailed plan. Since we have made a certain investment in order to install NFC, we will make efforts to at least receive a return on our investment.
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First of all, there are two main directions when it comes to the use of NFC. One is to use it for video games. For example, we can create cards and figurines with NFC and design our video games to work in conjunction with them. Also, an increasing number of arcade games are utilizing IC cards which can read and write data in order to record users' scores and it is possible for Wii U games to connect with them. We are in talks with several software developers regarding such possibilities. We are making preparations and, by the end of this year, we will probably be able to show you some output, tell you about some more concrete examples of the possibilities or even let you try out some tangible examples. The other direction is e-money. In Japan e-money called FeliCa is widely used, and FeliCa is included in NFC. Technically, it is possible to settle an account by waving an e-money card over the Wii U GamePad. We are conducting research into this right now as one of this technology's future possibilities. We will make an announcement when we are ready to discuss a more detailed plan. Since we have made a certain investment in order to install NFC, we will make efforts to at least receive a return on our investment.
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yeah, im really wanting to use this feature in SOME capacity during the Wii Us life span. It would be nice.
Pokemon, e-reader cards, maybe for the next smash you can unlock chracters or in-game content... Just sayin'
"Since we have made a certain investment in order to install NFC, we will make efforts to at least receive a return on our investment."
Sounds like Nintendo themselves don't care or are unsure what to do with the NFC technology. But yet it's right there in the gamepad, I "made a certain investment" too and expect you to put the feature to good use with a bit more enthusiasm, not just half-assedly throwing something together for the japanese market. It was one of the systems selling points too, at least for some time:P
Mark my words, Sakurai is doing figurines for Smash Bros. It makes sense when you look at the things he has done already. AR Cards in Kid Icarus Uprising are a prelude to this. The whole narrative conceit of Smash Bros is that the characters are figurines come to life, right? Take the idea a step further.
Perhaps the 3DS and Wii U games will share data through these figures.
That is actually a pretty great idea and makes a lot of sense, let's hope youre right.
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