Writing editorials gives you a lot of freedom in terms of thinking and writing about things that may never come about in a certain way. With that approach, I would like to make a pitch for better Nintendo Network ID experience 1 more time.
Nintendo Network ID
A Nintendo Network ID is a unique identifier of 6 to 16 characters, which gives users access to Nintendo Network services like the Wii U’s Miiverse Nintendo eShop.
In fact, nothing more or less than a username and password with which you are recognized on the Nintendo network and can perform actions, including shopping (and pay).
Since December 10, 2013 it was made possible to link your Nintendo Network ID on Nintendo 3DS. By using same Nintendo Network ID on multiple systems your Nintendo eShop account becomes combined.
The combination is a good step let’s say that upfront.
Nintendo Network ID limitations
Suppose you have a game purchased through the Wii Virtual Console. The Wii U comes out and you go to it’s Virtual Console, then probably the same title is available, but now as Virtual Console package for that console. And therefore not purchased. If you want to play the title on the latest console you have lucked out because you have to pay for it … again.
This is perhaps the biggest reason why I am not a fan of the Virtual Console. If I need to purchase a digital game again although I still have the original cartridge of for instance a SNES game, I can fully understand that.
But what I can not wrap my mind around is that we do not have a Virtual Console which is linked to a Nintendo Network ID which survives outside the consoles eco-system in 2018. Making you have to re-buy games multiple times when you’ve already bought them once before digitally.
What is the use of a Nintendo Network ID then … because if keep growing with the various consoles, you pay again.
Chances Nintendo Network ID + Virtual Console
In this area there is a huge opportunity for Nintendo. If they want an example of how this should work in practice. Look at Steam. For those not familiar with Steam; http://store.steampowered.com/
In Steam you just like with Nintendo Network ID have username and password.
Behind these credentials is your entire gaming library which you purchased or added to Steam(+ freebies you have received). If you decide you have to replace your PC, upgrade it, or whatever, then your gaming library is still available to you.
At the time of writing this is not the case however for Nintendo and that in itself is a pure sin when you look at the rich gaming library Nintendo has to offer.
But isn’t a Virtual Console different on each device?
Yes it is, you are absolutely correct. And that is possibly partially where the problem of the Virtual Console I have is originating from. Because each Virtual Console is different
- Not all games are immediately available again, which is a shame for a new console because if you can continue your “retro” titles it’s a blessing. If nothing new has come out which has aroused your interest it would just be plain brilliant for me as a gamer to be able to continue my ‘retro’ titles.
- Your purchases … pff which purchases … in this version you have once again nothing zilch zero zip. Yes Nintendo that’s a sin. Nice business model but totally not fair to your loyal fan base. Even if I would have to pay a small amount to upgrade (per game or global) that would be ok. But do not take my previous purchases because I faithfully have purchased your new console.
If Nintendo is going to link their Nintendo Network ID in a good way (hint look at Steam) they will make so many gamers so happy with something relatively simple.
And what does this also tackle in the process I hear you think … oh yeah piracy. People are generally not too cheap to pay a sum once for a digital version. Look at all the digital services that are successful.
But if you deem those purchases null and void on a new system … yes, I can certainly see why people are like, it’s good I do not care more for these titles for which I have already paid (several) times, bring on the piracy.
Nintendo can deal a blow to piracy in the process of making their Nintendo Network ID better.
Level up the Nintendo Network ID
I would be thrilled if I can build a digital version of my collection of games from the past that I then can play on my Nintendo Switch but can also play on any successors in terms of Nintendo consoles.
If Nintendo is going to go that way than they are golden with oh so many people and then you tie people to your console in order to make their collection grow and keep it functional on the next generation. I really see such an enormous potential for this.
Physical vs Digital
Now that we’re already comparing the world of Steam to Nintendo, I would also like to pick up on the situation physical vs. digital. For example; I have purchased a physical game in Steam and linked it to my collection, so if I lose the disk or whatever I can then simply download the game digitally and play.
Simple because it is linked to my specific account.
Nintendo Network ID friggin why do you not offer this.
I collect games physically because I’ve grown up with games in such a fashion. That and I can physically take hold of a game, a case etc.
Other simple scenario; I take my Nintendo Switch with me to a friend’s house. In addition, I happen to have forgotten the physical game they wanted to play. With Steam not a problem because of the beautiful linking it to your account. Nintendo … well though luck.
Come on Nintendo this should no longer be a problem in 2018. Link it to the Nintendo Network ID and match it the hardware id of my Nintendo switch or something. That should be something easily done with all the techniques of this time.
What do you think, should Nintendo step up in terms of the Virtual Console? How the Nintendo Network ID works? Would you like to see Nintendo follow the example of Steam? Let us know it!
