While Nintendo has often been criticised for its late arrival to online gaming and downloadable content, the company’s eShop for Wii U has become a thriving hub for gamers, filled with spectacular titles and exclusives. However, Nintendo’s store prices for games also available in physical disc form are hardly competitive with “High Street” shops or online retailers. The only store selling eShop download codes is GAME, which has an exclusive deal with Nintendo in the UK for the sale of cards and codes online.
However, this deal does not cover smaller, independent gaming boutiques, and as a result, they will be able to begin selling eShop cards and codes in the middle of July, thanks to distributor DLCSoft. The company believes that this will allow retailers “to establish their stores as a true digital destination on the High Street.” This seems like a win-win for the market and consumers. Not only will this help these smaller businesses compete with larger retailers, but it also means that gamers could find eShop codes at competitively reduced prices.
While the UK is a small but significant market for Nintendo, other European businesses may be watching with interest to see how well the eShop cards sell. If DLCSoft is correct in its analysis, it could lead to the scheme expanding to other countries.
[Source: MCV]
