Nintendo plans paid DLC for 3DS, Wii U

Nintendo plans to introduce a paid item transactions system for the 3DS and Wii U.

This system will enable the purchase of additional content for video games, Nintendo boss Satoru Iwata told investors during a Q&A session translated by Andriasang.

The system will be available to use for Nintendo 3DS developers by the end of the year.

Iwata and game developer legend Shigeru Miyamoto said they were interested in extending the life of games through added stages and other features players want. Well, what do you want?

Iwata downplayed the chances of "low quality" DLC appearing, however. Things like unlocking keys or stat increases would not allow Nintendo to build a long-term relationship with customers, he said.

Iwata also poured cold water on free-to-play games supported by micro-transactions popping up on Nintendo systems. They would "damage the premium value OF Nintendo's content", apparently.

The Nintendo 3DS connection rate is far beyond that of the DS, Iwata said. Not surprising, really, given the 3DS' connectivity features. But Iwata isn't happy. Only a fraction of those connected actually download paid content.

As a result, Nintendo wants to expand the eShop so that it sees an increase of five to ten per cent in usage levels. Iwata hopes to create a future where "players will pay for digital content just like normal with no reservations". This will be a major point for Nintendo over the next three years.