Nintendo's troubles with the Nintendo 3DS at the hands of mobile gaming might make you think that the company's first mobile app would deliver gaming to smartphones and tablets. Well, you'd be wrong.
Nintendo and Japan-based wireless carrier NTT DoCoMo will launch an app on Thursday that will allow users to tether their Nintendo 3DS systems to their smartphones to get on the Web on the gaming device. The feature will initially only be available in the US, and Nintendo hasn't said whether tethering might come to other markets in the future.
The move to tethering appears to be little more than an obligatory step on Nintendo's part to acknowledge the mobile space is hurting its operation. Nintendo recently announced that sales of its hardware and software are way down and part of that is due to the popularity of casual gaming on mobile devices.
Despite Nintendo's troubles at the hands of mobile, the company seems content to simply dip its toes in the water and not go all-in. Indeed, the tethering app just makes it easier for Nintendo 3DS owners to connect to the Web; not play games on other devices.
Since Nintendo's recent downfall, many critics have argued that the company should explore the possibility of bringing its first-party titles, including Super Mario and The Legend of Zelda, to iOS andAndroid. Nintendo has so far rebuffed those calls, believing that keeping its games on its own consoles is the best move.
Still, Nintendo hasn't totally sworn off mobile. The company will launch its first wholly owned mobile app by the end of the year to integrate mobile devices with its playing experience. It's not clear just yet what that app might offer.
CNET has contacted Nintendo for comment on the new app. We will update this story when we have more information.
courtesy:www.cnet.com
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