Nintendo Zone
The Nintendo Zone logo.
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| Developer | Nintendo |
|---|---|
| Type | Online distribution service |
| Launch date | |
| Platform |
Nintendo DS Nintendo DSi Nintendo 3DS |
| Status | Discontinued |
| Website | www |
Nintendo Zone was a download service and an extension of the DS Download Station. Users may access content, third-party data, and other services from a hotspot or download station. The service offers demos of upcoming and currently available games and may have location-specific content. When the service debuted, users could also connect to the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection and DSi Shop.
The Nintendo Zone Viewer application allowed the Nintendo DSi and 3DS to detect and use the Nintendo Zone service. This application has been discontinued in North America, but all other Nintendo Zone functionality remains.
In collaboration with fast food restaurant chain McDonald's, the service originated in the Kantō, Chūkyō and Kansai regions of Japan. Over 1,000 DS Download Stations in Japan were planned to be converted into Nintendo Zones to enable SpotPass communications. Nintendo Zone content is available at over 29,000 locations in the United States. The service launched in Europe on April 25, 2012 with approximately 25,000 locations. Nintendo announced in July 2013 that the service will receive StreetPass enhancements. The StreetPass Relay Points system was introduced as part of an firmware update to Nintendo 3DS consoles in August 2013. When a 3DS owner visits a Nintendo Zone location his or her StreetPass data will be stored there then transferred when another owner visits with the same games. The viewer will always remain on even if it is out range of a Nintendo Zone.
On December 8, 2011, a 3DS update began allowing users to access new Nintendo Zones through a variety of new hotspots. A press releases showed that Boingo Wireless teamed up with Nintendo of America Inc. to allow users automatic access to the zone within 42 Boingo-serviced airports within North America. This has offered a new range of encounters and features without any additional cost.
In December 2013, a new feature was added on in celebration of National StreetPass Weekend. This feature combined and mixed together all Nintendo Zones within North America into one and allowed users who come across a Nintendo Zone to streetpass and exchange data with other 3DS users from all around the continent, as opposed to only those 3DS users who have passed by that specific zone. Through this feature, users were able to StreetPass a maximum of 6 users at a time from other parts of North America. This feature helped raise awareness about Nintendo Zone and what it could offer to 3DS users. It encouraged 3DS users to access a nearby zone in order to meet users from other parts of the continent and to gather more StreetPass relay points. Through this feature, many users were able to exchange information and gameplay items with other users. It also encouraged interaction between 3DS users who own the same game to initiate item exchanges that each users would be able to take away with them once the events is over.
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