In a recent interview, Nintendo of Europe’s head PR guru Laurent Fischer clarified Nintendo’s position on retail versus downloadable titles. “For us this download model has nothing to do with the retail model,” Fischer stated. “The retail model, with the game and the package and the disk, is still the heart and core of Nintendo.”
Although noting the importance of DSiWare and WiiWare, Fischer stated that “Ware” titles are more about reaching expanded audiences. “Exciting new, smaller developers are able to use the Nintendo Shop to reach consumers where they may have struggled before. This is encouraging different types of games to reach people, and encouraging customers to play those games direct from their consoles.”
The gaming industry has been pretty split as to whether or not we can expect a future of download only titles, however Nintendo has stood out as one company that has no plans to ditch the retail model. Downloading a game is great, but nothing beats opening up the plastic around a new Mario title for the first time.
