- Credits
- 49,552
Nintendo looks set to turn its plans for video downloads into reality over in Japan shortly. On May 1, the company will kick off its video download service, previously announced as the Wii no Ma Channel.
Wii no Ma does offer video downloads, but it's actually more than just that. Consider it a virtual living room. You and up to seven other family members register their Miis with the channel, inputting age, birthdate, and blood type (it's a Japanese thing). These Miis appear in a virtual space, where time progresses in real time.
In the virtual space, you have access to a number of activities. Click on a television, and you can access the afore-mentioned video download service, searching for programs by recent arrivals or key words. Sadly, Nintendo hasn't shared a list of shows, but it has said that the video content will be light initially but will grow with time.
There's also a somewhat odd direct marketing component to the service. Click on a plastic plant in your virtual living room, and you're taken to a parade showcasing Nintendo's marketing partners. You can select one of these marketers to go to a company-specific space, where you can download videos of new products and request that samples be sent to your home.
Celebrity Miis will visit your living room on occasion. Known as "concierges," these Miis will introduce special programming. Their visits can later be accessed through a message board option in your space.
Your living room also includes a calendar, which will offer daily images and other content.
DSi owners will be able to link up to the Channel. Those who've downloaded a "Dokodemo Wii no Ma" program to their DSi can copy over programs from the Wii no Ma Channel for viewing on the go. The marketing side of the channel also has a part here, as the DSi can also take delivery of coupons from Nintendo's marketing partners. These coupons can apparently be used at retailers.
more here
Wii no Ma does offer video downloads, but it's actually more than just that. Consider it a virtual living room. You and up to seven other family members register their Miis with the channel, inputting age, birthdate, and blood type (it's a Japanese thing). These Miis appear in a virtual space, where time progresses in real time.
In the virtual space, you have access to a number of activities. Click on a television, and you can access the afore-mentioned video download service, searching for programs by recent arrivals or key words. Sadly, Nintendo hasn't shared a list of shows, but it has said that the video content will be light initially but will grow with time.
There's also a somewhat odd direct marketing component to the service. Click on a plastic plant in your virtual living room, and you're taken to a parade showcasing Nintendo's marketing partners. You can select one of these marketers to go to a company-specific space, where you can download videos of new products and request that samples be sent to your home.
Celebrity Miis will visit your living room on occasion. Known as "concierges," these Miis will introduce special programming. Their visits can later be accessed through a message board option in your space.
Your living room also includes a calendar, which will offer daily images and other content.
DSi owners will be able to link up to the Channel. Those who've downloaded a "Dokodemo Wii no Ma" program to their DSi can copy over programs from the Wii no Ma Channel for viewing on the go. The marketing side of the channel also has a part here, as the DSi can also take delivery of coupons from Nintendo's marketing partners. These coupons can apparently be used at retailers.
more here