Nintendo Set to Promote Downloads

With many sources claiming Nintendo should support its download services more, clearly the company has been listening as it will indeed be starting a new campaign from 18th January (today!). However, whilst taking this fresh approach, Nintendo also wants to reassure retailers that they have nothing to fear.

From today, a three-week campaign focused on the online functionality of both the Wii and DSi / DSi LL will not only air across British TV nationwide, but also become more prominent in the retail space, where retailers are encouraged to promote online features in-store and offer advice to customers about taking full advantage of the systems they are purchasing. On the Wii side of things, Nintendo will be using the BBC iPlayer, new download content for Activision Blizzard's Band Hero and Zoonami's WiiWare-exclusive, Bonsai Barber as promotional tools. As for the DSi, three separate campaigns are set to be on rotation; one featuring the Facebook link-up where photos can be taken on the DSi and instantly uploaded to the social networking website, another taking a closer look at the three versions of 'A Little Bit of...Brain Training,' as well as the 'Dictionary 6-in-1' application that can be downloaded, where text can be input into the system for an instant translation into the likes of Japanese, French or German, or even photos of words can be taken for the system to identify and translate.

Retailers are being asked to hand out leaflets to consumers with vital information on, as well as pointing out how easy it is to purchase Nintendo Point Cards.

"WiiWare and DSiWare are not threats to retail. We don’t believe today's packaged business will simply be replaced by electronic distribution. Titles like Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Mario Kart and Wii Fit will always work best with the big launch presence that only a retail environment can provide. WiiWare will work alongside retail. It is not a replacement."
- Polly Sherrard, Nintendo UK's Online Manager.

The full breakdown of what Nintendo UK has in store for the campaign can be read here, whilst the online management duo point out that the following games are due out in the near future (follow the links for hands-on previews, where available):

WiiWare
Max & the Magic Marker, Super Meat Boy, NightSky, Worms: Battle Islands, Zombie Panic in Wonderland, Miffy's World, And yet it Moves, and Cave Story.

DSiWare
Move your Brain - Rollway Puzzle, Art Academy: Second Semester, Sokomania, Pop Island, Reflection, Flight Control.

Out of the games already on WiiWare and DSiWare what are your current favourites? Also, looking at the hands-on content listed above, what are you most looking forward to?