Nintendo to Introduce Pre-loading, Auto Downloads

Nintendo has confirmed the automatic downloads and pre-loading will be introduced to the eShop.

In the Corporate Management Briefing, Nintendo president Satoru Iwata highlighted the automatic downloading service in the US, where those who buy eShop titles through an online shop can have the option to download the game automatically onto their Wii U, instead of having to turn on the console to enter the download code.

This function makes possible, for example, purchasing a game at an online shop while being away from home, and enjoying the game soon after arriving home, without having to wait for the game to be downloaded, which would be completed by then.

Iwata also announced plans to introduce pre-loading to Wii U consoles, and eventually Nintendo 3DS. The ability will allow players to download "most of the game content" of a digital game ahead of its release; for example the bulk of assets for Super Smash Bros. for Wii U. When the game does launch, a small final download will allow players to play much-anticipated games far quicker.

Pre-loading certainly isn't anything new, with Steam, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One already utilising the technology.

The system will be implemented on Wii U with the launch of Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, with plans to introduce pre-loading on Nintendo 3DS next year.

What do you think of Nintendo's changes to the eShop/download service?