Wii’s Virtual Console is one of the things Nintendo still hasn’t explained much about. We know that you will be able to download old games and play them on the Wii, and that the console will support 24/7 Connect, meaning it’s always connected to the Internet.
“When creating a [full-priced] packaged game to be priced at 5,000 Yen ($25) developers tend to feel the need to create a rich game,” Nintendo’s Satoru Iwata told Japanese site Tech-On. “Yet it is possible to create a reasonably entertaining game in two months with a team of three.”
“Offering such games for 500 Yen ($2.50) over a network could lead to a reasonable number of people purchasing it. By offering an environment that allows this, we hope to encourage more developers to pursue basic yet enjoyable gameplay.”
Does that mean Virtual Console will be a like Valve’s Steam service, making it easy for independent and small developers to release their games far cheaper than using regular publishers? Couple that with the innovative controller, and there’s no way of telling what kind of crazy small games might be avalible on the Wii one day.
Article comments
1 - Cameron Graham
The Nintendo Wii has the possibility to be a great console . . . the question is whether anyone other than Nintendo Fanboys care about it.
2 - Mrs Doobie
Finally a platform for games - a canvas to encourage independent artists.
I currently enjoy the PC because it is the only platform offering fan-made mods that are made for free - made for the fun of it.
I like the idea of the Wii being a platform with the penny game. Pay a few coin to see a clever idea. A simple game that comes from the heart. I also believe that this sets the right competitive tone for commercial full priced titles. Publishers should steer investment in the pursuit of innovation and quality.
In stark comparison, few people today like what has become of Sony - shallow, boastful, deceptive, irresponsible, thoughtless, and arrogant. They in turn attract skin deep games that seek to short change their customers. Sony is a low class act.
3 - Mr Saturn
Just an FYI, the yen-dollar conversion on this article is a bit off. (5000yen=45dollars, 500yen=4.5dollars)
No BIG deal
4 - Ken Edwards
Yea, I have seen other places say 500 yen is $4. It varies from report to report.
As of 6/6/06 (MUA HA HA HA) at 8:00 PM 500 Yen is $4.414.
While I would like to see the games at $4, I am betting they will be $5.