Nintendo's New Membership Service Will Bridge 3DS, PC, Smart Devices, NX With Single Login

Nintendo's new "integrated membership service" will bridge the Nintendo 3DS, Wii U, PC, smart devices, and its in-development new console, codenamed NX, by implementing a common ID system.

A multi-device membership device was previously teased when Nintendo discussed NX, its successor to the Wii U. However, more information on the service was shared by Nintendo CEO Satoru Iwata during a recent meeting with investors. Although Iwata didn't provide details, he gave a brief overview of what Nintendo is aiming for.

"The membership service will encompass multiple devices such as our existing Nintendo 3DS, Wii U, the dedicated game system NX, which is currently under development, smart devices and PCs," he explained.

"Our members will be able to visit Nintendo's website and log in with one ID, and they will receive various services including the ones based on their past purchases and gameplay records as well as services that will be an improved version of the current loyalty program."

According to Iwata, Nintendo plans to "offer advantages to consumers who use one ID across multiple devices."

The senior exec ended by saying the service, as a whole, will "make playing Nintendo games with game pals more fun regardless of which platform they are accessing."

To better leverage its IP, Nintendo's has entered into a deal with the global mobile games publisher DeNA to create "new gaming applications featuring Nintendo IP" for smart devices.

Mario Kart producer Hideki Konno has been placed in charge of Nintendo's mobile game development. During the financial briefing Nintendo also said it plans to release five smartphone titles by March 2017.

Nintendo recently announced a return to an annual profit for the first time in four years, revealing the company made a ¥41 billion ($350 million) profit for the fiscal year ending March 31.

As part of the earnings report the company also updated its launch schedule for upcoming Wii U games. Although it was previously expected to be available by the end of 2015, The Legend of Zelda for Wii U is now listed as "TBD."