Wii U Gets Pre-Loading With Smash Bros.
Nintendo implementing new feature in November; coming to 3DS sometime in 2015.
Minecraft – Kung Fu Panda DLC Trailer Sclash - Console Release Date Trailer Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 - Official Cinematic Announcement Trailer Stellar Blade - BIBI ‘Eve’ Official Music Video Trailer | PS5 Apex Legends: Urban Assault Collection Event Trailer Total War: WARHAMMER III - Elspeth von Draken Gameplay Showcase Potionomics: Masterwork Edition - Official Announcement Trailer Genshin Impact - "Arlecchino: Sleep in Peace" | Official Character Teaser Snowbreak: Containment Zone - "Gradient of Souls" Version Trailer Harold Halibut GameSpot Video Review Nancy Drew: Mystery of the Seven Keys | World Premiere Official Trailer Modern Warfare III & Warzone - Official Cheech & Chong Bundle Gameplay Trailer
Please enter your date of birth to view this video
By clicking 'enter', you agree to GameSpot's
Terms of Use and Privacy Policy
Following Xbox One and PlayStation 4, Nintendo has announced that it will introduce pre-loading functionality for Wii U and 3DS games. The feature will be implemented first on Wii U with Super Smash Bros. next month, Nintendo president Satoru Iwata said in prepared comments released today.
The pre-loading functionality will later be rolled out to 3DS sometime in 2015, though Iwata did not say which game will be the first to support the new feature.
Pre-loading, long a staple of PC gaming and more recently introduced on consoles, allows users to buy a game ahead of release and download most of the content before the title is actually released. Of course, the game can't be played until its official release date, but gamers tend to enjoy the feature because it allows them to play games as quickly as possible.
Nintendo's pre-loading system will be available for games purchased through the eShop as well as via download cards sold at brick-and-mortar stores.
Iwata explained that the pre-load feature for Wii U and 3DS is just one of the "various approaches" Nintendo is taking to make its digital business more user-friendly. Nintendo also recently started allowing users to buy digital games through Nintendo.com.
We recently got to play Super Smash Bros. for Wii U. You can see new footage of the game and hear our thoughts in the video above. Super Smash Bros. for Wii U launches November 21.
Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email news@gamespot.com
Join the conversation