Nintendo 3DS eReader? Way...
If you’ve been keeping up with E3 news, you may have heard about the latest Nintendo 3DS device possibly being able to support eBooks. Sites such as Engadget and Slashgear are actively discussing this possibility.
A Nintendo portable doubling as an eReader? Hmm…
While showcasing the new Nintendo DS cart (which Siliconera confirms looks nearly identical to the regular DS cart except for a small tab on the right corner), Nintendo CEO Satoru Iwata apparently hinted at possible support for ebooks. Iwata mentioned that 3DS possesses the ability to actively seek out and connect to open WiFi networks to “automatically acquire newspaper and magazine articles.” Imagine turning your 3DS on and instantly having the latest news preloaded to your device. Of course, with support for this, downloading ebooks are not far off.
I’m not a big gamer myself anymore, but ebooks on a portable gaming device would make it considerably easier to travel and play quality games. Nintendo could possibly be competing with the iPad/iPhone by expanding the capabilities of the 3DS. I’m sure there’s a certain segment of the population who appreciate those mobile devices for their apps, news, and email capabilities… but really want high quality gaming to go as well without having to carry yet ANOTHER device. Nintendo should consider dipping their toes in the water by adding non-gaming functionality just to see how many will bite.
Itching to see this in action.
