Nintendo will launch its own online service for 3DS and Wii U, it announced during its third quarter financial results.
Dubbed the “Nintendo Network,” it aims “to establish a platform where various services available through the network for our consumers shall be connected via Nintendo Network service so that the company can make comprehensive proposals to consumers.” This includes “competitions and communication among users” and digital content sales, with “digital distribution of packaged software” being a possibility. The 3DS already has the “necessary infrastructure” for this. The “same infrastructure” is being prepared for Wii U. Wii U will also make use of “personal accounts” (akin to PlayStation Network and Xbox LIVE, we’re assuming).
As of yet, Nintendo has not yet decided when it will launch Nintendo Network.