Nintendo Fan Network: Finding more ways to make use of the DS

Posted Jul 9, 2007 at 11:44PM EST by QJ Staff

Listed in: Nintendo DS Tags: Baseball, Nintendo, Seattle

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We've all heard about the news on how the Nintendo DS innovated handheld gaming, and we've already witnessed such innovation. However, Nintendo plans to up the ante by making the DS become part of every gamer's life, beyond playing video games.

Introducing the Nintendo Fan Network, a locally-based Wi-Fi network installed in stadiums that will let DS owners order food and drinks from the comfort of their own seats (or bleachers), watch live television feed of the game, and even take tabs on player stats, scores, and trivia.

The Nintendo Fan Network's maiden launch in the Seattle Mariner's home games was met with little fanfare, not even announced in the Mariner's website. To make Nintendo DS owners aware of the application's existence, two download stations were set up in the main concourse of Safeco Field, and advertisements were inserted before games.

J.C. Smith, Nintendo corporate affairs manager, gave a demonstration on how the DS Interactive Fan Network will play a big role in enhancing stadium experience. Hotdogs and drinks were delivered ten minutes after he ordered them using his handheld, with the tip included in the order price. A live television feed that's not usually accessed within the stadium was made available through the network, which was useful for reviewing critical plays.

The program was priced as US$ 5 per game, or US$ 30 for 10 games. The price may have put off some people, but there were some people who liked the concept of being able to peek at game and player stats, and even being able to watch important plays they missed.

Smith is not worried about the slightly cool reception of the application. "It's been a work in progress," he said. He goes on to say that Nintendo is currently finding ways to use its wireless features, with the Interactive Fan Network turning out to be one of the more popular ones.

Once successful, Nintendo intends to expand the service to other stadiums.

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