All Wii U games will be available digitally
There have been some rumors about the next generation of consoles indicate that companies have considered eliminating physical media for distribution of games , advocándose in place by the use of online downloads and steaming.
Many believe that the world is not ready for that step technological, but that does not mean that some are not preparing the way.
Nintendo wants to provide the best of both worlds and has announced that apart from the traditional sale of games in its physical form, they will also be available digitally for all Wii titles U.
Satoru Iwata, company director said:
In principle, starting with this software [the release of Super Mario Bros 2 for 3DS], the company will offer software that Nintendo published titles in both physical format and in digital download for our customers choose how they want to buy.
U Wii, digital downloads will begin [...] so that our consumers can choose either the physical version or the digital download the same software from the first day of release of U Wii.
Most likely that selling digital copies are made at retail through coded cards similar to using iTunes or registration cards for Xbox Live Gold, apart of course they will have an online catalog for able to perform the download directly. The first way would be ideal for those without a credit card, or will not use it.
What is also interesting is that retailers will have the opportunity to apply their own price digital download cards, which could mean savings for the buyer (although price increases could occur).
While some would prefer the convenience of getting a degree without leaving home, there are those who love the smell of new plastic when you operate a newly purchased game, and I'm glad that Nintendo give us both.