Nintendo bringing free game demos to 3DS eShop
Launching nearly ten months after the Nintendo 3DS hit North American shores, Nintendo is rolling out support for demos that can be downloaded through the Nintendo eShop. As of January 19, Nintendo 3DS owners can download a trial version of Capcom’s Resident Evil: Revelations, a title that’s launching in North America in approximately three weeks. During the following week, 3DS owners will be able to check out Sega’s Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games. Other demos included on the docket are Konami’s Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3D and Ubisoft’s Rayman Origins, however no date has been announced on the availability of either demo.
Nintendo of America’s senior director Tony Elison stated “The demo program allows Nintendo 3DS players to be among the first to test-drive select games. Players can try out new genres or series, often weeks before the full versions are available in stores.” However, Nintendo has remained silent on the availability of any first party demos for previously released titles such as Super Mario 3D Land or Mario Kart 7. Nintendo fans are also likely interested in potential demos for upcoming Nintendo 3DS titles such as Kid Icarus: Uprising and Animal Crossing. With the launch of demo support, Nintendo could potentially branch out into older titles currently being sold on the eShop. For instance, Nintendo could provide short demos for some of the previous Legend of Zelda titles.
Previous to this announcement, Nintendo touted that 3DS sales crossed the four million mark after the busy shopping season at the end of 2011. It’s also outpacing the Nintendo Wii in sales according to the gaming company. Sales of the PlayStation Vita have slowed considerably in Japan since launch according to Media Create’s most recent report. As of last week, Vita sales dropped to less than 20,000 units sold and trailed sales of the Nintendo 3DS by over 80,000 units.
This article was originally posted on Digital Trends
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