So as was covered in 8-Bits, Nintendo is finally enabling DLC for the Wii. The first, and most obvious, title to benefit will likely be Guitar Hero, and it does speak wonders for the eventual Rock Band release. According to Nintendo, DLC will be purchased in game, rather than on the Wii Shop, but that may have been specific to things like WiiWare titles. But, as any smart person will realize, Nintendo doesn't have a ton of space to put all of this wonderful new content. So where's it going to go?
There are 4 possible solutions. First would be to use the internal system memory. Next, they could require the use of the SD cards. They could release their own proprietary hard drive, or they could allow you to use any external USB compatible hard drive.
First off, the internal Wii system memory. I don't think Nintendo would go this route, simply because songs in Rock Band, for example, are around 30 meg as it is, and since we're already using the internal system memory for game saves and channels, not to mention Virtual Console titles, I don't see them relying on this, or ONLY on this 512 flash memory.
Next is the use of SD cards. The problem here is Nintendo's track record. As it stands, you can not run saved game files, Virtual Console titles, or Wii Channels off the SD card. Plus, the transfer speed feels a bit lacking, especially when you're moving a larger file over. True, you can run mp3s, but that feels like a matter of convenience, rather than a feature they specifically wanted. Since it seems Nintendo only put in saving to SD card as an afterthough (as in, well, we're gonna have SD cards anyway, might as well use them for the gamers too), I can't really see them using SD cards as the storage means for DLC.
Which pretty much leaves us on Hard Drives, and then it becomes just a question of who's approach Nintendo will mimic; Microsoft's proprietary drive idea or Sony's user serviceable drive format. And to be honest, I'm not entirely sure. Part of me thinks that Nintendo will want to release their own standard drive just to make the additional money off of the accessory and to keep everything more uniform. On the other hand, I could see them saying 'well, any USB compatible device will do", as this was something they hinted at back before the system's release. If I had to take a guess, I would say that both will happen...just like with the SD cards, there will be an 'official' Nintendo release for it, but it'll also be available to use as an industry standard. The important thing, no matter how they do it, is that Nintendo allow us to have Downloadable Content. It will mean add ons, and if we're VERY lucky, its the first step towards Downloadable Demos.
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