Nintendo's Wii U May Have an Ebook Store Too

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Even though Nintendo reportedly doesn't see Apple as a threat, a developer claims that the Mario company is launching an ebook store for the Wii U in addition to an app store.

Following reports that Nintendo is secretly building its own Apple-like app store for the upcoming Wii U console, there's now chatter that the company will also launch an ebook store for distributing game guides, digital magazines and other content. The company is reportedly talking with publishers and developers now, and is even entertaining the notion of re-publishing digital versions of its back-catalog of out-of-print "Players Guides" in the supposed ebook store for free.

There's certainly no question that Nintendo is appearing taking a "tablet" approach with the upcoming Wii U, but if the iOS source is correct, the console's unique controller will seem even more tablet-like while users purchase non-gaming content from the ebook store. Nintendo is reportedly "actively seeking" partners among publishers to bring mainstream ebooks, magazines and newspapers to the Nintendo landscape.

Like Kindle and iBooks, virtual books will be synchronized between devices -- meaning that the Nintendo 3DS will also have access -- logged onto the same account. It's presumed that consumers will have two options to pay, using credit cards or Wii/3DS Points. The iOS source also added that both the 3DS and Wii U controller will download newly released issues while its idle thanks to their active sleep system.

On Monday the unnamed iOS developer, based out of Los Angeles, claimed that Nintendo actually approached the studio and offered to assist in porting and publishing their iOS software to be played on the Wii U's touchscreen controller (tablet). Previously Nintendo indicated that Apple and its iOS devices really aren't a threat, yet here the company is gearing up to launch a tablet-like device that can read ebooks and possibly play Angry Birds. Meanwhile, Apple is gearing up to launch iTV...

Kevin Parrish

Kevin started taking PCs apart in the 90s when Quake was on the way and his PC lacked the required components. Since then, he’s loved all things PC-related and cool gadgets ranging from the New Nintendo 3DS to Android tablets. He is currently a contributor at Digital Trends, writing about everything from computers to how-to content on Windows and Macs to reviews of the latest laptops from HP, Dell, Lenovo, and more. 

11 Comments Comment from the forums
  • xerroz
    Kids books writers are gonna make a killing
    Reply
  • frozonic
    great, now instad of playing mario kids will read about it

    Reply
  • ikyung
    Man, thumbs up if you spent your childhood reading up Nintendo Power magazines back in the 80s and 90s.
    Reply
  • Trialsking
    ikyungMan, thumbs up if you spent your childhood reading up Nintendo Power magazines back in the 80s and 90s.Yeah that was the best, sometimes pre internet was cool.
    Reply
  • dormantreign
    I can't wait to get me a WiiU, i really can't. Zelda in HD is a must this year for me, providing they release one. And yeah, i read them Nintendo Power Books over and over and over.
    Reply
  • kinggraves
    +1 to ikyung

    What does this have to do with Apple? They invented the ebook now? Did they invent paper too? In general there's not much need for paid strategy guides with GameFAQS around, the only reason I'd buy a Prima guide is for the artwork and that doesn't look as nice digital. But still, an INCREDIBLE idea, anyone who used the guides would have it sitting next to you as you played, now it's on your controller. Need some tips, don't know how to evolve your mudkips, LOOK DOWN.

    "I can't see a use for a tablet controller"
    That's why you don't work for Nintendo.
    Reply
  • alidan
    ikyungMan, thumbs up if you spent your childhood reading up Nintendo Power magazines back in the 80s and 90s.
    those are how I taught myself how to read.kinggraves+1 to ikyungWhat does this have to do with Apple? They invented the ebook now? Did they invent paper too? In general there's not much need for paid strategy guides with GameFAQS around, the only reason I'd buy a Prima guide is for the artwork and that doesn't look as nice digital. But still, an INCREDIBLE idea, anyone who used the guides would have it sitting next to you as you played, now it's on your controller. Need some tips, don't know how to evolve your mudkips, LOOK DOWN."I can't see a use for a tablet controller"That's why you don't work for Nintendo.
    here's hoping a first-person shooter company actually uses my idea for the Wiiu tablet, make a tablet how you look down the gun barrel, and attach it to the end of the peripheral.
    Reply
  • Hatecrime69
    as long as it supports epub i'd be happy (looking at you kindle)
    Reply
  • WOW. Awesome. I was just thinking it would be great to read on the wii u touchscreen controller strategy guides and even more so past Nintendo Power editions with Howard and Nester. The 80's were really the days of consoles. Hehe.
    Reply
  • bobusboy
    frozonicgreat, now instad of playing mario kids will read about it

    What is wrong with this comment? When I have kids, they wont get consoles or gaming rigs till they're in middle school or older. It's what my parents did, and I turned out.....ok....ish

    LMAO
    Reply