Some Revolution Downloads Will Be Free

GamesRadar has the details from an interview with Nintendo of America VP George Harrison, in which he passes on the very good news that certain past-gen Nintendo titles will be free for download onto the Revolution. The article seems to imply that primarily the games available for free download will be Nintendo created titles. From the article: "This is a clever move by Nintendo: regardless of the final power of Revolution and the frequency of new titles, Nintendo knows that its loyal fans will cry tears of joy over a free service that lets them download previous Nintendo classics straight out of the box."

Best idea ever

[Alcimedes]

Considering that anyone can go to a ROM site and download the entire NES and SNES library anyway, I think this is a great move on Ninetendo's part.

I'm sorry to say but I'm really burned out on most of today's games, regardless of which platform they're on. I don't have 20 hours to dedicate to a title. A lot of times I'm coming in from work, I want to blow off some steam and a round or two of Punch-Out would be right in line with what I'm looking for.

I know there's a big market for the Epic game title, but it's good to see that someone hasn't forgotten that millions of people loved those old school pixelated 2D games.

I'd buy the console for the old games alone.

Re:N64 Support?

[PhoenixFlare]

Not convinced that this is the deal winner at all. All you would really manage to hit is the older Nintendo fans that don`t have their N64 sitting about somewhere.

Speak for yourself. I'm only 24 - hardly old (I hope?), and i'm giddy at the thought of being able to play NES, SNES, and N64 games while sitting on a comfortable couch instead of my desk chair.

Particularly stuff like Mario Kart, Starfox, Super Metroid, Pilotwings, etc. that I hope they figure they've gotten enough profit out of in GBA re-releases already.

Classic NES, SNES and N64 game free...

[MeanderingMind]

...and Nintendo makes a killing on Flash Memory expansions.

While how many Nintendo titles will be free and how much it will cost for others remains dubious, any number of quality games for free would be a true boon.

Regardless, I highly doubt Nintendo will charge $9.99 for all but the most insanely good NES and SNES games (such as Legend of Zelda), and only pass that for some N64 titles. In fact, I find it far more likely that most titles for all three emulators will be either free or excessively cheap, unlike Xbox Live Arcade.

Xbox Live Arcade requires 1) Xbox Live 2) A Special CD 3) Money to buy each individual arcade game. If you look at the prices, it's typically $9.99 per.

N64

[techstar25]

Although not comfirmed, it's certainly possible to get N64 games for free also. Mario 64 as well as the Zelda games from that generation would make the Revolution worth owning just for those alone. When you throw in the SNES and NES games and it's a no brainer. It's great that Nintendo is moving forward with the most novel, and brilliant use of an online service we've seen yet, considering they wouldn't touch online with the last generation.

Re:N64 Support?

[SScorpio]

Nintendo hasn't shown anything hardwarewise other than a prototype empty case for the Revolution; however, historically knowing Nintendo way of not releasing any information about new systems earily I wouldn't be surprised if they could release the system in time for the holiday season. If they actually do this they will slaughter Microsoft.

First off the Revolution will very likely be cheaper than the Xbox 360. Also picture the parent holiday shopping for their child. The clerk at the video game store says, well you can buy this Xbox 360 for $300 (Pulled the price from my ass) and then you can buy the games for it for $50-$60, or you can buy this Nintendo Revolution for $250 (again out of my ass but maybe it will also only be $200) and while the games cost $50 you can also connect it to the internet and download classic games (with some of them possibly being free). Think as a parent for a moment. Little Johnny could have a new game console with a new game or two and have the ability to play older games that he just downloads, or you could pay more without having the classic games download option? And while you might not be a fan of Nintendo you have to admit after playing some of their games that they are innovative and their games are just simply fun which is all that really matters in the end.

Re:been there done that

[bynary]

Right, because Xbox Live Arcade lets you download Super Mario Brothers, GoldenEye, Punch Out and Super Metroid.

Keep dreaming.