Nintendo to Reward Discounts to Dedicated Fans for Buying and Sharing Games

Nintendo Network was one of the key topics discussed in today's financial results briefing, with loyalty discounts expected.

One of the major benefits that Nintendo now has since beginning to unify platforms and players into a single Nintendo Network ID is to have a more centralised database of players. In the company's financial results briefing this morning, Satoru Iwata admitted that the differences between portable and home console had created "separate relationships with consumers."

In Nintendo's eyes, before introducing Nintendo Network to 3DS, the same person playing Wii U and 3DS could have been seen as two different players, but the main aim going forward is to bring these two together.

Nintendo are hoping to become more flexible when it comes to pricing, and also to reward players who continually support the company. Similar approaches have been taken by local subsidiaries, but Iwata feels the need to ramp up promotion using the Nintendo Network system.

"If we can offer flexible price points to consumers who meet certain conditions, we can create a situation where these consumers can enjoy our software at cheaper price points when they purchase more," Iwata announced this morning. However, it isn't intended to be a purely quantity-driven exercise, with friend recommendations also a possibility to secure a discount on key Nintendo releases.

Iwata feels this revised business and sales model will help "increase the number of players per title, and the players will play our games with more friends."

What are your thoughts on Nintendo offering discounts to dedicated fans?