Nintendo revealed two non-gaming features of the 3DS that should solidify it as a shrewd competitor in the handheld market–AT&T Wi-Fi hotspot support and Netflix streaming capabilities.
The 3DS will connect to over 10,000 AT&T Wi-Fi hotspots in the United States, allowing downloads and online gaming on the go. Nintendo didn’t announce it yet, but in about three years expect an announcement that the 3DS2 will use Verizon hotspots instead.
Nintendo also announced at its GDC address the 3DS will support Netflix streaming. The handheld will also connect with the Wii so a user can begin a Netflix movie on the 3DS, pause it, and continue watching on the Wii.
The 3DS sold out on release day in Japan, and is scheduled to drop in Europe March 25, North America March 27, and Australia March 31.
Do these extra features make the 3DS more appealing?
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Heck yeah, people love multi-media functionality. It doesn’t interest me much personally, I’m not a mobile gamer and I greatly prefer a couch and a big screen TV for movies but hey- offering more for others takes nothing away from my use of the product.