According to Satoru Iwata, there would be a need for a social sensation such as Dragon Quest IX in order for the Tag Mode feature to be experienced by many. By that, Nintendo means it would require a lot of users carrying around the same software with them in a rather slow pace within a certain distance for the communications to take place. Comparing the issue on Japan with the US, there are locational problems between users that prevent Tag Mode from every really taking off overseas.



Judging from the various Dragon Quest IX Tag Mode events throughout the world, Nintendo understood that those that experienced it thoroughly enjoyed it and each and every time the number of participants increased. Mr. Iwata feels that when two strangers with common interests have an encounter like this, it’s very enjoyable.



As such, they’re working closely with NTT East and NTT West to offer free Wi-Fi access points so people can have these experiences more often, giving an incentive to carry their 3DS everywhere with them. Nintendo really wants to establish this culture of “StreetPass” in the overseas markets.



Regarding profits, Nintendo believes it will take some time to grow and expect to make returns in the long run. After all, Mr. Iwata believes that people don’t change their habits quickly so it will take some time for people to jump on the bandwagon.



Nintendo also plans on fighting piracy through automatic firmware updates via SpotPass, however this countermeasure is a secondary effect due to prioritizing users trying out the new wireless functions.

-AOD Productions