With the introduction of the original Wii, Nintendo changed the industry by making the gamer an integral part of the game by encouraging movement and exercise. Rumors indicate that the upcoming Wii U console will take the industry even further by transforming the gaming console into an e-reader. Such a move could once again put Nintendo on the edge of gaming technology.
Nintendo launching e-book download service
According to rumors from an unnamed software developer, Nintendo will launch a fully functional e-book download service with the introduction of the Wii U console. The 6.2 inch touchscreen controller will double as an e-reader, with the user utilizing the e-reader page swipes to turn pages and browse the reading material. In its new e-library, Nintendo will offer books, magazines, newspapers and comics. Further rumors indicate Nintendo may be creating electronic versions of every issue of Nintendo Power Magazine.
The console-turned-e-reader will also feature electronic instruction booklets for all games downloaded via the Wii U console. But one question remains: how popular would a game console-based e-book be? Will buyers really purchase the Wii for its e-reader capabilities?
Gaming not the only industry embracing digital texts
The Wii U points to a continuing trend in the world of books. More and more publishers are taking their books to digital markets. As America gets swept up in the digital book craze, e-publishing has been introduced in all aspects of the publication market, including education.
Today’s students are finding that some of their textbooks are going digital. As Kindles and similar e-readers are sweeping the college scene, publishers are taking advantage of the trend and offering certain textbooks as e-books. Some of these digital textbooks don’t require an e-reader to access, either. There are some instances where students can view a digital text directly from a PC. With the continuing rise in online education programs, having digital texts accessible through multiple mediums means more flexibility for students pursuing education.
This trend for electronic textbooks coupled with the rumors of the Wii U begs one question: Will students be able to download college texts onto a gaming console in the next year or two? And how could a console-based textbook change the way students learn? Game-based learning is also gaining popularity, and it’s possible that a combination of interactive e-books and game consoles could add a new, fresh dimension to learning. For higher education, there’s a whole host of possibilities: online learning for students who can’t attend a traditional campus, collaboration with classmates and instructors from all over the country, and the ability to learn asynchronously.
The connection between gaming and learning has become a popular subject, especially in higher education. The Wii U has the potential to solidify that link and to create a new way of teaching and learning.
Lindsey Caho is a professional writer and blogger. She writes on behalf of Colorado Technical University.
