XNA to face competition from Nintendo

Think Microsoft's the only company to offer smalltime developers and individuals a chance to make downloadable games for their console? Think again. In an interview with Game Informer, Hudson Entertainment's director of marketing, John Lee had some very interesting comments with regard to Nintendo's online services on the Wii.

When asked if Hudson plans to release any original content through the Virtual Console, Lee responded: "Well, the VC was specifically designed to bring back classic games, not to introduce new content. So to answer your question specifically: No.

"However, in the future, you should rephrase that question to: Are there any plans to launch original content on some downloadable service on the Wii, and you might get a different answer."

Upon hearing of this, the lads down at CVG (after taking care of that little bulge in their pants) contacted Nintendo to see if they could strong-arm a confirmation out of them. It seems their efforts were worth the trouble, as this is the reply they got:

"Nintendo has developed a programming system that will allow small independent developers to make games for Wii download service.

"We cannot confirm at this time in what format the new content will be delivered, but in the future there will be original games available for download through the Wii Shop."

Nintendo President, Satoru Iwata apparently made mention of this at various game events last year. Needless to say, the idea of thousands of people developing downloadable games for the Wii is infinitely more exciting than for the 360, provided they are allowed use of the Wiimote. Make it so, Nintendo. Now, excuse me while I go clean up this mess in my boxers...