Nintendo Network announced

At an investor meeting this morning, Nintendo revealed its Nintendo Network, an aggressive stance towards the online market that'll usher in post-launch DLC, digital downloads of retail titles for its newest machine - as well as similar plans for its 3DS handheld.

Its due to the success of the online capabilities of the 3DS that Nintendo is adopting a similar mode for its next home console, due at some point before Christmas.

"This concept was built into the design of the Nintendo 3DS, and we already have the necessary infrastructure," Iwata-san said. "We will prepare the same infrastructure for the Wii U. However, we have not decided the concrete timing of when we will start it."

But he was clear to draw a line between the Nintendo Network and the current Nintendo Wi-Fi.

"Unlike Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection," he explained, "which has been focused upon specific functionalities and concepts, we are aiming to establish a platform where various services available through the network for our consumers shall be connected via Nintendo Network service so that the company can make comprehensive proposals to consumers."

The plans seemingly will see Nintendo fall in line with the current digital models adopted by its competitors, as well as adding features evolved from the company's current StreetPass setups to exchange data.

The Wii U will incorporate Near Field Communication (NFC), a data transmission system that will link wireless with another carrier or "tagged" product with in-built chip in close proximity to transfer data between them.

The tech isn't limited to game data, but video and photos too - possibly expanding the idea of Communities, another successful concept importing from the 3DS to the new hardware, into more than match-making and clan avenues, but as Nintendo's own social networks.

With that, the Wii U - or whatever the new console will be entitled, as online rumour has sprung up suggesting the company is having a rethink on branding - will have individual user accounts, rather than one system-wide one.

The home console, plus its handheld cousin, are expected to support digital downloads of retail titles, though Nintendo is testing the implementation of such a feature. Similarly post-launch DLC is being considered as the company works to see how viable the adoption is.