Perhaps this time it will actually be used for something good
When first revealed, WiiConnect24 for the Wii was promised to be a great new way to get content for Wii games, update the console and communicate with other Wii users. Unfortunately it hasnt really done anything that great in the time since launch. It seems Nintendo has taken this on board and is planning to make amends with the Nintendo 3DS.
The equivalent feature for the 3DS has now been renamed as SpotPass, allowing the system to connect to a Wi-Fi hotspot, even when asleep. Nintendo has said that the type of data you can download will include things like rankings, ghost data, notifications and free software. It all sounds rather nice but the availability of open Wi-Fi hotspots is limited at best anywhere in the world. To help solve this problem in Japan at least, Nintendo will continue its collaboration with NTT East/West as well as other wireless providers. Nintendo 3DS StreetPass feature (aka Tag Mode) will allow the consoles to trade data which each other when in close proximity.
Youll be able to control all of this, so if you live out in the middle of nowhere, your new 3DS wont be seeking for new stuff all day.
Perhaps this is why Nintendo is throwing in that nice charging stand.
Source: Nintendo
About the Author
