We knew Nintendo was planning to release a majority of its future 3DS and Wii U titles as downloads as well as hard copies starting off in August with New Super Mario Bros 2, but now the company has confirmed that it plans to support third party content too for its new digital service. If this means titles are available as downloads on their launch, it could give Nintendo the advantage over Sony and Microsoft who only offer retail games digitally months after their initial launch. It’s hard to believe this is the same Nintendo once known for friend codes and a severely lacking online system originally.

Just think. You might be able to download Assassin's Creed 3 at launch

A Nintendo spokesperson confirmed in a recent interview with gaming site IGN, “We are currently preparing a program for third parties but have nothing specific to announce at this time.”

We may not know which publishers this will involve, or how many titles this will include, but its definitely encouraging to hear that Nintendo is trying to give third parties the opportunities they will have as well. Nintendo previously revealed that digital content will not only be available through the eShop, but also in retail stores as codes that can then be redeemed online.