Fire Emblem 3DS To Be First Nintendo Title To Have Paid DLC

Despite American’s general lack of interest in the Fire Emblem series, it is highly popular in Japan, popular enough that Nintendo decided that its latest incarnation should be the first Nintendo title to feature paid DLC.

Fire Emblem, for all intents and purposes, is while not virtually unknown, a bit obscure in America. Its biggest claim to fame is probably Ike in Super Smash Brothers Brawl, who was played joyously by twleve year olds in the heydey of Super Smash Brothers Brawl. Other than that, Prince Marth, the protaganist of the original Fire Emblem that was introduced to Westerns in Super Smash Brothers Meele, is the next most identifiable character that was introduced via the crossover franchise.

But sill, Nintendo deems Fire Emblem, a richly deep turned based strategy/RPG hybrid, a worthy enough franchise to bestow upon it the first paid DLC courtesy of Nintendo. Nintendo has long been against the concept of DLC (downloadable content), as Reggie Fils-Aime has previously had the following to say about why Nintendo doesn’t include DLC for its titles:

“When we sell a game, we want the consumer to feel that they’ve had a complete experience. We’re unwilling to sell a piece of a game upfront and, if you will, force a consumer to buy more later. That’s what [Nintendo representatives] don’t want to do, and I completely agree. I think the consumer wants to get, for their money, a complete experience, and then we have opportunities to provide more on top of that.”

However, with the announcement of paid DLC that will reportedly cost a “few hundred yen” for Fire Emblem 3DS, it seems that Nintendo has reneged on their previous philosophy. Ultimately, DLC = $$, and Nintendo has clearly seen the potential in this.

Fire Emblem 3DS will release in Japan sometime in March, but there is currently no word on when the title will receive an American or European release.

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