Nintendo Store App Just Launched. Here’s What It Does

Nintendo quietly dropped a new mobile app that changes how you shop for games and gear. The Nintendo Store app hit iOS and Android this week, replacing the old My Nintendo app with something more useful.

This isn’t just another gaming news feed. It’s a shopping hub that tracks your play history across multiple Nintendo systems. Plus, it connects physical store visits with digital rewards.

Shopping Gets Easier

The app lets you browse Nintendo’s full catalog. Consoles, games, accessories, and merch all show up in one place.

But here’s the catch. You can’t buy directly in the app. Instead, tapping a product opens an in-app browser to complete purchases. So it’s more like a fancy catalog than a true shopping app.

Still, the wishlist feature works well. Add items you’re eyeing. Then the app notifies you when those products go on sale. That’s genuinely helpful for patient gamers waiting for discounts.

Your Gaming History Lives Here

Want to see exactly how many hours you sank into Breath of the Wild? The app shows play time across Switch, 3DS, and Wii U.

However, there’s a limitation. You need to link your old Nintendo Network ID to see Wii U and 3DS data. And any playtime after February 2020 on those older systems doesn’t count.

For Switch users, the data works perfectly. So you can finally prove you didn’t spend 300 hours on Animal Crossing. Or maybe you can’t.

Physical Rewards Go Digital

Visit a Nintendo Store or event? The app handles check-ins now.

These check-ins earn rewards through Nintendo’s program. Not earth-shattering. But convenient for people near physical Nintendo locations.

Most gamers won’t use this feature. Yet it shows Nintendo thinking about connecting online and offline experiences.

What Actually Matters

This app won’t revolutionize how you buy games. The lack of direct purchasing limits its usefulness.

But the play history feature delivers real value. Especially for longtime Nintendo fans curious about their gaming habits across generations.

Plus, sale notifications beat checking prices manually. Set up your wishlist. Let the app do the watching. Buy when prices drop.

Nintendo could’ve done more here. Direct purchases would’ve been nice. Better integration with the eShop seems obvious. Still, it’s a solid first step toward modernizing Nintendo’s mobile presence.

Download it if you regularly shop Nintendo products. Skip it if you only buy a few games per year. Simple as that.