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Nintendo To Implement New StreetPass Strategy Within The West

3ds_xl_open_whiteNintendo has revealed in their E3 analyst briefing that StreetPass on the Nintendo 3DS will be modernised for the West by introducing a new framework, which will allow users to exchange data through Wi-Fi hotspots. Previously, StreetPass had been rather difficult to implement in the West, as many of us often leave our 3DS consoles at home, rather than taking them out on our daily commute to work or school. Now, North America and Europe will be receiving an update that allows one 3DS user to meet another 3DS user when they pass through a Wi-Fi hotspot.

With the new Wi-Fi hotspots currently being launched throughout the UK by O2, StreetPass will be much easier than it was before. When the update is released this autumn, if you visit a Wi-Fi hotspot – such as McDonald’s or Starbucks – and your 3DS is in sleep mode, your data will be sent to a server and the data you receive from another user will be relayed through a StreetPass relay station. Now it’s even easier to meet new people, gain puzzle pieces and venture forth on those quests. Here’s what Nintendo said in their official statement:

We are going to perform a system update that introduces a framework that uses access points as StreetPass relay stations by this autumn.

Previously the StreetPass feature required multiple Nintendo 3DS systems in Sleep Mode to be in the same location at the same time, but in this framework, you can exchange data with others by visiting the same location even at a different time, so we can certainly expect the use rate of the StreetPass feature to grow significantly.

36 thoughts on “Nintendo To Implement New StreetPass Strategy Within The West”

  1. I live in the west part of Dallas, TX. Everything is far apart and it gets hot as hell. Streetpass isn’t feasible, but I somehow get streetpassed about 3-5 times a week. Id like more interaction.

  2. I hate how everyone in the videogame buisness always forget about people outside the US, the UK and Japan. I am talking about countries like Brasil, Mexico, Argentina…

    1. Portugal in my case. I’ve been several times in Lisbon (the capital) and I am right now living in Funchal (Madeira Island, which has a relatively high population density) so far, other than my sister and friend 3DS, I only got 3 StreetPass encounters in two years. Glad they’re working on fixing this.

  3. I live in the west part of Dallas, TX. Everything is far apart and it gets hot as hell here; streetpass isn’t feasible. Somehow I manage 3-5 streetpasses a week. Id like more interaction.

  4. I live in a small town and I’ve tagged like only 25 people (most of them were when I was visiting a bigger city) so this is a good decision for our market.

  5. Since I live in New York I get a decent amount of streetpasses. Anyone know if I can somehow clear my plaza?

  6. I live in the west, and personally, I’ve found that if you TRY to get Streetpasses- You know, go to gamestops every few days, bring it to big game launches, bring it to conventions- You will get a good amount of streetpasses. And I’m not even in an urban area. Also, if you have family members, just get their miis when you meet up. It’s pretty simple.

  7. This is an excellent idea. Kudos to Nintendo. So far I only street passed with maybe 5 different people, 2 friends and 3 from Gamestop. looking forward to this update.

  8. i have not recieved a single hit since i got my 3ds two years ago, only hits i got are the ones nintendo sends out to everyone.
    maybe my 3ds id broke somehow, hehe.
    i used to take her everywhere with me but now she only stays home, she is scared to go outside now.

    1. I think you get StreePasses from people who’ve already been there WHILE you’re there. Dunno if it’s every visitor, last visitors or random visitors you get StreetPasses from though.

  9. The only streetpasses I ever get are from my brother or when I go to a huge event or place. This sounds awesome, I’ve always wanted more puzzle pieces.

  10. I went to the Zelda Symphony and plenty of streetpasses but realize you can only get 10 in a row! And you need to make them visit you so that you can get more I suppose?

    That really sucked. I thought I was going to have all of them and nope! Didn’t happen.

  11. Will this apply to WiFi hotspots all over the world or only the ones Nintendo rigs in America? :/ I don’t really get to use Streetpass much. Southeast Asia here. There are only 2 good places to get hits: one, a certain high-end mall where there are always rich little kids with their 3DSes on wireless, though obviously they don’t make for such powerful opponents in 3DS Streetpass. Two, conventions, which is, I assume, where nearly everyone gets Streetpass hits anyway.

  12. Pingback: Nintendo has Big Plans for StreetPass in Western Territories | PLAYERESSENCE

  13. I get most of my streepasses from school. I also usually get at least one while out. Too bad I have never been to a convention, i’m sure I would get alot.

  14. Pingback: Nintendo To Implement New StreetPass Strategy Within The West … | Nintendo 3DS Release Date

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