HiPhish: Well, if your PS3 is still workig that's great for you, but there are so many ways something can break, it doesn't even have to be your fault. Could be somthng as simple as a child running and knocking the thing over. Obviously I don't expect the console manufacturer to replace the hardware someone else broke, but what about the games? Digital distribution has advantages for the publisher, but they need to give some advantages back to the customer. One advantage would be portability; carrying around a dozen dics or cartridges is cubersome, but with digital distribution you can access an entire library from anywhere on the planet. Physical medie gets outdated and there is no way to plug your old NES cartridges into ny other system, but there is no reason not to be able to play digital games on newer hardware. The way it is now only Nintendo is benefiting while the cusomer has none of advantages and all the downsides.

SirPrimalform: The current Wii doesn't have GameCube compatibility, you'd need to find new old stock or a second hand one.

QC: Nintendo does have an account system. It comes from their website, you register the system and the titles through there. That's your method of rescuing games from being lost. Plus, you're assuming console death is going to kill the memory as well.

HiPhish: Of course they have an account system technically, can you buy a new Wii, Wii U or 3DS, simply log in with your acount information and re-download all the games you have purchased on one system? What good is an account system if it just exists on paper?
If your Nintendo breaks you might be able to contact customer support to transfer your purchases over, but first of all there is no reason it should be that complicated, second I don't think that service is part of the TOS, so it's imply based on Nintendo's good will.

gameon: Argh, damn Nintendo. It's unfortunate all these companies are getting rid of backwards compatability. Although with PSN Sony are able to sell PS1/2 games on the PS3. I guess that's the kind of thing Nintendo are planning.

QC: http://www.gamespot.com/forums/topic/28996575/do-i-keep-my-nintendo-eshop-purchases-if-my-3ds-breaks-or-becomes-replaced

Short version: You keep purchases. Make an account, register the system to it, and you'll be fine, you'll have the games, you can replace them if a system breaks and you have to re-download. It's not as painful as you're making it out to be.

QC: That's only from the re-design that the compatibility is lost, the older model still allows it.

gameon: The same with the PS3.

gameon: The same with the PS3.