Want to know the future of buying Nintendo games? Read on...

Nintendo has used its full-year earnings call to provide the first real details of how it will properly enter the world of digital distribution.

Here's the headline news: digital download of 'packaged' games (games you'd normally buy from a retailer) is coming this year. But the more subtle news is Nintendo's plan to roll out DD (digital distribution) whilst holding the hands of retailers.

For the select games that will be available digitally, you'll also be able to buy physical copies in stores like normal - this is nothing unexpected. However, Nintendo's roadmap for DD also involves third party retailers. That's because you'll also be able to buy the digital version of games from retailers if you so choose. Sound confusing? Bear with us.

Normally when buying a game digitally, you just enter your payment details on the relevant e-store (in this case Nintendo's eShop) and download your game instantly. This conventional method will be present for 3DS and Wii U. However, Nintendo CEO Satoru Iwata noted that there is a psychological barrier for some consumers when it comes to purchasing games in this way. For this reason, retailers will be able to issue 16-digit download codes to you if you want to pay for a game at the till, or via a retailer's website. This download code can then be redeemed for the game on Nintendo's eShop.

Interestingly, Nintendo has said that retailers will be able to decide for themselves how they price the digital versions of games.

So the future will be one in which you'll have three choices. You can buy and download a game straight from Nintendo's eShop; you'll be able to buy a download code from a third-party retailer in a more conventional way; or you'll be able to buy a physical copy of a game just as you always have done.

When can we expect this system to initiate? It will start with the arrival of New Super Mario Bros. 2 on 3DS, which will be the first title to be offered in both physical and digital formats.

It sounds like a fascinating and ambitious plan to embrace the digital age whilst giving retailers a pro-active role. To read more about the business thinking behind it, be sure to give Iwata's riveting investors address a read.