Ever since Apple unveiled the iPhone 7, declaring all those using wired headphones to be cave-dwellers that need to join a wireless revolution, gamers in Japan have been able to do something else with their new phone besides looking for their lightning adapter. The SUICA app allows users to buy 3DS eShop games with the iPhone on the 'New' models, which is a neat little "oh snap" feature, if not actually revolutionary.
SUICA cards are extremely common in Japan - they can be topped up in funds and used to pay for public transport and a variety of products via NFC (near-field communication). If you regularly ride a subway or use a similar service you'll likely have a top-up card just like it, though in Japan SUICA builds its brand around the convenience of being compatible with multiple stores. The cards have been usable with the Wii U in Japan for quite some time (using the GamePad's scanner), while the New 3DS has had support for them since it launched in late 2014.
In any case, the SUICA app can be used with the iPhone 7 models to do the same thing as the cards. This feature has been there a number of weeks, but a cool video popped up on our YouTube feed to show it off. It's by gaijin hunter; we've featured this channel in the past as it posts some terrific Monster Hunter content.
It's a neat feature, and we'll use any excuse to share videos that make good use of a silent movie style.
Comments (9)
suica cards aren't as cool as oyster cards
Weird...
I don't even want to purchase e-shop by using smartphone or iphone.
Exactly. Nothing beats purchasing from the real eShop.
Once Super Mario Run releases next month then iPhone 7 owners can just play Mario games on that. And FE and AC next year too.
Good video though, black and white Benny Hill.
cool idea
Neat!!
Instead of SUICA cards, why not just use contactess payment from your debit/credit card?
Why not just purchase from your phone direct.
I still have 2 anonymous Suica cards with about ¥2500 on them each from my travels to Japan last year. Too bad (but obvious) that European New3DS doesn't support them.
Using the phone's NFC on the go is a great feature as you usually have the thing at hand whereas your wallet is kept secure in your pocket. For buying 3DS games it's okay but kind of clumsy-looking letting your huge iPhone 7 kiss your 3DS screen like that. you might as well just use regular cards.
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