Wii Points Not Usable for DSWare, Vice Versa

So much for finally using up those few measly Wii Points still sitting around on your console after all these months.

With the approaching launch of Nintendo's DSi in Japan next month, retailers will be stocking the newly renamed Nintendo Points cards (previously Wii Points) for use with both of the company's systems. The points cards can be redeemed on the Wii to purchase WiiWare, Virtual Console titles, and DLC or they can be used to purchase upcoming downloadable games via the new DSi online store. However, Silicon Era reports the points will not be transferrable between the two systems.

Once a Nintendo Points card is used on one system, any leftover points cannot be used on the other. It's not uncommon to have a 100 or 200 (100 points is equivalent to $1.00) in unspendable points remaining on the console, due to the fact points can only be purchased in increments of 1,000, 3,000 and 5,000 and some content is priced at odd numbers. The frustrating inability to transfer straggling points will likely be a source of irritation for Japanese and American owners of both systems. It's doubtful any major changes will be made to the point system for the DSi's U.S. launch later in 2009, unless it fails miserably.

The DSi online store will feature some free content, along with games priced in increments of 200, 500, and 800 Nintendo Points for premium titles. The DSi's shop service will launch in Japan with re-tooled versions of Brain Age 1 and 2.