Update: Nintendo has also released Nintendo Badge Center in North America under the title Nintendo Badge Arcade. The game is available right now in the 3DS eShop and is free to download.
Original Story: Nintendo has been experimenting with free-to-play apps and games for a little while, with one of the more interesting options being Collectible Badge Center for 3DS, a simple minigame collection that lets players earn badge that could be used to decorate their 3DS home screens. While the game has been available in Japan for a while, it will finally be heading to Europe as Nintendo Badge Center and will be available for download on Friday, November 13.
Like Nintendo’s other free-to-play offerings, Badge Center will have options for partaking for free. Every day, gamers will receive five free practice plays at the title’s arcade-style minigames. Performing well in practice can unlock “dummy badges” and plays that will let you win the aforementioned decorative badges. Of course, you also have the option to purchase the real plays with real world money, with 5 plays costing £0.90 / €1.00. After decorating your home screen, you can even show it off via Miiverse.
While plenty of gamers look at free-to-play titles with a burning hatred, I have to commend Nintendo’s commitment to keep its titles relevant to those not willing to put in the big bucks. Also, the fact that Badge Center’s rewards can be used outside the game itself in an interesting way is a really interesting idea that could have really cool applications with future concepts. Now we just need to wait for a North American release.
Source: Nintendo Everything