Nintendo opens up to development

Nintendo will allow fledgling developers to write games for the Wii.

Nintendo will allow independent video game developers to create titles for the Wii console, it announced today.

Using a kit called WiiWare, studios and even hobbyists will be able to build and sell downloadable games through Nintendo's Wii Shop channel.

The shop will open its virtual doors early next year.

"Independent developers armed with small budgets and big ideas will be able to get their original games into the marketplace to see if we can find the next smash hit," said Nintendo America president Reggie Fils-Aime.

- NZ HERALD STAFF