Wii U to get NFC tech

Nintendo has confirmed the inclusion of near field communications (NFC) in its latest Wii U game controller, MCV reports.

The most well known example of NFC tech is London's Oyster travel payment service, which is based on radio frequency identification (RFID) standards.

The use of such technology opens up a range of possibilities for Nintendo, including the ability to top up accounts with pre-paid Nintendo cards purchased from retailers.

According to Piki Geek, Nintendo president Satoru Iwata says this technology will be used to create cards and figurines that can be electronically read via NFC as part of Nintendo's plans to expand the play format in the video game world.

Iwata says in a PC Mag report: "Adoption of this functionality will enable various other possibilities such as using it as a means of making micro payments."

Nintendo recently revealed that it was starting Nintendo Network, a platform that will offer downloadable content like digital add-ons and game packages for the Wii U and the Nintendo 3DS. It will allow gamers to communicate, compete and form communities around specific games.