3G connectivity for the DS?

Nintendo has stated in the past that they don't want to compete against mobile phone makers, but they have now revealed that they are interested in an "always on" connection for the DS.

Talking to the Finical Times, Satoru Iwata mentioned that he was interested in bringing a type of online data connection to his companies device, and having it run as a similar concept to Amazon's Kindle book reader. Nintendo aren't looking to charge for the feature though, as Iwata spoke about problems with adapting to a contract-based format.

Only people who can pay thousands of yen a month [in mobile phone subscriptions] can be iPhone customers. That doesn't fit Nintendo customers because we make amusement products. In reality, if we did this it would increase the cost of the hardware, and customers would complain about Nintendo putting prices up, but it is one option for the future.

It's only a concept at the moment, so don't expect it to be arriving soon. If it does come to exist and as a free service as well, it will prove to be a very joyful occasion and may help keep sales of the console high.

Source: http://ds.nintendolife.com/news/2009/11/nintendo_to_bring_3g_connectivity_to_the_ds