Nintendo's new Account service is live in Japan

Nintendo has gone ahead and launched its new Nintendo Account service in Japan this week, outlined back in October as a cross-platform console, PC and mobile service that would help expand Nintendo's audience.

Even if you aren't in Japan, this rollout is worth a look because it showcases how Nintendo is integrating now-common features -- like allowing customers to purchase games digitally and remotely queue them up for download on their Nintendo consoles -- into its new suite of network services.

Those services include a new My Nintendo loyalty program, the Club Nintendo successor which is separate from the newly-launched Nintendo Account service but will also span consoles and mobile devices.

The My Nintendo program is still expected to launch in March of next year alongside the company's mobile title Miitomo, and it's yet unclear when the Nintendo Account service will be launched in the West.