Nintendo has started first online sales for its games, with the release of the "Fire Emblem: Kakusei" title for the Nintendo 3DS portable console. The company will continue to sell the main title through stores but expansions will be released online for 300 yen ($3.70) each, the company said.

The Japanese company will use the same online system for the upcoming Wii U home-use console, scheduled to be released later this year.

Nintendo added that it would not take measures that encourage children to spend large amounts of money online.

Generally, the lower costs of online distribution allow companies to sell digital products at cheaper rates. Sony has been offering online sales through the PlayStation Network since 2006.