Nintendo tests interactive fan network at baseball games

This season Nintendo is running a trial at the Mariners' Safeco Field to test their Nintendo Fan Network. By paying a $5 fee per game, or $30 for 10 games, Nintendo DS Lite owners are able to order food and drinks, watch the live television feed of the game, access stats and scores and play trivia, all from the comfort of their seat.

The network was first unveiled at the Mariners' offseason fan gathering and debuted on opening day.

Both MLB and the Mariners deferred comment to Nintendo.

"For us it's really just the initial stage," Smith said. "We didn't want to push it hard until we were sure the services were working. We're now to that point where we're like, 'Let's push it out further.' It has been a process."

The program has been lightly promoted at Mariners home games. Two download stations are positioned on the main concourse of Safeco Field and occasional ads for the network play before games. But there is little other fanfare, and the system isn't even mentioned on the Mariners' Web site.

Sitting in right-center field on a Monday night, Smith showed off the functionality of the program. He ordered a hot dog and a couple of drinks from his seat. Ten minutes later, the meal was delivered with a tip already included in the order price. Smith also showed friends replays from the television feed that were unavailable in the stadium. While a little difficult to see on the tiny screen, the replays were welcomed for those who might not have seen a critical play.

The chance to see replays is what drew Colleen Barracca and her 13-year-old son James to spend the $5 for a one-time use of the network. Barracca thought the cost was a bit high, depending on how many games her family attended.

Seems interesting but I don't really think it's worth $3-$5 a game.

Source: Yahoo.