[1] Users could access content, third-party data, and other services from a hotspot or download station.

[3][4] This application provided location specific content to users via Nintendo Zone hotspots and was discontinued in 2014.

[5] In collaboration with the restaurant chain McDonald's, the service originated in the Kantō, Chūkyō and Kansai regions of Japan.

[3] Over 1,000 DS Download Stations in Japan were planned to be converted into Nintendo Zones to enable SpotPass communications.

[9] The StreetPass Relay Points system was introduced as part of an firmware update to Nintendo 3DS consoles in August 2013.

[11] On December 8, 2011, a 3DS update began that allowed users to access new Nintendo Zones through a variety of new hotspots.

[16] The DS Download Station was an in-store demo service launched by Nintendo in early 2006.

The difference in design was due to most retail locations in the US at the time not having an available Internet connection, and therefore, a self-contained solution was necessary.