The Nintendo executive believes that while there is potential, traditional retail will not be eliminated.
Among many industry analysts and executives at the BMO Capital Markets Digital Entertainment Conference, Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime talked about the future of digital distribution.
"As for the idea that digital downloads will somehow eliminate retail, we just don't see it," Fils-Aime said.
The Nintendo executive's comment reflect the fact that while companies are slowly getting into digital distribution, they are being cautious and not dropping any traditional retail efforts. Stores also feel threatened by the presence of the concept, but have begun to work towards supporting it in the future.
Nintendo's WiiWare service was used an example of a service that digitally distributes exclusive titles for Wii, but are smaller in scope when compared to retail titles.
In addition to Fils-Aime, several other top executives commented on the future of digital distribution, expressing that they are investigating new channels of distribution. They seem to be on the same page as they believe that it will be a while before companies fully embrace the concept, but that there's still room for growth.