Home Gaming Nintendo’s NX console could be a console-handheld hybrid

Nintendo’s NX console could be a console-handheld hybrid

3 min read
13

P-NES

Let’s be real here: Despite some outstanding games, the Nintendo Wii U was a terrible console. It looked like a paperweight, had a user interface from hell and the gimmicky GamePad was actually terrible to play games on. That being said, the Wii U was a good thing actually.

Because every time Nintendo has made a blunder of a console, they’ve bounced back with hardware that put them back in the spotlight. After Nintendo tried replacing the GameBoy with the terrible VirtualBoy VR system, they came back a few years later with the superb GameBoy Advance.

When the GameCube failed to really ignite sales even though it had a fantastic library, Nintendo took the world by storm with the Wii console. So yes, I’m excited to see what the big N has learnt in the years since the Wii U became an excuse to buy Amiibo figures.

So what will the NX bring to the table then? The key feature of the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 consoles right now, is the ability to share content. But it looks like Nintendo is planning to fuse both their home and portable consoles into one device. If you hear some strange shouting outside, that’s Geoff ranting about how he predicted this months ago.

According to the Wall Street Journal and their sources (pinch of salt,possibly required), Nintendo is looking to officially reveal the NX console as early as next year, with development kits already circulating around studios.

“We are increasingly of the idea that Nintendo might launch the NX in 2016 because of the softness of 3DS and Wii U,” said David Gibson, an analyst at Macquarie Capital Securities, to the WSJ via AGB. According to the report, Nintendo is also looking to focus on high-end tech for this console, which would include “industry-leading” chips:

The exact shape of the NX hardware isn’t yet clear. People familiar with the development plans said Nintendo would likely include both a console and at least one mobile unit that could either be used in conjunction with the console or taken on the road for separate use.

They also said Nintendo would aim to put industry-leading chips in the NX devices, after criticism that the Wii U’s capabilities didn’t match those of competitors.

Nintendo games have never needed the best hardware to run like a dream. But it’s an over-reliance on first-party titles that didn’t do the Wii U any favours.

Third-party support for the Wii U quickly dropped after a year or two past the launch of that console, with nary a developer in sight willing to invest time and money into porting a game over to that platform. Even Ubisoft gave up on the Wii U, after it saw that the console just wasn’t worth the effort.

But third-party support is what the NX needs, in order to stay alive. By the time it eventually debuts, the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 will be almost three years old already. That’s a helluva lot of time for the big two to cement their platforms in the public eye.

But don’t count the big N out, just yet. Because they’ve clearly got some ideas up their sleeves.

Last Updated: October 19, 2015

13 Comments

  1. Its too late. They should have done that with the 3DS OR Wii U. Who even has space for another SKU.

    Also, why did the Vita not have a TV jack ? Im sure it did but SONY decided to plug SONY TV and remote play instead. They probably did not want the Vita TV jack to detracted from PS4 sales. Nobody knew what the secret port was for 2 years.

    I never understood why I could not plug the handheld into the TV.

    Reply

  2. Alien Emperor Trevor

    October 19, 2015 at 11:05

    They should use Pringles chips, because once you pop you can’t stop.

    Reply

    • Grand Admiral Chief

      October 19, 2015 at 11:06

      Unless it is salt and vinegar, my mouth dies after about 3/4 of the pack

      Reply

      • Alien Emperor Trevor

        October 19, 2015 at 11:09

        Right now the Porras are looking at that comment and thinking, “filthy casual”.

        Reply

  3. oVg

    October 19, 2015 at 11:11

    HEADER WIN. That has to be the most beautifully designed control pad. The nostalgia is still etched into my brain and the PAL SNES design has not aged. As for that GameCube controller… YUK

    Reply

    • Hammersteyn

      October 19, 2015 at 11:21

      Never could play SNES only SEGA. The day the six button controller released for the Genesis my world changed.

      Reply

      • oVg

        October 19, 2015 at 11:29

        It was the closest console war. THE REAL CONSOLE WAR. When it was all about who can make the closest domestic versions of the Arcade games. SEGA WON 🙁

        Reply

        • Hammersteyn

          October 19, 2015 at 11:37

          XD

          Reply

  4. WitWolfy

    October 19, 2015 at 11:25

    Ninty already fooled me with the Wii U when everything they showed at E3 2011 never released or materialized. Screw you Nintendo, I’ll never buy another console from you again.

    Reply

    • oVg

      October 19, 2015 at 11:57

      I don’t blame you. I left the brand after the GameCube got sacrificed for the Casuals Wiiiiiiiiiiiiiii

      Reply

  5. Raptor Rants

    October 19, 2015 at 12:55

    Dat header alt text hahahaahahahahaha

    Reply

    • Grand Admiral Chief

      October 19, 2015 at 13:07

      Tottie

      Reply

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