The Nintendo NX still hasn’t been officially unveiled, though many have been discussing and speculating about the upcoming console for about a year. We do know that it is a real thing and not just a figment of our collective imagination wishing for a fresh Nintendo console. What we don’t know is exactly what it is just yet. Back in March, Rebellion Games (Sniper Elite) expressed a willingness to support the console but had absolutely no idea what it was.
The oldest member of the “Big 3” won’t come out and just give us all the details just yet (which we respect, show it when it’s ready), but we can piece together some information based on news that has trickled out over the past few months.
After looking at everything, we’ve managed to figure out exactly what we’re getting… sort of.
It’s Not an Add-On
After some confusion with, and the relative failure of, the Wii U, Nintendo was quick to clarify that the NX is not an add-on or a new iteration on the Wii family of consoles. According to Nintendo President Tatsumi Kimishima, the console is “something unique and different.” He went on to say that the upcoming console is “something where we have to move away from those platforms in order to make it something that will appeal to our consumer base.”
That is something that came as a breath of fresh air to many, as the Wii U was a great console, but clearly tried to sail on its predecessors’ success. While this doesn’t exactly say what the NX is, it does at least scrap the thoughts of a Wii re-imagined, something that was stuck in many fans’ heads for some time. That way of creating consoles didn’t help the company the second time around, even though the original set records. Perhaps the company learned a valuable lesson, or maybe they just felt the itch to innovate as they tend to do.
It’s a More Powerful Console
There was a time when Nintendo was adamant about putting out powerful hardware in order to drive the biggest and best experiences. The Nintendo 64 helped set the standard for 3D worlds and navigation, as well as analog control. The GameCube was used to show off all of the things Nintendo could do with power, including a demo that displayed 128 Mario minis running around. That idea fell to the wayside with the Wii, and instead the company decided more on gameplay and fun experiences, much to the surprise (and joy) of everyone. The Wii U followed up with a system that was slightly more powerful than the Wii’s competitors, again focusing on gameplay innovation and experiences rather than raw power.
While the intentions were good, this helped lead to Nintendo’s consoles being overlooked for their much more powerful competition. With that happening, it’s no surprise that reports started to circulate stating that the NX would run on “industry-leading chips.” That came as a bit of surprise considering that Nintendo seemed more focused on battling the PS4 and Xbox One’s realistic visuals with zany colors, and over-the-top fun that didn’t try to fit any particular mold.
It Is, In Fact, a Home/Mobile Hybrid Console
One of the biggest details that circled around the NX over the past few months was the fact that it was a home/mobile hybrid console. That means you can take it with you when you’re out and about, but then dock it (or something of that nature) so you could enjoy true home gaming. It sounded a bit far-fetched, but the Pokemon Company recently confirmed it.
According to the company’s CEO, Tsunekazu Ishihara, “The NX is trying to change the concept of what it means to be a home console device or a handheld device.” At the same time, Ishihara confirmed that The Pokemon Company is indeed working on a game for the console, adding credence to a report from just a month earlier. It’s not clear if it will be a full-fledged Pokemon game in the vein of, say, Sun and Moon, but that’s exciting news for fans who have been crying out for a console game in that universe.
It Might Play Multiple Versions of the Same Game Depending on the Mode
The most recent insight into the console actually comes from Boogie2988, who uploaded a video of his Q&A at Retropalooza (which you can check out here). At the 35-minute mark in the video, Boogie quickly dives into conversations he had with two people who have used the device, one of which is an employee at Ubisoft. According to the conversations he had, switching between home and console mode could allow you to play different versions of the same game. One that takes advantage of all the power under the hood and provides a home-gaming experience, and one that is tailored to more of a handheld experience.
The example given was in relation to Assassin’s Creed (although this was seemingly just a random example, not a confirmation of an AC game). You could play on console, but then when you switched to handheld mode you would have a different Assassin’s Creed mobile game that you can complete activities in to further the experience. In a way it sounds like a more high-tech version of the Dreamcast’s VMU. It will definitely be interesting to see how it works out.
It Will Have a Solid Lineup
While the full launch lineup has yet to be revealed, as many developers and publishers are playing this one close to the chest, the NX will certainly have some impressive software. Koei Tecmo revealed back in April that they will be supporting the console when it releases, although no details as to what games they’ll bring over were shared. Square Enix also expressed support with Dragon Quest XI being confirmed and Dragon Quest Builders being considered.
Some of Nintendo’s own stable of talent will be making sure that there are some great experiences to be had, too. The Pokemon Company confirmed a game is in the works, though no details were given, and we already know about The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Other major publishers have also thrown their hats into the ring, such as Ubisoft, Take Two, and EA. It will be interesting to see what each company has in mind given the NX’s reported power. Can we expect to see games on NX, PS4, and Xbox One? Only time will tell.
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