Nintendo NXDS: Thread 01

[Neon Ignition]

http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2015-10-16-nintendo-now-handing-out-nx-console-developer-kits-report

So, whilst it's all quieter than on the console side of things it's still loosely looking like Nintendo is going to be replacing the 3DS handheld with a new handheld that at the least sits closely alongside the new home console.

It's hard to work out how close similarities will be beyond the shared user account ID system all NX hardware will use. But in broad strokes it's on the way and will form a key role in Nintendo's entirely new generation of machines.

Compared to the 3DS launch, the market has changed. The DS brands worth has changed.

What do you both expect and hope for as Nintendo prepares itself for another handheld generation, this time as the last man standing?

[Asura]

I don't normally self-quote, but I'm happy to see that so far, all signs point to what I wanted from the machine:

What are you expecting from the Nintendo NX? What form do you expect the hardware to take?

Personally, I'm expecting NX to be a new console platform that merges handheld and home consoles into a single package. Either it's a home console and a handheld that can run the same software, or, more likely, it's a handheld with a docking station, or something along the lines of the PSVita TV mini-console. Due to this, I'm expecting it to be a lower hardware spec than the PS4; somewhere between the WiiU and the PS4 in raw power. The increases in spec will be mainly focused on those things which make life easier for developers, such as increased memory. The machine will feature day-one support for engines such as Unity and Unreal.

[Dogg Thang]

I have a feeling whatever this is will have a whole new name. But I half expect them to repeat mistakes of the past and, if these reports are true, call the home console and the portable system something that shares the same name and they'll confuse buyers everywhere again.

Other than that, if they release a new handheld I'm on board.

[QualityChimp]

http://metro.co.uk/2015/10/16/nintendo-already-sending-nx-consoles-to-developers-5444582/?ito=facebook

[replicashooter]

This is quite exciting, I look forward to seeing what Nintendo do with this and, more importantly, if they can get the third parties on board instead of just constantly cranking out AAA titles by themselves.

Oh and F-Zero please.

[charlesr]

ExcitebikeNext please!!!

[nakamura]

NX has it's work cut out.

[wakka]

I think we'll see a machine that drops back to a single screen and bears a closer resemblance to a GBA or PSV. The touchscreen on 3DS was underused compared to the DS, where it was fundamental for many games. The WiiU's touchscreen has again seen limited usage, with only a few games properly making use of it.

Working on the basis that the NX won't depend on the WiiU's dual screen gimmick (which might be wrong), it'll be easier to develop a game for both platforms simultaneously if they both have just the one screen.

All speculation of course - but that's what I've been imagining so far.

[Neon Ignition]

http://uk.ign.com/articles/2015/12/10/nintendo-files-patent-for-handheld-with-free-form-display

Likely nothing but Nintendo seems to have patented a handheld design whereby the surface of the device is a screen with the controls inset into the display.



Patents often come to nothing but protecting spitballed ideas. In concept though can't say I'm a fan, it'd likely look smart on display but your hands would cover much of the image making the feature pretty redundant. The patents design (though any final design would likely be different) lacks obvious required buttons etc either. Not sure the handhelds need the wheel reinventing to such a massive extent.

[nakamura]

Are Nintendo trying desperately to create something revolutionary rather than, you know, just make good games?

[speedlolita]

Are Nintendo trying desperately to create something revolutionary rather than, you know, just make good games?

Didn't do the Cube much good.

[Neon Ignition]

It's a shame they focus so much attention on the Wii in an attempt to recreate its success rather than look to the NES and SNES for inspiration. So many reasons for people to hold concerns about the Nintendo name when it comes to hardware and all of them are easily fixed if they'd stop pursuing the cheap buck.

[PaTaito]

Didn't do the Cube much good.

Neither did the dinky image or lack of DVD.

[Nu-Eclipse]

Neither did the dinky image or lack of DVD.

In fairness, they did try to make a GameCube that ditched the dinky image and added DVD playback.

The mass market (in Japan, at least) didn't want that either.

[danholo]

Too little, too late.