Nintendo NX

I haven't talked about the Nintendo NX so far, because there isn't too much to talk about. Still I wanted to get this out, before we get any substantial info in 2016, for the slim chance of a ''Hah! Told you so.''

The late Satoru Iwata announced this next Nintendo Hardware this March, but apart from that we know hardly anything about it. This is all the information we got so far.

Of course this means that everything I write from here on is pure speculation. So with this in mind let's talk about two patents Nintendo filed earlier this year. Now one important thing to keep in mind is, that a filing a patent doesn't necessarily mean that Nintendo will use it. I'm looking at you Vitality Sensor, but it can give us a small glimpse at Nintendos thought process. At least the deemed the idea important enough to protect it via Patent.

The first one is about a console without any optical disc drive. Does this mean that the NX will be a digital only console? Honestly I think the chances for that are rather slim. For this to work the console would need to have a massive build in memory. Also physical copies are still to relevant. Looking at how conservative Nintendo was with internal safe space so far, I don't see them going full on digital. The only use I can see for this is an alternative Version of the NX or even the Wii-U, which is cheaper than the console with a disc drive and comes with a bigger internal memory to save digital games.

http://appft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PG01&s1=20150231511&OS=20150231511&RS=20150231511

The other Patent talks about a new controller concept. By the looks of it, it's still a rather rough sketch. It's just a Wii-U gamepad with some missing buttons. The new feature, and the reason why the controller was filed as Patent, are the shoulder buttons. These would be replaced by wheels, which can be used to scroll through menus or something similar.

Of course this Patents rekindled the flame of speculation, but honestly they don't tell us anything worthwhile. But now with all the sparse facts on the table, we can head into deep speculation territory.

The NX as fusion concept:

Probably the most well known speculation about the NX and also the one I think is pretty likely. The NX is not a single console, but a product consisting of a portable and stationary device. While you are at home you can enjoy games in high definition, and when you leave the house you can continue your play session on the fly. This would also fit Iwatas vision of Nintendo products growing together. Also, if this is true, it would also explain the New Nintendo 3DS. The N3DS was much more than a simple hardware revision, like the Nintendo 3DS XL, but more like a step in between different handheld generations. Of course the reason for this was to increase the life span of the 3DS. And when we think about the NX as a fusion concept it makes sense. Normally we would at least heard about a successor to the 3DS, but if they intent to make the NX a fusion console, they need to squeeze some more years out of their handheld, while the phase out the Wii-U and replace both with the NX. I personally see the New 3DS as biggest reason to believe in the NX as fusion type console.

The fusion concept with both devices as part of a single console, would make sense if Nintendo intends to leave 3^rd Parties truly behind. They have problems sustaining two platforms, but with only one, they could manage it. This would also mean that their teams probably would have more time for new IP, as they only need to create one Mario Kart, etc, each console cycle instead of two.

Still it also poses some problems, like a possible high price for the starter pack, containing two consoles, and turning the NX truly into a Nintendo only machine. Also it would limit the game design. Games on handheld platforms mostly are designed with the aspect of short play sessions in mind. Also it would limit the possibilities of the console games, because they also need to work on the handheld device. This would lead to most people only buying the handheld version of the NX, making the stationary irrelevant.

These are some of the reasons why I don't think that the Handheld NX and Console NX will be one system. I still believe in the fusion concept, but more as two deeply connected consoles, that still work on their own. The consoles will still release at the same time, and maybe there will an expensive package containing both of them, but they won't be the same console, but more like twin brothers. Complementing eachother, while still remaining individuals. There probably will be some games that release on both systems, and I cross buy and cross save will work, but still both consoles will receive their own unique games. Maybe there will be a feature where you can upscale the portable games to the big screen.

While near the console NX the handheld version could act as a sort of Wii-U Gamepad. This would allow Off-TV play and also backwards compatibility. They could also expand on the potential of their Multiplayer games. With several handheld systems, each player has his own screen. This coupled with each ''controller'' possessing processing power, enables countless possibilities.

The NX controller:

The second thing I want to talk about is the controller of the new console. For this I want to take a look at the Wii-Mote and the Wii-U Gamepad and why one worked, while the other failed. Let's start with the failure.

The Wii-U Gamepad is great. That is my personal opinion about it. But even I have to admit, that it looks clunky and uncomfortable at first sight. It's a normal controller with a tablet shoved inbetween. It also doesn't give immediate feedback about it's added value. Let me explain this with an example. You start a game. Most of the time the Gamepad screen and the TV will show the same image. Most of the time this will remain so throughout the game, because Off-TV is the only Gamepad feature. And even if not than you need to learn what the Gamepad does in that specific game. Is it just a map? Used for puzzles, by providing a different perspective? The game needs you to teach the use of the Gamepad. This feels just as clunky as the looks of the controler.

Now let's look at the Wii-Mote. Right of the bat it's something everyone recognizes. A TV-Remote. You start the console and, like most people do with remotes, point it at the screen. You see the pointer and immediately recognize it reacting to your movement with the Wii-Mote. Also inside a game most of the commands with the Wii-Mote feel natural. You point at the screen to aim or strike to use your sword. Also the Wii-Mote provide direct feedback. Shake it and Mario uses his spin ability.

The NX controller should strive for the same natural feeling like the Wii-Mote, if Nintendo intends to make a special control scheme for their new console. Something easy to grasp, providing direct, visible feedback to your actions. Or they should just stick to a regular controller design, like an improved Pro-Controller.

Marketing and Name:

For gods sake let's hope they finally get their marketing right again. The Wii-U is a textbook example of how not to do it. I'm still convinced that most of the Wii-Us failure can be attributed to it's name and abysmal marketing. With the NX they should position them firmly and communicate what this new console is all about. Sony did this perfectly with their ''This is for the players'' campaign. Meanwhile the Wii-U wasn't sure if they wanted to catch the hardcore crowd or try not to lose the Casual market, causing both to fail. For the NX look for a name, that clearly distinguishes the console from it's predecessor, and shows that this is the next big step for Nintendo. And then market the shit out of it.

In the end we don't know anything substantial about the NX so far, but the amount of speculation clearly shows that there is still an interest in Nintendo hardware. They should use this possibility as a blank slate to start over and recapture their leading position in the Industry.

As for now I'm happy with my Wii-U, but can't help but wonder about the future. In any case we'll hopefully know more at E3 2016.

and as always

thanks for reading

Source of Pictures: Nintendo