By now you all know of the NX, Nintendo upcoming gaming platform. Many hope that Nintendo has learned from the mistakes they've made with the Wii U. But what if Nintendo's new console, wasn't necessarily a console, but an operating system? A little while back, Iwata talked about iOS and Android, stating that although they all have different hardware they run on, they essentially run on one unified platform, meaning, they play largely the same games. He says he wishes for Nintendo hardware to be like that. Supporting this theory is the fact that Nintendo reccently merged it's handheld and home console teams together, as well as the New 3DS having the same control setup as the Wii U gamepad, along with Smash 4 and the latest Mario vs. DK being multi-platform.
If it actually is an operating system, Then it's a really smart move by Nintendo. One unified archetecture means that developers may not have to worry about hardware specs as much, as all the coding will be done on the OS rather than the hardware. This doesn't mean Nintendo shouldn't keep specs in mind, developers still like good specs, but they at least don't have to try and outdo Sony and Microsoft as much. Plus, it also puts less strain on developers. Previously, Nintendo's production resources to spread too thin to the point where the handheld kept getting more interesting games and consistant releases while the console was left with safe sequels and software droughts. But under one unified platform, this is no longer an issue. You can play Super Mario NX PLUS Fire Emblem NX on both the handheld AND the console now.
I think it could really change the console structure in a big way, where the focus is now more on the Game OS rather than the Game hardware, and maybe encourage devs to finnaly cut back on overblown game budgets. I'd be all for this sort of mobile-esque, unified platform approach.
Third option: is a game system that will be sold in at least 2 form factors (handheld and console)
That wouldn't work. hardware design for a mobile device is fundamentally different to hardware design for a console. The former is focused on making everything as portable as possible, while the latter is built for higher performance, more hardware tools, etc.
You really can't just take one and transplant it to the other.
Currently Playing: Steamworld Heist, The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask, Tales of Graces F
Forums
Topic: Is Nintendo's new console.... actually an operating system?
Posts 1 to 7 of 7
This topic has been archived, no further posts can be added.