Nintendo Working On New 'Dedicated Game Platform' Codenamed 'NX'

Way too early, Nintendo is making all the wrong decisions.

Oh my gosh, so much hype today!!!

@Grumblevolcano not really, show off 2016, release 2017 wii u released 2012, 2012 to 2017, is 5 years, game generations typically last 4-7 years on average so yea.

I hope they keep NX for the final name, i like it! Nintendo NX, or NX for short. Rolls off the tongue.

Why too early?

Announced next year, coming out 2017 holiday or 2018 holiday, which would give the WiiU a lifespan of 5-6 years. Short for a home console, yes. But after all the negative publicity and what not maybe they need to push this right now.

As a amateur business analyst (more of an enthusiast) the only really big problem I see is that 2017-18 will probably be the period when PS4 and XOne are going to get some of their strongest titles which means competition will be fierce.

However if the new console is indeed a hybrid it would immediately entice the early adapters in a big way. What it does need to have is a much stronger launch library than Nintys previous consoles in order to be able to succeed.

They should really give out a few more details on this...

Pretty expected.

So much good news today! Nintendo is finally starting to get their act together!!!

@SanderEvers

Hopefully this means that they'll adopt the sales (especially for Virtual Console games), custom controllers (but obviously Nintendo-made), but not the lousy customer support :-/

@Grumblevolcano Besides the fact that developing a console (Let's assume NX is a console for now) takes years to do, WiiU is distant third in the console wars and objectively not doing very well at all, so it's a good idea for shareholder (and consumer) confidence in Nintendo to announce that they're working on something new.

Why the automatic assumption that it's "replacing" the Wii U? It could just as easily (and would make more sense) if it was a 3DS successor. Also given the nature of the announcement it could also be a "virtual" platform, like Steam.

I definitely agree this will be a home console/handheld hybrid.

Well, we've been saying it since WiiU came along, it makes perfect sense: Nintendo homeXportable.

@MysticX Though they could have already got very far in development, the competitors (Sony/Microsoft) took the approach of revealing and releasing their latest console in the same year.

The 3DS and Wii U are already pretty damn close to each other in terms of what gameplay mechanics are offered, so it makes sense that their next device should be something that leverages the power AND addresses the limitations of both.

Maybe this Nintendo NX is some sort of unified account system instead of a new hardware, since the 3DS and Wii U were included in this presentation slide. It doesn't necessary mean that a new hardware is coming next year.

I hope I get this right ...
Nintendo is developing a new console with the codename NX ... which most likely stands vor Nintendo X (cross) which again stands most likely for Crossplatform ...

first of all I hope that not ALL their gameslibrary will be crossplatform which would imidiatly kill one of their platforms... but I guess we'll see.

the second thing would be that they are going to talk about this next year ... which means, that nintendo will have a new gen in 2017/latest 2018. This means, that we won't see much/any big releases in 2016/2017 because they need to pump up their launchtitles so the new platforms dosn't fall on it's nose.

Third I hope, that the new system can compete withj the PS4 in terms of power and simplicity when it comes to the architecture ... don't make this new platform PPC/ARM instead of x86 .... and make a god man userbased accountsystem ...

So this year will be the last year with big releases on the WiiU/3DS ....
If my speculation is right, sales will fall through the ground in 2016 ...

@Azooooz Nope, Iwata confirmed it is hardware. There is a subscription service coming as well though.

It certainly needs backwards compatibility! - that would make it to have a huge software library right from the start.
If the console is a hybrid - I expect bc with all wii/wii u games and all 3ds/ds games

Well I'm always hyped for a new Nintendo system.
On the other hand I feel betrayed when I spent money on my Wii U, only to get a slap in the face.

@Grumblevolcano I agree, way too early.

Wow much hype!

@LazerPan You´ve got that eye and didnt see the slap comin??

I'm assuming this is going to be the Wii U successor. Won't come out until late next year anyway, so plenty of time to enjoy Wii U. Don't mind a 4 year gap.

Virtual reality from 20 yrs of R&D after Virtual Boy like... goggles-free holograms ^_^

The problem I see with the timing of this announcement is that their E3 2015 showing is going to get overshadowed by everyone trying to squeeze info about NX out of them.

But what'll be? Wii U sucessor? 3DS sucessor? Sucessor to both? A third (fourth?) pillar?

I hope it's either a handheld or a hybrid console retrocompatible with Wii U and 3DS games.

Two things Iwata confirmed near the end of the conference:
1. The Nintendo NX was hardware
2. "NX" = "Next Generation"

Given that it was announced alongside this mobile conference, that their portables are more in-line with mobile AND that the 3DS is an older platform? I'm just going to assume it's a 3DS successor until it's stated otherwise.

PC, mobile?! Did Nintendo just sell out?! I couldn't believe it when I first read it, this is ruining my day by the minute...

This better only be a subscription thing and not a new console. So much for exploring the Wii U for it's full potential if they're just gonna abandon it and the Wii Users THREE years in.

"WTF!" is my only reaction right now.

So it will be the long rumored "Virtual Girl" stationary handheld with glasses supported 2D. Nintendo always had a strong hardware vision.

I believe this new product will mostly serve areas that are in Asia outside of Japan itself just to offer games from different company's to areas that don't have modern games.

In the U.S. I think this software should just be one app with different applications within it such as MiiVerse and the E-Shop plus whatever Nintendo decides on inside. One size fits all plus updates.

Looks like their timeline for console support is the same after all, it will meet the same fate as Wii U if third parties don't succeed with their initial efforts. If not, a cross platform console would almost eliminate droughts, almost.

Everyone here has great ideas so far, But software first then the hardware.

OS-X, Windows X... Nintendo X?!! It's a new OS.

Yet its the hardware that kinda screwed them most recently.

How does "more info in 2016" equate to abandoning the Wii U?

a) Your Wii U still works

b) They need to get this announcement out of the way to minimise the distraction away from E3 where they will be focusing on games for existing hardware this year and next.

c) Did you expect Nintendo to never upgrade from the Wii U?

d) You whiny little ****.

Or it could be some kind of cloud-based game streaming like the NVidia Grid.

Time for an old classic:

"Dooooomed!"

I think they had to announce something like NX was in the works, otherwise people would be going "NINTENDO ARE PULLING OUT OF CONSOLES TO WORK ON MOBILE!" even more than they are now. I expect a 2017 launch for any new Nintendo hardware, which gives me plenty of time with my 3DS and Wii U.

@LazerPan I thought I was the only one who felt that way, especially when game consoles aren't cheap here.

I don't know how to feel about project NX, it definitely looks like they finally combine their mobile and home console into one. BUT, what comes with that is also a high price point I assume. I personally don't think it's possible for Nintendo to create $200 or $300 device that is small enough as handheld, but still powerful enough for home console (and surpass Wii U).

Case in point, NVIDIA Shield tablet cost $299 alone although their console cost $199. That is NVIDIA's own chip and they can't even sell it below $299 for their handheld. So for Nintendo that using chips from other companies, unarguably they will not be able to create this kind of device under $299. Not to mention, that also means they gave up completely trying to compete with PS4 and XBox One, as no mobile chip at this point can't come close to the performance of PS4/One.

@Josaku
If the speculations are true, then it won't kill the other platform because it'll be the ONLY one (home x portable console).

Sounds inline with a suggestion I made pre-wii as the NEXUS Nintendo Entertainment X-Unification System.
Basically a home console/mobile game compatible unit.

The problem with making a new platform so soon is that when PS5 or whatever comes out, Nintendo will once again be the underpowered console that "casuals" scoff at.

http://i.somethingawful.com/u/ctstalker/2011/2011_04_23_nexus.jpg

Eerily this was posted online a year after my suggestion

I'm excited about this. Can't wait to find out more about it!

Super hyped now. And I'm relieved that it's actually gaming hardware.

@whodatninja however, if nintendo launch 2017 THEY will actually be the most powerful for 4-5 years which is how log it will be till PS5 which is actually a very clever and required move from nintendo. Adds substance to the point that the wii u was a low investment project intended as a place holder while they developed the true next gen nintendo console

@outburst
This would minimize their hardware revenue significantly.
On the other hand this could also alianate many fans by not being a homeconsole/Handheld in the traditional sense (rather small complaint I have to agree)
On the other hand the Fusio concept which includes only one console which is both a homeconsole and a portable at the same time is nearly impossible to realise at this point in time because hardware is not small/powerfull enough to drive such a thing. Hardware would either be to big di actually be called a handheld or way to weak to actually be called a full fledged console ... and I'm not speaking of WiiU/PS4 powergap ... more like WiiU/PC powergap ...

I hope, that the NX just stands for "Next Generation" or X = Cross in the sense, that they are building a foundation for crossplatform connectrivity for mobile and handhelds ... homeconsoles seem to not fit in properly imo.

This is getting way to long, but one thing at the end ... it really dosn't matter if the NX is a handheld or a homeconsole, because the one that will be replaced won't get any big games in 2016 or even late 2015, so we'll see soon enough what kind of device the NX will be.

NX = NINNY SMARTPHONE !

@DESS-M-8
sorry for my rude language but ... Holy L*ve this thing looks wierd ....
would be cool to see a desing like this from Nintendo, but they kinda seem to like more sleek desings.

Ah, I'm glad someone's been paying attention to my stop-gap theory.

This new membership service will likely be an evolution towards streaming games from the cloud, making the home hardware's processing and graphical horsepower less important. Sony and Microsoft will follow, or will just rely on their current hardware for many years.

@Timppis
5-6 years isn't really short for a home console, not for official support anyway. It only seems short because last gen lasted so long, and previous consoles lasted quite a while after its successor released before officially being discontinued. Its not like either the Wii U or 3DS will disappear as soon as the new device comes out. Its just as if not more likely to be a successor to the 3DS.

On the plus side though, it'll allow them to easily catch up to the Sony and Micrisoft power-wise if they keep up the 5-6 year cycle.

If its some sort of hybrid console I wonder how they'd handle it. It could just as easily just be a regular console and handheld that work together like the PS4 and Vita. Its likely just wishful thinking but it'd be funny if they bundled them together like people wanted Sony to.

Having a single console that is capable of being played both on the go and at home seems great in theory, and it would cost less to develop games for it since there isn't two different system architectures to deal with.

@Harry_Legs
I'm not that surpried on the whole mobile situation. Sega has done the same thing with Sonic and there is also Mega Man on iOS. That Nintendo is bailing out on a sinking ship isn't that unexpected either. It's a shame though Wii U had so much potential, but what can you expect when it's inferior in hardware and OS compare with other systems.

I wonder what's the point with the new 3DS if Nintendo is making a whole new system that combines handheld and home console? They are really screwing us over if that's the case.

I think it's more in the line of "next gen" or "X platform". But this could easiely been done through a major system update to the Wii U and 3DS. Now it's absolutly no reason to buy a Nintendo console before NX comes out.
Well played Nintendo R.I.P.

@Josaku
I could be wrong but I was thinking there'll be some sort of dock that'll make the handheld more powerful where you could also connect multiple cotrollers and addons. Hence my comment. I see now that it could also be two separate consoles but with the same OS like Android/iOS phones and tablets. Sorry for the confusion.

@LazerPan Reason to buy Nintendo console now: don't have one and want to play a great library of games.

Stop being so melodramatic.

@LazerPan
I think you'r exeggerating a bit here ...
as you said, the NX could stand for next generation or X platform ...
At this point it is extremely viable for them to make a handheld/smartphone hybrid and a dedicated homeconsole which are compatiple to a certain degree like the PSVita/PS4.

The New 3DS was a system revision, not a major update, just like the DSi was for the DS or the GBcolor for the gameboy ... when each of these hit the market everybody knew the next gen handheld was just a matter of time and it came in most cases 2 years after the release of the updateed version.

So when they said, that they will talk about NX in 2016 they actually meant "talk about" it not reveal it or release it.
I think, that the NX will be something along the fusion concept, but it will include smartphones and handhelds instead of homconsoles/HH. This way they can build a userbase on android/iOS and expand on this userbase on HH/HC. If they create a "eshop" which is accessible on every device they can also start advertising on it for every device they sell/every game they sell.

Now news till 2016? Good. That'll give me at least a couple more quality years with my Wii U till the new console comes out.

As long as we get XCX and Zelda out of the Wii U, I am okay with a new console announcement next year and a release in 2017.

Such big claims and so little details. I don't have the slightest idea of what this all means.

Awesome

@outburst
there is nothing to be sorry about mate ^^
while I can see why the fusion concept is interesting, I really hope that Nintendo dosen't try doing it ...
this would result in arkward hardware either way you put it.
The dock is a good idea ... at first glance ...
they would have to create a port for the handheld so it can transfer data and actually be upscaled properly. This port would have to be extremely sturdy and manage to have a really high transfer rate, because it not only has to transfer data like savegames or gamedata, but it hase to actually make a synchronized bridge between the HH CPU/RAM and the docks CPU/GPU/RAM. This needs really high transfer speeds and would essentially be just like the N64 but with the HH playing the role of the cartridge.
I don't think that they would just make the HH turn off during console mode and letting the dock do all the work, because this would be a waste of computing power and internal storage and Nintendo isn't really fond of wasting anything, as we saw with the whole "no charger included with the New 3DS"

That said, I really hope that they try and make the HH crossplatform with smartphones to capture this market more effectivly and giving them the option to enter the hardware race in the smartphone industry, while making the HC compatible with their HH/smartphones through the OS.

People drawing conclusions based on two letter-codename that most likely has nothing to do with the end product? Why am I not surprised?

The real question is whether the new console is just a handheld that also plays on tv, or a set top box that uses the handheld as a controller.

That's because its launching price is the most important factor to determine how the public sees this. As a successor to the 3ds or the wiiU?

@Josaku
Like you say the PSVita/PS4/Xperia is compatible to some degree.
My point is that Nintendo is making us wait for so long for simple things that could be done with updates to the current systems we spent money on.
It's too little too late.
When they come with anouncments like this they are giving up on the console.

@Zombie_Barioth

I would like to argue on your points, but they seem spot on to me

I would love the platform to be hybrid console with the mobile device working also as a controller for the main console. And if they did the actual bundling it would be so much sweeter

Since it's Ninty I'll buy it anyway. Too many consoles at home not to have the new one too

@Xomitsious who said that it has to be either?

Don't know if someone's said it already but, it could be an hybrid between WiiU/3DS and smartphones, so they can keep releasing games for all those platforms.

So, the "New" 3DS is the final portable Nintendo console? Portable gaming will now be done on smartphones? Tell me this isn't happening...

New Nintendo console = Great news.
Theres is, NO bad news!
All i hope for is a good selection of first party games, and a console powerful enough to attract back a few 3rd party dedevelopers is an absolute MUST as otherwise it will force me to buy a PS4 purely to play FIFA! Which is complete madness, and we cant solely blame EA for jumping ship. Come on Nintendo give us a beast again

@Grumblevolcano When you think about it, not really. Big N teased the Wii U around this time in the Wii's lifespan.

I wished Nintendo kept the Wii's code name "Revolution". Awesome name.

@LazerPan
The point of the new device is not clear as of jet so nobody knows if the next "defining feature" will be cross platform compatability like the "Fusion concept" mentions. But I actually hope that they create a crossplatform device for smartphone and handhelds with their homconsoles being somewhat seperate when it comes to their actuall gameslibrary.
As for a userbased accountsystem .. yes, this could have been done with a slew of updates and a Nintendo Direct on how to actually migrate from NNID to this new account system.

@Grumblevolcano no its not way too early. WII U is awesome but not making money, or should I say a lot. 3DS is 4 years old now, and outdated. NX is power and its going to phase wii u and 3Ds out. I cant wait!!! Day one adopter...Good Job Nintendo...

They are not giving up on Wii U by the time this is out it will be 2017 or 2018.

@datamonkey the fusion as reported last year.

@abbyhitter imagree, I am stoked.

God I have no idea how to take all of this stuff in. I don't know if I should feel feel worry or happy. I'm kinda scared actually.

@Grumblevolcano
Not really. At all. If you look at other companies that release new hardware Nintendo usually takes a slower approach. They are simply trying to stay ahead. Which is smart. So it's the right decision.

Nintendo announces that they are working on a new platform and people claim that they are abandoning the WiiU. Overreacting much?

Excited to see what comes of this. People, don't jump too soon to hate.

Obviously this hints at the Virtual Boy 2

Only one?!?

Maybe Nintendo will learn from their mistakes this time?

I assume my existing systems won't stop working once they officially announce this, so I'm not bothered. I have more than enough to play right now.

@Timppis That's not really short for a home console… it's right in the window. This last generation lasted a bit longer and broke the curve, but 5-6 years is about right and about the norm before the 360 and PS3. The Wii was a cash cow and that was roughly 6 years. If they are able to roll backwards compatibility of some sort into this next console again, I don't see even a wrinkle of a problem. If they are forced to leave the Wii U software behind altogether, it might be a harder sell for consumers. Especially those who became gamers during this last console race of roughly 8 years.

I don't know why, but this is not part of the news I wanted to wake up to today... just me, though.

Well it's nice to see that my fears of it coming next year will be put to rest! Now I have 2 E3s to look forward to! 😄

So we have a few options
1) a new home system
2) a new handheld system
3) a cross over between a home & handheld system
4) a official Nintendo tablet device
5) a New New 3DS that is 100% compatible as a gamepad for the Wii U
Maybe some more options. I would guess #4 this would go with the announcement of cell phone games. But I guess we will find out next year

It may be a little early to announce, but the 'ultra 64' rumors began circulating around '93 just a mere two years after the SNES released. With exception of the NES and Wii, Nintendo typically work around a 5-year cycle for home consoles (wii lasted 6 years) so the timing seems about right. 2016 will be the reveal and 2017 for the release.

Why do I get the sinking feeling that the "new" console will be ARM based and be even more underpowered than Wii-U?

PowerPC architecture is dead from a consumer standpoint. Nintendo Wii-U is literally the last consumer device on the market that uses PowerPC. And it's not doing well.

x86-64 is powerful but generates a ton of heat and would require massively large battery packs (compare the battery pack in an x86 laptop to the 3DS, gram for gram) for portable use.

That leaves ARM to power the NX device. It's cost effective and efficient, but overall weaker than x86. This would enable backwards compatability with DS/3DS (they probably remove the legacy port in future cost-reduced version, forcing consumers to repurchase their 3DS games via digital download). Wii rev. 2 and DSi both cut backwards compatability so it's in the cards.

Lastly, ARM has taken great strides in recent years. Ouya is HD and has better performance than Wii. It's not unfathomable that an ARM platform could meet or exceed PS3/360/Wii-U in a few more years. Also if the portable is standard definition screen, a custom graphics chipset could disable extra processing cores, memory, underclock, and run in 480p with passive cooling, then run in a "turbo" mode when functioning as the home console with 1080p outputs and a power brick.

What would it look like? Probably a scaled down version of the gamepad. 3DS games would run like they do on a 2DS, with both "screens" displayed together.

Also, I've seen the writing on the wall. All generation 8 consoles support retail downloads, and I imagine physical media will go the way of the dodo in generation 9. Consoles will initially have disc drives for "legacy" support, but these will be removed as a cost reduction later in the life cycle. Wii-U backwards compatability cannot be maintained without sticking to PowerPC architecture, so it's safe to assume Wii-U B/C will be broken on the new platform, but not 3DS...

Of course this also means 3rd party multiplatform developers will scoff the NX for being underpowered, but don't see x86 as a viable solution for a unified portable.

As long as the prefix "Wii" isn't being used, I'm excited to see whats next for Big N.

@GraveLordXD they need to ditch and ignore the wii brand altogether. It's negative image far outways the positive in today's market. The casuals have moved on, the gamers associate it with weak, childish gimmick games.

Drop the wii name, Bury it, move along

Wow, if Nintendo is planning on revealing the next console already next year, then they are planning to cut off the Wii U early. If they did it next year, they may still be able to compete directly with MS and Sony and walk away with their heads held high.

Let's face it: The Wii U cannot last an entire generation against the XBO or PS4--they have staying power, just like the X360 and PS3 before them. The sooner Nintendo puts out a new console, the better--but it almost needs to be out by fall next year to safely be a part of this generation and not seen as some sort of embarrassing stop-gap.

The Xbox 360 will be 10 years old this fall--Microsoft actually did it, made the console last a full decade of relevance. The PS3 will be 9. The Wii was dead two years ago barely clocking 6 years. The Wii U doesn't even have 6 years under it's hood, and will be long-forgotten when the PS4 and XBO are riding high.

Hopefully Nintendo can turn things around and this won't just be a sad "last hurrah" for them, but timing will be key. Release this next console too late, and no one is going to care. Valve is already cutting the Steam Machines a little close by launching this year, two years after the PS4 and XBO. Mid-generation launches are never a very good idea, and Nintendo needs to be extremely careful to make it work.

Will be interesting to see when this new one comes out in 2-3 years that what it will be like. Is it going to be a new 3DS like machine or a new home console or both?

They might have something magical stored up and as long as they get their online stuff working and make the new machine easy to develop quality stuff for, then we are in for a treat.

@Grumblevolcano Even if they announced it "too soon" to you, you have to keep in mind that this should not even be that surprising to anyone. Console development takes years. Heck we knew about Project Dolphin and Revolution before their official "reveal."

Iwata made this announcement to counter any criticism that Nintendo was leaving the console development. It's all about confidence.

Somehow this news is exciting and dissapointing at the same time. I'm excited that a new nintendo console is defintitely coming but announcing it now worries me that it means there'll be no Metroid or Fzero for Wii u.

The mobile stuff is just a terrible idea full stop. Sony just closed PS mobile because it was an absolute failure and they actually make mobile phones so nintendo games on mobile is a bad idea.

Look at ridge racer or street fighter on mobile and tell me that something like Metroid would work. It won't and they'll waste millions.

Ugh

New dedicated gaming device sounds great though. I wonder if they'll go after VR again?

@TingLz Hm... I guess I could see it that way... but I can't shake this feeling of worrisome in me...

Like many, here's hoping this NX is the "fusion" rumor we've been hearing for a while now. It only seems like the next natural step as portables get that much closer to consoles in terms of power. And I can imagine a dedicated system that sits at home and you link up your portable "accessory" for cross-saves and as an extra controller (a la Smash Bros Wii U/3DS).

And while it will be the end of an era (like how the DS ended the Gameboy line), this might bring about the unified account system and cross-buy we've all been waiting for.

Well, Nintendos platforms are basically all dedicated game mashines, instead of multi media devices. So that could basically mean anything.
But lets look at the Infographic:
NX isnt the centerpiece, nor is it replacing the WiiU. Its just another bubble alongside all these devices.
And seeing that they Smartphones and tablets seperatly, although they are basically the same, it could very well be a new model of either the 3DS, which is unlikely or the WiiU, which is, at this point, way more likely.

Seeing that they are branching out to mobile platforms, i think we should also think about the possibility of a new WiiU Gamepad. One, that could store games on itself and act as a standalone off-TV WiiU alongside a regular WiiU controller.
Or it could be a remodel of the WiiU in a way that it actually "unifies" all listed devices. As some sort of Hub platform.
Remember that patent they were claiming ? That "center of your live" thingy ? Maybe it acts like a games media server, distributung games to all platforms in reach when in LAN or transfering them proper to take with you.
With Nintendos deals with CrunchyRoll and their Nintendo Anime channel, its also clear that they want to branch more into the overall entertainement thing.

If this new system turns out to be the successor to the Wii U and comes out in late 2016, that would mean the Wii U's lifespan is four years. That's not extremely short, but it is one year shorter than the traditional lifespans of other Nintendo home consoles:

SNES: 1991-1996
N64: 1996-2001
GameCube: 2001-2006

The Wii lasted six years, so that may make the Wii U's four years seem more short than it is, but given how it is struggling in the marketplace even after it fired off big guns like Mario Kart 8 and Super Smash Bros, I think 2016 is a good time to come out with something new.

@Grumblevolcano Not really. The Wii U is pretty much a failure and they need to scrap it by 2016/2017.

Though it might be a successor to the 3DS.

New nintendo system combining handheld and console in one.
Can! Not! Wait!
New Pokemon game on launch too please 😃

@Quorthon Who said it was a Wii U successor? Could be a 3DS successor. Or it could be a Wii U successor introduced as a "third pillar", though I'm not sure if that card would work for a home console, especially after the card already being used for the DS 3 years into the GBA's (a thriving platform at the time) lifespan.

@Fandabidozi You know, whenever I think of the Fusion idea, this is the first thing I think about: a Pokémon main game playable on large flatscreens. This would certainly be a killer app for the new device if there will ever be one.

Anyway, I'm super excited to learn more about this, which is too bad, because it's gonna be a long wait. I'm thinking a 2017 holiday release, which would be just right to give both the Wii U and the 3DS a good life span.

Hey, Nintendo. MARKET IT THIS TIME.

I'm calling it now it's a standalone VR headset. XD

Oh wow,this is good news! I hope they will learn from their mistakes from the Wii U

@erv

Time for an old classic:

"Dooooomed!"

Lol. Nintendo just can't win with some folks. Doomed if they do, doomed if they don't

(see what I did there? )

@Endriu7777 Don't expect that, the console will likely be PPC or x86 which would make it incompatible with ARM (3ds/DS) and potentially the Wii/U (PPC)

@Quorthon

"Wow, if Nintendo is planning on revealing the next console already next year, then they are planning to cut off the Wii U early. If they did it next year, they may still be able to compete directly with MS and Sony and walk away with their heads held high."

If this is the case, I think we need to look at the whole picture. If this really is a new home console we have to consider that the handheld will more than likely be a part of that integration. We all know the 3DS is nearing the end of it's cycle. Wouldn't it make sense to make this announcement around next year? I wouldn't think so much about the home console space, but rather where Nintendo is as a whole. The 3DS will be 5 years old next year. The DS line lasted about 6 years or so, officially.

Honestly, I believe 2016 will be too soon for an official release, I believe we'll get an announcement in 2016, and 2017 is more realistic for when it hits the shelves. They need that year to allow their marketing to try and build hype. I think no matter what they do, the Wii U will look like a stop-gap like you suggested. It doesn't matter whether it's 2016 or 2017, the headlines will be the same.

If however, the handheld is in there somehow, I think it diminishes the Wii U's embarrassment, at least to some degree, because the 3DS will have a pretty normal life cycle by then.

A lot of questions of course. A lot of what I said really depends on if this is a fusion console, but I think all the signs are there that it is.

"@GraveLordXD said:

@Quorthon I don't see the big deal with the steam machines, they seem way to overpriced and do the exact same thing a laptop or tower can do
Nintendo consoles usually always have a 5-6 year run so this is to be expected anyway"

Pretty much this. The one thing I worry about is if this NX is a home console, it looks like it's going to release around halfway through the PS4/XB1's life cycle, which I'd imagine both will have some sort of price reduction/redesign by then. Making the NX a tough sell at full price. However like @MoonKnight7 said, if the handheld is in there somehow, perhaps that would help the situation all around a bit.

Huh. Interesting.

Okay...hopefully this time they try not to repeat their mistakes. They should market it, have a better selection of games at launch, maybe try to get third-party companies on board..

They always seem to bring in big news when I'm sleepy. (ex. Flipnote)

If this 'NX' is indeed going to be a new console, hopefully the Wii U won't be left in the dusk.

@Monado_III

I am afraid you are right on this one...

However, nintendo is in the financial position to make it happen! - somehow...
As a matter of fact, I would buy the new nintendo console no matter if its backwards compatible or not. But still, it would be pretty convenient to run all those games that I have amassed on the new system... it would also be a nice incentive for all other gamers who already invested in nintedo games...

@Timppis It's not about when it comes out but when it's announced. This sure won't help current consoles!

@Grumblevolcano
How? They haven't done anything all that out of the ordinary. Announcing that they're working on a new console isn't really an announcement; Nintendo, Microsoft, and Sony have all said that they begin work on their next console pretty much as soon as a console is launched. Most consoles get five or six years of development, so it's to be expected that Nintendo has spent the past year or two working on a new platform.

The NX will offer 3.5K graphics & will be controlled by your knees.

@MoonKnight7

The Wii U is selling worse than the GameCube and Dreamcast--and Nintendo has not long looked fondly on the old Cube.

This is just another part of the "unenviable position" I've noted Nintendo has caught themselves in. The Wii U is not going to last a full generation against the PS4 and XBO. The X360 and PS3 proved their staying power, and there is every indication the new consoles will run the same way, especially given their ridiculously strong sales--both are outselling all their previous consoles. The Wii U isn't outselling anything, and it's already fallen to the "1 new retail game per month, maybe" schedule that marked the dark final two years of the N64.

It may well be in Nintendo's best interest to get this new hardware out sooner rather than later. If they wait too long, they'll be dismissed as a pointless stop-gap when MS and Sony are at their absolute height--which will be 2016~2018. This would be the worst time for Nintendo to release a new console, and the Wii U simply won't last until 2018.

What I'm picturing is the NX platform may well be the fabled dual-console, half portable, half home console, which launches as a "third pillar" the way the DS was. This was Nintendo's way of selling the DS without harming the Game Boy Advance or Game Boy brand, and when the DS took off, Nintendo quietly retired the GBA.

This is fully what I expect to happen with the NX platform, whatever it is. It will be released as a third pillar in gaming to "join the 3DS and Wii U" as it were, and if it takes off, the 3DS and/or Wii U will be quietly shelved so that Nintendo can walk away from an embarrassment with their heads still held high. Given the sluggish performance of the Wii U in the marketplace, this is likely the safest way for Nintendo to "kill it off."

It'll be a bummer, to be sure, to see a Nintendo console slink down to a 4-year cycle, but if they get the next platform right, then I'll take it.

It is kind of funny to see the blindly dedicated Nintendo fans now shouting the doom-n-gloom while we critical Nintendo fans are basically seeing a new dawn for the company. There is a bummer here, and it's that the 3DS and Wii U may well be seeing their end coming sooner than expected--but if what follows is the reinvention that the company desperately needs, then it'll all work out in the end and the Wii U can go out on a high note, rather than lingering it's way to a slow death like the N64, GameCube, and Wii.

Going by Nintendo's usual "speed" in things like announcements to release, the timing doesn't have a 2016 release for the platform, more like a 2016 reveal and a 2017 release. I think 2017 will be too late for the reasons noted--they'll be dismissed as an unnecessary stop-gap.

Now, if--and this is a very big IF--Nintendo manages to wow us all with some kind of mind-blowing ultra hardware (as well they should) next year, something that puts to shame the XBO and PS4 in terms of hardware heft, offerings, and accessibility, they could actually force this generation to an early close as Sony and MS step up development of their next machines. I really don't think this is going to happen as Sony and MS have too strong a hold on the industry and determining when the generations actually change. Nintendo could basically become an early next-gen platform, and the tech-machine of the generation, and that'd be a smart direction for them to go in.

If they release something just "on par" with the XBO/PS4, then it'll be the Wii U all over again--People will see a company that is still playing catch-up, rather than inspiring others to catch up to them.

As you noted, there are way too many questions, and for right now, it's pretty obvious Nintendo is going to consider this new hardware a "third pillar." Given history and current information, I expect it to be a third pillar, as noted, like the DS. It's only a third pillar if it fails. If it comes to replace the 3DS, Wii U, or both, then it will be the new central platform.

@Sir_JBizzle

What's exciting about the Steam Machines is the opportunity--there's a lot to be seen. But they could be the start of the unified platform the industry so badly needs so we can stop having stupid console wars. If the Steam Machine can play games from Steam, GOG, Desura, etc., then it will have edged closer to a unified platform where Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo release both physical games and have their own digital storefronts--all on one platform, with varying power and price, made by a variety of manufacturers.

That is what's exciting about Steam Machines. To put an end to this stupid "logo box love" and fanboy wars, and just focus on the video games? Who wouldn't want that?

Day 1!!!

Just like every other article, people being crazy over non-newsworthy announcements.

Yes, Nintendo develops a new home console every 5-6 years, like clockwork. No sooner, no later. We've known they start developing within a year of releasing the last console, and it's been 2 and a half years. I'd certainly HOPE they have one in the works or they'll never be ready to go to market by 2017-2018.

Nothin to see here folks. Back to playing that choice hardware that's with us now- Wii U and 3DS.

"More info in 2016"
Perfect timing. Goes along with my predictions. Usually we'll see mention of a new console 2 years before the end of a generation, and then the full reveal the year after followed by the release a year after that.

Hopefully it'll be a powerful handheld with the latest ARM 64 bit CPU and the latest kickass mobile GPU. With 4 GB RAM (at least) and TV streaming. Knowing Nintendo it'll just be the equivalent to 2013's nVidia Shield, or weaker to accommodate a slimmer form factor. Best option would be to offer two handhelds. The weaker, 2013 spec device to replace 3DS and a stronger 2016-2017 spec device to replace Wii U. Both with PC streaming and both with mostly the same games. Some exclusives for the stronger one to take advantage of its power and maybe a couple exclusives for the weaker one to take advantage of some kind of exclusive hardware feature it might have.

EDIT: Can Nintendo NX be read as Nintendo Next?

@Grumblevolcano How is it to early. They basically announced an account system. (Thank GOD BTW) and said it would encompass the Wii U, 3DS and their next system. The next system is code named NX. Which they said won't even have any more details until next year. Which likely means 2017 release. Which is 5 years, which is just about where its always been with Nintendo.

Could Nintendo finally be doing a home console/handheld hybrid?

It's at least what I'm hopping Nintendo's next gen console "NX" is. Nintendo has always had connectivity of some kind between their handheld and home console ever since the SNES. It would be great and the Wii U is already a step towards it because of it's Gamepad. A hybrid console that has a slightly smaller Gamepad/Handheld device(a size between the 3DS and Gamepad). That allows you to play games on the TV and be able to take the Gamepad/Handheld device when your on the go and continue playing your game just like a regular handheld.

While I love Nintendo's home console games they excel more with their handheld. In my opinion instead of Nintendo focusing more on their handheld line but instead of just dropping their home console just combine the two. They could still do both home console games and handheld games but they can be played on one system. It might be a fan's dream idea but in my opinion it would be a great(Honestly speaking I'm surprised Nintendo hasn't done it already).

Sorry if this has already been pointed out, but don't have time to read all the comments here. Look at the colouring in the infographic. Wii U is a similar colour to the tablet, 3DS is a darker blue, and NX is a shade of blue in between the two. Surely this can't be unintentional, when the other platforms are clearly different colours. I think this basically confirms NX as a hybrid handheld/console platform (it may even be N for Nintendo and X for 'cross' as in cross platform, rather than 'ex'). It could be they won't completely abandon 3DS and Wii U until they are confident NX will gain a foothold (like the third pillar DS approach). It sounds like from this new discussion that they now see a dedicated gaming platform as one pillar they can support, and they want to use the other devices to capture gamers and lead them there. Removing the handheld/home console distinction/decision in the next generation makes this argument much clearer to the average consumer (and obviously has huge development benefits). Fascinating move by Nintendo... can't wait to explore more and analyse it further.

@Yorumi

I think it may be a third platform the same way as the DS--where they'll call it that, but if it takes off, they can quietly retire the 3DS and/or the Wii U to move development full time to the new platform.

They don't have the third party support or internal resources to support three platforms at once--as you notet, they really can't even support two. So I think it's a "third pillar" only until it either succeeds or fails.

For those thinking that it's way to early for Nintendo announcing their next gen console your wrong.

Nintendo has always announced their next home console every 5 years it's nothing new. It's even been said once the console is released their already working on development for their next console. It's not unusual for Nintendo to announce their next console in 2016 and then releasing in 2017 because the Wii U will then be 5 years old.

So we can finally legally play Nintendo games on PC? Cool! Cannot wait

In my understanding, the NX will be a client type program (like Steam, Origin, Google Play, AppStore etc.), in where you can buy/play Nintendo-games and it doesn't matter what platform (tablet, smartphone, smart-TV, PC, console, smart washmaschine and so on) you are using.

@Grawbad

The problem with Nintendo trying to stick to a 5-year cycle is that it now puts them in a position where they will be releasing new hardware at a time when they shouldn't--when the competition is at it's peak in terms of sales, market saturation, market control, and influence. Sony and Microsoft plan for their consoles to last a lot longer--ten years as opposed to five years from Nintendo. Which means when the NX launches, the PS4 and XBO will be at their peak--and Nintendo risks being seen as an unnecessary stop-gap that should be ignored.

The PS2 lasted over a decade. The PS3 will be 9 this year, the Xbox 360 will be 10 this year. The PS4 and XBO are clearly designed to maintain this longevity. If Nintendo is sticking to a 5-year cycle, they are at risk of making themselves look out of the loop.

Nintendo fans, obviously, won't care because too many are blind to Nintendo's mistakes and assume everything they do is perfect. Here's where the problem comes in: Developers and consumers don't have the patience to deal with stop-gap consoles or mid-gen releases. The 3DO and Dreamcast were both launched too early (and the 3DO for way too much money). The Jaguar was both too early and too late, and fell to an embarrassing middle-gen status that was ignored by almost everyone.

Nintendo is running a high risk of their next console being another Jaguar if they aren't careful.

I'm glad to see them expanding their corporate reach and growing in that regard (finally taking some risks), but I'm concerned about when the next platform launches. People keep mistakenly call the Wii U "Nintendo's Dreamcast" (logically, it's more like the Saturn), but I don't want to see Nintendo's next console to be called their Jaguar.

They need to be extremely careful in how they launch this.

@Grumblevolcano I totally agree they are making all the wrong decisions! Just like the decision they made to put your profile character Lana into a zelda game

@Yorumi

I'm also concerned about the timing. As I noted elsewhere, mid-gen console releases do not fare well. In many ways, this is what defined the Dreamcast (which came too early) and definitely defined the Jaguar and 3DO.

I'm intrigued by their partnership and plans--I like the growth, expansion, and risk-taking. I haven't expected the Wii U to last against the PS4 or XBO, and new hardware has been hinted at an awful lot already. So a lot of this is good, exciting news.

The timing is where I get concerned. The 3rd, 4th, and 5th years of the X360 and PS3 were by far their strongest, and Nintendo looks like they're going to be launching straight into that maelstrom this time around--and both the PS4 and XBO are breaking the sales records of their earlier machines.

@Quorthon my comment was more about the timing of NX in relation to Nintendo's hardware release cycle than about the Steam machines really.

Though concerning them, unless I missed something, my dedicated gaming PC runs all the above and I can hook it via HDMI if I choose to. I do see the promise of Steam Machines, but right now it just feels like a redundant piece of hardware in the limited space I have left underneath my TV. This fabled harmony you speak of is still probably a long ways off so as long as the big three have their own philosophies on hardware and innovation in the console space. Though I don't doubt there will be some sort of convergence at some point. As a rounded gamer that usually gets all the hardware each gen, I whole heartedly agree that the logo box love is rather dumb and would be nice to see one box that truly does it all.

The war will truly never go away, as the battle will shift from the hardware to the each publisher's software. You underestimate the power of fanboyism. Haha

@Yorumi

I'd have to say I feel generally the same way. If they don't repair the 3rd party support problems they have now, that next platform will be launching from an incredibly weak position.

@Sir_JBizzle

Valve's big problem is trying to show the full value of their machine because your point is valid--you could just hook up your computer to your TV and get the same thing.

There are problems with the industry now, and I think many of them could be alleviated simply by doing away with the differing hardware "logo boxes."

I love my PS4 and my girlfriend loves her XBO, but at the end of the day, these machines are practically identical--so why are there only two companies making them? Unify the OS, and let anyone make them and then competition can move away from dedicated hardware to actual game software and which major publisher has the best on said consoles.

My sentiment has become one that a console should accept any controller, wireless or USB, and that all publishers should just be digital shops within the machines, and that anyone with the ability should be able to make the consoles, so that competition on the machines is on the machines themselves, not a few exclusives here and there. And the stronger competition comes from who can run the better digital shop. Put Origin and Steam and GOG up against Nintendo, Microsoft, Sony--and any other publisher who wants their own digital store.

The way we have multiple streaming services on a console or set-top box, that's how the games should be purchased--on those digital services. With anyone releasing physical if they can afford to print the media.

The Steam Machines are the first hint of this possibility. I hope Valve makes it work. Despite being a hardware collector, I'd much rather have a generation where I buy just one piece of hardware, and then have more money for games. But when does the generation advance? The ESA could set a "minimum standard" that is updated every 5 years, and consumers upgrade whenever they want to based on market changes and technology price drops.

Ha, on fanboys--I think they're a minority. A loud, stupid minority. Let them suffer if it improves the industry as a whole. They might be angry to lose their Nintendo console--but Nintendo could still make a console, it'd just have Sony and Microsoft shops in it as well, and I'd have trouble complaining about that.

@Yorumi: +1, you have spoken from my hearth aswell. Sad, but true.

We are left to speculate at this point, but I see the NX as being a mobile device with phone capabilities. Nintendo has liked to give two letter acronyms to it's mobile consoles (DS, SP). The 3DS will be five years old next year and a more powerful successor set to release in 2017 or 2018 would be in order.

As far as a home console, I really doubt Nintendo wants to replace the Wii U at the four year mark. They would be best not to mention a replacement until after Zelda U and Xenoblade X release .... wait a minute...

I'm hoping too that it's a handheld you plug into the TV, and they call it the NX. That is a cool name which is easy to remember, pleeeease don't change it to something lame!

If they combine their handheld and home console software divisions, they'll never need third party support again.

So, what could this be?

• Hybrid console/handheld
• Smart device (tablet or smartphone)
• TV miniconsole (like Fire TV)
• New handheld
• New console
• Other

I'm going to guess that it's a third pillar platform, and that the Wii U and 3DS will continue to be sold.

@Quorthon I wasn't saying it wouldn't release early, I am saying the announcement doesn't mean it is.

@Quorthon You make a good point on what the purpose of dedicated consoles is when all three of the big companies (Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft) have issues selling them. Nintendo's issue being getting third party support, and Sony and Microsoft's being to get significant first party IP worthy of your money over the competing console. Steam boxes are great but in most cases as pricey or more so than an equivalent PC. And to that point a PC is a great way to game, but there are so many different configurations out there that development can take more time to support them all. I know many people who buy consoles just so they don't have to deal with blue screen computer glitches in gaming.
In a way the Steam boxes and currently a PC will accept any game controller. I mean even a Wii controller can be used on a PC with the right bluetooth settings.
For me, I own PC, PS4, Wii U, and new 3DS XL this generation. I'll buy a LEGO game for Wii U because I like the seperate screen multiplayer, even though it might look better in 1080p on PC or PS4. Most of my PS4 games (15 of them) could have been PC purchases, but I like gaming in surround sound on my couch. I have around 40 Wii U titles because they are unique games with fun gameplay.

Cross platform or "Nintendo eXchange" are likely what it means. I'm hoping that when the next console comes out, Nintendo will take what comes from the primordial design of the Wii U gamepad, combine it with the 3DS, and come up with the first true-next gen system that will hook to the TV as a console and can be taken on the go as portable. I can only hope of good things.

Where do people get the stupid idea of Nintendo combining their home consoles and handhelds into one?That's all I hear?!Arg!

@Quorthon

"The Wii U isn't outselling anything, and it's already fallen to the "1 new retail game per month, maybe" schedule that marked the dark final two years of the N64."

This is why it is direly important for this next console to be unified in some way. It has become apparent that Nintendo cannot support two consoles at the same time, not without third party support of course, something you and I have talked about a lot in the past.

If they can merge everything together, home console, handheld and rebuild third parties then we have a more legitimate answer to this generation or sub-generation, whatever you want to call it. We are in agreement there.

"Going by Nintendo's usual "speed" in things like announcements to release, the timing doesn't have a 2016 release for the platform, more like a 2016 reveal and a 2017 release. I think 2017 will be too late for the reasons noted--they'll be dismissed as an unnecessary stop-gap."

I totally get what you're saying, but I don't think it matters. It's going to be called a stop-gap no matter what. That said, these generations don't have to follow rigid rules right? Who says that they do? I don't believe that one year is going to make any difference in this case. Nintendo will still have it's first party games, but third parties need to be just as important this time. I agree that sooner is probably better, but this cannot be rushed, they need to approach this release very cautiously, because this is going to take considerable planning.

The Wii U was clearly rushed, given that there was such a long dry spell after it's "launch window." Since big releases got pushed back and third parties left. I think you and I can agree that they cannot afford to make that mistake again. There's a lot of reasons why the Wii U failed, but I find that to be one of their bigger mistakes. It started out fine, but it couldn't sustain itself, so I'm hoping the lesson is learned.

If they can get their ducks in a row by 2016, then bully for them, they should go for it, but I certainly can't see how it's going to happen that soon. Marketing, in-house developers and third parties need the extra time to push it otherwise it's going to be the same thing all over again like with the Wii U.

The third pillar thing makes total sense, and I'm certain that's what the aim is. It's better to keep it's discontinuation of the Wii U quiet.

@SecondServing in terms of sales yeah its a failure but in terms of making them profits now is a success.

@NandN3ds

"Where do people get the stupid idea of Nintendo combining their home consoles and handhelds into one?That's all I hear?!Arg!"

Mainly, because it needs to happen. It's quite obvious that Nintendo cannot afford to support two consoles at the same time. Lately we've been getting these large swings of 3DS software, but no Wii U software. Right now, we're at the swing of Wii U software, but no 3DS software. It not a good model to run long with, but because the Wii U has failed so badly without third parties, the company's resources are very badly strained. It's the exact same reason why Nintendo was looking for outside help to get Star Fox U out on time. They know this is a problem, and I for one, certainly hope they address it by merging the platforms together.

@Josaku Actually that's not necessarily true. The Wii was an oddball with its non-existent first party support during its twilight years. Gamecube got Twilight princess on the day the Wii launched, the N64 got Paper Mario and a couple other games in its final year, and the SNES got Super Mario RPG as a swansong so it's not normal for a game console to be abandoned like the Wii was. And technically the Wii got two second party titles in its final year in NA at least with Xenoblade Chronicles and Pandora's Tower. Basically we don't have to worry about there being no support as Ninty will likely throw money at third parties to support the console near the end of its life while their main teams work on the new console's titles.

@NandN3ds

It was a "leak" last year that Nintendo were working on this. It was called codename Fusion.
http://nintendonews.com/2014/01/nintendo-fusion-could-be-nintendos-next-gen-hardware-name/

Do I think they will do this? I doubt it. The cost would be too high unless the systems specs arent very good. Do I want to do this? Not really. Rather just see a very powerful home console with very little gimmicks. What do I think NX is? Think its a streaming service.

Nintendoomed, this time for real

@MoonKnight7 I don't think it means that. I think more like on the Nintendo side they will be able to reuse everything. (When they can use the same main game and release two versions still why wouldn't they ?). I think it is all about making it cheaper for Nintendo not the consumer.

I'm hoping they don't just give up on Wii U. Cuz it has far more potential for a life span than PS4 and Xbone do at the moment, especially how lackluster their big releases have been (titanfall, destiney, evolve, killzone order 1886...all shooter games...go figure)

@Yorumi My bad. Made a mistake.

Wow, I really don't know what to say about this. But of course, that may just be because there isn't really any information on this new "platform" other then it is code named "NX", and it is expected to come out in 2016-2017. Not much info there, but I will work with what I have.

This could possibly be another form of Steam, and if that is the case, then this would be an incredible idea to do! With this, I still think the big N should still make a new console and/ or a handheld because as much as PC gaming is a huge portion of gaming, they still want their games to be easy to download and understand. I'm not saying that this is the case for every steam game or with everyone, but imagine an eight year old trying to download the new smash bros on his PC. Not too easy to do, right?

And mobile games are a really interesting step for nintendo. We even see nintendo attempting to make more mobile styled games with pokemon shuffle and that new dragon game which I forget the name of. They clearly have intrest in this realm of gaming, but I still do not think nintendo should completely rely on making mobile games like other gaming companies (I'm looking at you, Supercell and Pop Cop and Game Loft!)

I dont think there will be a portable/stationary hybrid the way most people imagine. It will be probably more akin to the protable/stationary hybrid that Sony has, namely the Vita/PS4 ecosystem. That already allows cross platform games and scaling without limiting each hardware species in terms of raw power and unique hardware features. There is symetry, synergy and still uniqness.

Nintendo will very probably wont build its next console around a hardware gimmick like a tablet controller (though it still will be suported I guess), but rather deeply interwine it into a sophisticated digital ecosphere, that will connect its portable and stationary devices and as well connect with Phones, PCs and more.

I can't believe that this generation for Nintendo is already this close to being over, and the Wii-U shelves at the store still look as barren as the XBone and PS4 shelves, especially compared to the entire walls dedicated to 360 and PS3.

I'm not sure what to think about this yet. I can't say I'm thrilled with the concept by itself, but it's interesting to see this 180 degree turnaround from publicly showing little or no interest in the phone/tablet arena to suddenly recognizing it's current significance. The unified platform combined with phone/tablet market aspects reminds me a little too much of Apple's strategies, which is nice for investors and fans of those products, but it worries me personally.

The thought of a DRM-laden digital only console from Nintendo sickens me, as someone who grew up throughout Nintendo's classical era. I've accepted that Sony and Microsoft are going that route as multi purpose electronics companies who have a vested interest in doing so, but it would disappoint me to see Nintendo go down that route.

I'm also worried about the recycling/refurbishing accountability and environmental standards sustainability of a hybrid style device, since Apple's devices are notorious in the electonics recycling field for being a lot more difficult (or even economically undesirable) to work with than traditional PCs and consoles, depending on the product. Apple phone/tablet products also tend to be almost impossible to work with in the nonprofit sector for refurbishing, by contrast to traditional PCs and consoles, an aspect which I find morally questionable due to disabling possible services for the needy and handicapped. I would be greatly disappointed if Nintendo's engineering for their new product(s) follows the same path.

Living through all the ongoing net neutrality stuff and seeing what it means to be DRM-free has changed my opinions on this matter. I won't judge the situation at this time, but I'm not feeling so hot about all of this. A changing environment isn't a bad thing, it's perfectly natural- I'm just worried now that Nintendo will eventually forget their roots and embrace the temptations of the modern market.

To be clear to everyone freaking out about Wii U, they only announced this now as they couldn't announce such a large shift in strategy without reiterating their dedication to in-house development and serious gaming hardware. They may very well (as Iwata said) say nothing more on NX until next year, and probably not until mid-next year. That would mean a 2016 reveal, 2017 software focus and late 2017 launch at the earliest. In other words still almost two years of Wii U lifespan. And it may not directly compete with Wii U either... if the idea is very different (like a hybrid platform) it may interact with Wii U and/or sit along side it for a while until it builds in strength (if it is an isolated platform).

Dedication to "in-house" development and "serious gaming hardware" pretty much spells out the death of the Wii-U. Nintendo has been VERY clear in the past that they have NOT given up on the Wii-U. That announcement was noticeably absent this time around. Especially with the announcement of "NX and serious gaming hardware", if there was ever a time to put out the fires of the Wii-U being abandoned, that was the time to repeat Nintendo's commitment to the Wii-U. It never came, so it's time to face the music.

@Priceless_Spork I'd have no problem with that as long as all purchases made on wii u remained with the nintendo network ID and could be redownloaded onto the new system

@NandN3ds Really? Oh dear…

Maybe because that's pretty much the gaming holy grail? Maybe because that is the next logical step for a gaming platform… especially for a company that sees more success with mobile gaming? Come now… you're having us on, aren't you? You can really think that it's a stupid idea… can you?