A concept image of Nintendo NX, which is expected to be released by the end of this year. (Photo : YouTube/ giancarloparimango11)
With the solid details scarce on the Nintendo NX, fans are left to speculate what exactly the next-generation gaming device would be. The likelihood is Nintendo will produce a hybrid as sequel to the Wii U with built-in functions of console and handheld in a single machine.
And here are four of the solid signs that Nintendo is heading to the console-handheld hybrid direction:
Fresh concept
Without providing the specifics, Nintendo has already indicated that the NX will be vastly different from the Wii U, that is considered as a commercial failure relative to its chief rivals - Sony PlayStation 4 and Microsoft Xbox One. The Nintendo NX is designed to come out as a fresh concept, according to the Japanese gaming giant, somehow indicating that the device will not take on the same path of its immediate predecessor.
So to expect the Nintendo NX as just another console runs in counter with what Nintendo has already teased about.
Handheld and console experts working on Nintendo NX?
Nintendo has already announced that it has combined the development teams of its handheld and home console systems," Value Walk reported, adding this serves as a giant clue on the hybrid road that has been set for the Nintendo NX.
The report added that with the hybrid blueprint pretty much finalized for the Nintendo NX, there is no reason to believe that the device will indeed arrive anytime in 2017, possibly during the holiday months of the year.
Inspired by Gameboy and 3DS
In the same report, Value Walk suggested that the handheld factor cannot be omitted in designing and finalizing the Nintendo as the likes of Gameboy and 3DS were proven revenue generators for the company. If only to ensure that the NX if off to a good start, Nintendo will be compelled to integrate a key function on the gaming machine that will replicate the same Nintendo handheld experience that fans are familiar with.
The Gameboy and 3DS are successful models that Nintendo will be wise not to ignore for its next-generation gaming device.
Hybrid will attract third-party game support
And the strongest case for a hybrid Nintendo NX, Value Walk said, is it "could also open up a wide variety of new gaming opportunities and innovations," for the device. That means the possibility of better third-party game developer support for the NX compared to the Wii U, which translates to higher number of game titles for the hybrid gaming machine.
A wide choice of game titles for the Nintendo NX following its release date is big, Nintendo Enthusiast said in report, adding that the lack of it doomed the Wii U even before it could take off.
