Eurogamer, quoting multiple sources, has disclosed leaked information about Nintendo’s NX console, which was set to be launched in March 2017.
Back in May, Nintendo CEO Tatsumi Kimishima said that the NX would be an entirely new console for the company, “neither the successor to the Wii U nor to the 3DS.” Former Nintendo president Satoru Iwata, speaking about a new direction for the company last year, said, “If you only expand upon existing hardware, it’s dull. In some shape or form, we’re always thinking about how we want to surprise players as well as our desire to change each person’s video gaming life.”
Both Kimishima and Iwata have, if the leak is to be believed, been proven right. Eurogamer’s sources say that the NX will be a powerful (although not on par with current-generation consoles) handheld, which will connect to a TV through a docking station. Two detachable controllers will be featured (one on either side of the console), and games will be supplied on cartridges.
According to Digital Foundry, Nintendo is using Nvidia’s Tegra chip as the processor. This is an unusual move for a console, which are usually powered by AMD. A new OS has also been rumoured.
Nintendo has a reputation for being a step behind Sony and Microsoft when it comes to raw power, and the NX does not appear set to change that. Nintendo is not chasing graphical fidelity – instead, it is sacrificing power to squeeze the technology into a handheld.
There has also been a rumour that the NX will be launched in September, but Nintendo told Eurogamer that nothing had changed on that front: the official line is still March 2017.
