The internet has been running rampant with speculation about what comes next for Nintendo ever since the company announced that a new console was already in the works under the alias NX. A hardware patent that was filed by the Big N back in February may give us a hint at what’s next for the house that Mario built. Published publicly three days ago, NeoGAF was quick to find this patent, and point out some of the highlights in the documents.
The piece of hardware is clearly not a handheld since it’s defined as a “Stationary Game Apparatus, Game Apparatus, Game System, Recording Medium and Speed Control Method.” It’s not clear what the last two bits mean, though.
More importantly, the hardware seems to be accompanied by a controller with a display like the Wii U, and the apparatus also lacks a disc drive. A memory card slot is included, which could mean the console would be all digital, or its games are on cartridges. Plus, it includes a slot for an external HDD, again, another spot to increase storage space if it is indeed an all digital platform.
Because it includes a controller like the gamepad of the Wii U, I’m inclined to believe that this is actually a redesign for said console, and not a glimpse at the NX. Nintendo has yet to provide a definitive gamepad experience other than the use of offscreen play, so I don’t think they’d focus their next console on the tablet. Sure, it’s possible this is a look at the early stages of the NX, but rumors have it that Nintendo might jump onto the virtual reality realm. That makes more sense since the mega-company always tries to innovate, and the VR space is ripe for the taking.
Before anyone jumps to any conclusions, I’d like to point out that companies patent things all the time that never see the light of day. It’s a way to cover their behinds if they ever do run with the idea. Remember, this is all speculation on our part. Nintendo has a way of surprising the world when they roll out a new console, so as cliché as it sounds, anything is possible.
Do you think this patent could be the early stages of the NX? Would a redesign and price drop be enough for you to finally purchase a Wii U? Let us know in the comments below.
—
HT: GameinformerÂ
