Current Nintendo hardware uses the company’s own proprietary operating systems. But according to Nikkei, one of Japan’s largest newspapers, that will soon change. One insider tells the paper that the NX will supposedly be built around the Android OS.
The NX is Nintendo’s codename for its upcoming console. We don’t know much about the NX, other than it will “surprise/” people. Oh, and Nintendo is mulling over the idea of making the NX region-free.
We now might know a little more if, this rumour is true. An insider tells Nikkei that the NX’s “operating system is loaded with Android.” The same insider continued, “This would be able to speed up getting all game developers on board.” It would also mean that development could be expanded to smartphones, tablets, and other devices, this insider added.
Given how Android is normally employed, if what this insider says is correct it’s likely the NX’s OS will simply be based on Android (similar to the Ouya), not a direct implementation of the same software normally found on phones and tablets.
The Nikkei article explains that the apparent reason for this move is the Wii U is not compatible with other game machines. So it’s hard for developers to make back money on a title’s development costs when they have to create it specifically for one console. They can’t easily do a multi-platform release like they could on Xbox One, PS4, and PC.
Over the years, Nikkei has had a pretty good track record with rumours (like here). Last year, Nikkei reported that Nintendo was planning on putting trailers, promotional info and promotional mini-games on smartphones. Nintendo issued this statement saying, “we can confirm that there are no plans to offer minigames on smartphone devices.”
Um… Then, this happened.
Nintendo also dismissed a Nikkei rumour in 2012 that stated there would be a larger 3DS, only to announce the 3DS XL a few months later. And so on…
Still, an unconfirmed report is still a rumour. Kotaku has reached out to Nintendo for comment.
Comments
4 responses to “Rumour: Nintendo’s Next Console Will Use Android”
Might use the basics of the platform but it wont be your stock standard Android. Its a smart idea seen as they are moving into mobile gaming and therefore would allow greater and probably easier transference between an android mobile device and an android at home system. Could be sweet.
Uuuuh, does no one remember this rumour popping up about the WiiU? Just seems to have reared it’s head again.
Although they could have been looking at it last time but weren’t ready to launch….
I wonder what impact that might have on jailbreaking and piracy? Not that it hasn’t happened with their consoles in the past.
Makes me wonder if it is android based will the console have access to Google Play for streaming movies, music and installing of some games / apps? (I was more thinking of GTA and such not Candy Crush) although I suspect if it did all that, it would be a more popular console that what the Wii was with the casual gamers.