An insider claiming to have close connections with the executives at Nintendo has, on what is arguably considered the least appropriate day of the year, leaked detailed information regarding their upcoming video game console "NX" and its concept ideas. Most notably, their end goal with the console is to recapture the hardcore video game audience that has largely been absent on Nintendo consoles since the Playstation- and later Xbox brand entered the video game market, while their present CEO, Satoru Iwata, is recognized as their greatest obstacle to achieving this goal.
"Iwata was very reluctant to change." our source confirms, "By the time it was clear that Wii U would be far from repeating its predecessor's success, his attachment to the console was considered dangerous among the other executives." later noting that, "We practically had to use black mail to make him entertain the idea of developing games for mobile devices."
This goes well with previous known developments in the company. Only recently was it announced that Nintendo would allow their intellectual properties to be used in smartphone games, while the upcoming installment of The Legend of Zelda is heavily theorized to be an NX launch title, which would explain its delayed release.
A Link to the future?
Commenting on the NX specifications: "It was clear to most of us that the developers want more power. Neither the Wii- nor the Wii U consoles were particularly powerful, which goes to show that third party developers will not be interested regardless of NX's success." and as for Iwata, "His opposition was almost manic. He claimed that hardcore gamers won't care about the system either, even if it receives just as much power and support as its two main competitors, mentioning their "juvenile" mindsets as the reason. " further noting that "The boardroom went completely silent as he dropped this statement, noting the irony at play."
In other words, nothing too surprising. Powerful hardware has long been requested by consumers and developers alike, so it would hardly be surprising if Nintendo truly intend to drop their current strategy of making cheap hardware with old technology.
Could this be the Nintendo that our children get to know?
This is where things start to get really interesting though. Supposedly, Nintendo is planning a complete restructure of their software development: "Mature themes will be far more prevalent: Blood and profanity will no longer be left out from existing Nintendo franchises like Mario, Zelda and Pokémon; thus broadening their appeal to include the adult/hardcore market. Additionally, they are working on securing deals with well-respected authors and voice actors to develop new, unique intellectual properties specifically tailored to the hardcore audience." adding that, "Iwata was in tears when the restructuring terms were finalized."
So what do you guys think? Is this the right direction for Nintendo? Can this new information be trusted? Sound off in the comments below!
Source: computerandvideogames.com/articles/nx-to-bring-hardcore-back
