I didn't specify you required an ALWAYS online system ... 

You do NEED an internet connection regardless, it's mandatory ...

It's a question of whether or not you need an internet connection and nothing else ...

Interesting shit. Wouldn't mind an all digital system even though it might mean no BC for physical Wii U games (and I own about 20).

I can't believe people are still on the "physical-or-nothing!" rampage these days. I know it's great to have the option for physical but seriously, if the future of video games are going to be all-digital, either get used to it or find a new hobby.

In all honesty though I don't think we're ready for an all-digital console just yet.

if it has a card slot it's possible that they are adopting the use of SD card games instead of disks. there are flashdrives these days that can hold like 100GB of information after all, it's possible they're going that route

it would make sense if they were doing some sort of chip thing, especially if the idea is to have a compatible library for both the hypothetical NX home console and handheld...

Well Nintendo could also make their own flash memory (like usual) which might lower the price enough to make it cost around the same as a 3ds cartridge (maybe a few of dollars more) but with a lot better space and then sell that to the third parties for less which is what I am assuming they do for the 3ds. Nintendo can also offset the cost to third parties by asking for less per game sold since currently its $12 on a $60 game.

But at the end of the day, I doubt it will be "Digital Only" after the famous xbox One nonsense that happened and people certainly remember that... It might not be always "on" but I doubt people are ready to move on considering how the internet is around the world... But if it is Digital Only, then I shall acknowledge your epicness

Could even be optical media even though the patent drawing doesn't have anything if what the neogaf members are saying is true since it apperently says in the patent that the OS can use optical media and play games but don't quote me on that since it's from neogaf

I smell a Handheld :v

I hope It comes never to fruittion digital only is worse

If by no disc means digital only, I will not be purchasing and Nintendo would be stupid to do this as they would lose a huge chunk of sales.

So the online dependent revolution is starting and it's going to be started by a company which we thought was always behind the times. I'm scared :/.

The basic program slot is for sabegame encryption, note how it only says game program on the HDD and not the memory card slot, that rules out carts entirely.
Digital console folks.

And the most unprepared for a network based system, too.

Going to be a shambles I'm calling it right now.