** This post assumes Eurogamer and DF are 100% accurate https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6cTt_nxTWo **
Things I love:
1) Android Base - Yes, nothing in that video defined the OS as Android based. However, I think it is obvious at this point. WiiU and 3DS utilized Android OS software. Not to the point that they would run Android apps, but WiiU did run a version of Google maps and the apps it did utilize Android core packages. I think Nintendo will take this a step further to realize what I said they should do back in 2012. Use Android OS (slightly modified) such that they can use Android apps and greatly increase the flexibility of the core system's components. With this being a hybrid device with a touchscreen built on mobile based hardware, this will clearly setup the NX with the best set of apps, browser and hopefully an instant collection of thousands of mobile games.
2) Carts - Fuck yes. bye bye bulky and pain in the ass discs. Carts are faster, consume less power, more durable, more portable and can store save data. There literally is no negative to carts any more. I called this feature over a year ago.
3) Hybrid Design - This is great to me. I loved the gamepad as I preferred to not play on TV for solo games. This, of course, doesn't remove the TV option or the use of a "pro" style controller. You really get the best of every possible controller setup. I will end up buying multiple NX systems. This way each family member can have their own portable and home system. So much win.
4) Tegra X - I think the arguments I've seen in the DF video (above) and GAF commuity make the most sense that this is actually using the unreleased X2 chip. First off, the X1 is not a bad chip. It is mildly better than WiiU in CPU and much better in GPU. The X2 would be above the XboxOne. Both chips have the technical capability and architecture to remove all barriers for 3rd parties wanting to port their games. Granted its not as easy as X1 to PS4, but it is no where near WiiU barriers. The middle-ware companies already have the built-in functionality to go from x86 to ARM and the scaling is not a problem at that point. Still to be seen if 3rd parties ever really want to compete on Nintendo hardware, but at least the technical barrier will be near zero.
5) Cost - There is nothing in this design that suggests we're looking at a console that will launch for more than $300. WiiU has already brought down the basic costs for large touch screens and various other components within the controller. Removing the disc drive drops the costs as well as power consumption. TegraX2 will cost a lot less than comparable AMD/other CPU/GPU. 3DS has helped drop the costs of batteries and other more portable related hardware.
The package will include two controllers and likely a free game. Why a free game? Because Nintendo's best selling consoles have all included a game that demonstrated why we want the damn thing. NES had SMB/DH/etc. Wii had WiiSports/Play. NX will have something. Something fun and amazing. Something possibly more causual but still awesome. All for a price that is cheaper than existing systems on the market. Maybe a $350 model with a home console base and pro controller. Sweet deal.
6) Constant Games - Nintendo's biggest issue has been software droughts. They typically plan for supported launch with minimal 1st party games shortly after with the expectation that 3rd parties would be there too. That doesn't happen. So Nintendo must support the hardware solo but they have to split their resources between two consoles. As such the consoles each suffer as teams move between them. This is gone.
a) One hardware stream of games. This is why 3DS and WiiU software is clearly drying up. All teams are focused on NX.
b) Nintendo portables generally get some 3rd party support. Well, now its only one hardware. So even a larger set of games!
Things I worry about:
1) Bulky Portability - Based on the description and ideas of how this will work, I see this as a potential issue. I think Nintendo's transition from 3DS to only offering the 3DSXL proves that they were positioning themselves to go with a larger portable system. People clearly are ok with a larger system to a point. I hope that NX is closer to that realization and maybe a 3DS XL style system, including clam shell.
2) No BC - I fully expect a loss of disc based BC. There is no way that is going to work due to a switch to carts. So maybe 3DS BC? But at the very least ALL of my VC and digitial Wii games (which really is just VC) better damn will move over. They had better of learned their design architecture lessons with Wii to WiiU and built this in such a way that the VC tech just moves over as-is. I expect this to cover WiiU / 3DS digital content as well.
3) Improved Ecosystem - Wii U and 3DS made great strides to pulling Nintendo into the modern world when it comes to the digital game stores and ownership models. NX needs to finalize that approach and make everything firmly attached to your NNID and not any damn system. VC fully BC with whatever you bought on a 3DS or WiiU pulled in at no cost. Leave all of this nonsense of console attachment or one console per user etc out of it. Follow Android/iOS model of ownership. It just makes sense.
So there it is. Superchunky level of thought on NX. I can't wait for September's big reveal and my ability to pre-order a few of these.
EDIT*****
http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1254576
Thread on Brazilian poster from May with basically identical rumors that includes a $300 price tag and a more modular design to the system. More reasons day 1!!
