What an exciting few months Nintendo have had! The share prices have been up and down due to the success of Pokemon Go and confusion around who developed the game. The announcement of the new mini NES console pre-loaded with 30 nostalgic beauties of games (I’m so excited for this!!). Then, of course, we have the rumour mill spinning with full force on everything related to the NX. All information we have so far has to be taken with a pinch of salt as Nintendo seem to want to keep every card close to their chest when it comes to the NX.

So what do we know about this upcoming Nintendo console?

Hybrid

Nintendo has decided to try something a little different with the NX, is it a console? Or is it a handheld? It seems it’s going to be a combination of both being a portable handheld with detachable controllers. The device will also allow you to be able to hook up to a docking station, to play games on your big screen TV. I know what you’re thinking “I’ll be able to start a game on the big screen but then continue to play when nature calls”. Freaky how I knew that’s what you were thinking right?

Cartridges

The NX will be stepping away from discs and back into the crazy world of cartridges. If you’re as old as me then you will remember video game cartridges and if you’re as nerdy as me you’ll still use video game cartridges. Some may see this as a step back but it does make sense if the main aim of the NX is to allow gamers to continue playing the same game on the move. Although this might be slightly frustrating for those of us who do remember the constant blowing into cartridges to get them to work.

Hardware

This definitely is not going to be your average console but how will it stack up against the power of the PS4 and Xbox One? Rumours are that the NX will be using the same chipset as the PS4 and the Xbox one so that alone is interesting that Nintendo is planning on making it as Powerful as its competitors. Rumours have also circulated that the console will support 4K, I hope this is true especially as I grew up with 8-bit Mario so seeing him in 4K would be excellent. The console also being a handheld makes me think that it won’t be as powerful as its competitors, though, what do I know?

Games

Zelda!!! Basically what I’m saying here is that Nintendo has kept pretty hush about games and well pretty much every aspect of the NX. Though the latest Zelda game, first thought of as a Wii U release has been pushed back, maybe coinciding with the release of the NX. I might be making a huge assumption here but what a great way to launch a new console. Nintendo has recently announced a link-up with third-party suppliers to bring games to the console from companies such as Activision, Square Enix and Warner Bros who are already on board. Plus would it even be a Nintendo console without a new Mario title? I would say no, no It wouldn’t. So expect to see everyone’s favourite plumber in a new game on the NX. I’m hoping GTA style, where Bowser is a pimp and has taken Peach against her will, you and your brother leave an honest plumbers life to take on the streets to get her back. I’m not holding my breath.

Release

One thing we now know is that the console should be released in March of 2017 which could land it right in the middle of new console releases from both Sony and Xbox. Is Nintendo ready to jump back into the console wars and battle it out with Sony and Xbox? Only time will tell, though as a self-proclaimed Nintendo fanboy, I will say it’s about time they re-joined the battle.