With the anticipation rapidly building for Nintendo’s next console, it’s only natural we’re seeing countless leaks from numerous sources. A vast majority of these end up being fake, sometimes elaborately so, but we may finally have our first glimpse at the truth courtesy of Reddit user untypedhero.
Unlike most apparent leakers, this user has been verified by Reddit’s moderators to have clear connections to either a current Wii U developer or the development kit itself. While this is not absolute confirmation, it does give him more credibility than most. For those doubting the thoroughness of the check, untypedhero clarifies that it took “3 days and 11 different pieces of proof/verification” to convince the mods.
This is what he had to say about the NX as it stands right now:
x86 architecture. Backup data to Nintendo server (most likely My Nintendo). Support for additional screen. Can handle ports of current-gen games. Will be able to interact with smartdevice apps. Using NX software will unlock My Nintendo reward points.
A lot of this is general information that we could have assumed already, but there are some interesting tidbits of note.
First up is the x86 architecture. In simple terms, this is the set of rules that operates the CPU and you can find it in many modern desktop PCs and video game consoles. In the case of the NX this could discount previous rumors that the system would be a handheld and a console, with software compatible across both platforms. Very few handheld devices opt to go with the complicated x86 architecture, and instead typically use the less complex ARM, which reduces costs, power usage and heat build-up.
The ability to handle ports of current-gen games, i.e. those available on the PS4 and Xbox One, is also promising, and gives us an idea of how powerful Nintendo’s next console may be.
Another intriguing point is the support for an additional screen, which hints that not all of the Wii U’s ideas will be left behind. However, this could simply mean backwards compatibility, or even second screen experience apps via smart devices.
Finally there’s the support for My Nintendo reward points, something which is believable considering how missions currently work in conjunction with Nintendo’s various applications and websites.
Again, none of this is confirmed, but this seems like the most genuine leak we’ve had yet. We’ll be sure to keep you updated on these rumors in the future!
Written by Tom Brown
Whether it’s an exciting new entry in a series long established or a weird experiment meant only for the dedicated, Tom is eager to report on it. Rest assured, if Nintendo ever announces Elite Beat Agents 2, he’ll be there.
