Report: Nintendo NX to use Android OS

#1

Nintendo’s new NX platform will be based on Google’s Android operating system, according to a report.

Nikkei states, as translated by Dr. Serkan Toto, that the claim has not been confirmed by the console firm, but it is a possibility "driven by Nintendo’s need to attract third-party developers”.

The report also refers to discussions in 2000 when Nintendo toyed with the idea of bringing their games to phones with telecoms firm Docomo under “Project Aurora”. This plan was later scrapped, however.

Nintendo has struggled to garner third-party support for the Wii U, despite its attempts to gather more indie games through its HTML5 Web Framework.

Using an Android-based operating system for the NX hardware would be a significant departure for the firm, which has often developed its own OSs for its hardware.

It is still unclear exactly what form Nintendo’s next platform will take. Company president Satoru Iwata previously described it as a dedicated game platform with a “brand new concept”. More information is expected next year.

http://www.develop-online.net/news/report-nintendo-nx-to-use-android-os/0207160

#2

This is both the best news, and the most puzzling news.

Android is all about scalability, and customization, and total openness. Nintendo is all about region locking, and manic-aggressive content control, restricting every aspect of the “Nintendo Experience”.

Hopefully this is a step in the direction of a more flexible Nintendo, of a region free Nintendo. Of a Nintendo console with it’s own app market or something, who knows. I’m marking this a super positive.

#3

lol

#4

Yeah, but in the context of a console’s OS, Android will suck for it. It’s best on a pho- oh shit.

#5

Are we expecting NX deets from E3?

#6

They’ve now denied that they’re using Android. Shut it down.

#7

False alarm, everybody

#8

I wouldn’t trash this rumor straight away, Nikkei is usually on point with these things. They have reported stuff that was denied from Nintendo straight away only to be later true after all.

#9

I’m expecting a presentation of NX at E3 with no specs, pictures or details.

The operating systems that they currently use are trash and basing it off Android would be a huge improvement.