Not long ago, Nintendo announced that it was working on a brand console, called NX, but that further info would only be made available next year. However, new info is emerging in the form of a credible rumor that suggests the NX will run on Android.
The rumor comes from a Japanese newspaper called Nikkei. The publication has had a good track record when it comes to Nintendo, outing the company’s plans regarding mobile games as well as the launch of the 3DS XL. Still, this is a rumor so take it with a grain of salt.
In what might be a first for the company, Nintendo is supposedly building its new console with Android OS as its foundation. The adoption of the open-source operating system could help the NX attract more developers and game titles. Nintendo has traditionally used its own in-house operating systems until now, but this potential move could jive well with the company’s new focus on mobile gaming.
Sony and Microsoft have both moved to standardized x86 architectures for their newest consoles, giving developers an easier time when porting and developing their games. A move to Android, seeing as it’s so ubiquitous in the mobile world, could, at least in theory, help Nintendo in the same way.
That being said, Android has never proved itself successful when used as a basis for a gaming console. Whether it’s the failed OUYA console or the very niche Nvidia Shield portable, Google’s OS never quite made a splash in this market.
Whether Nintendo opts for Android or not remains to be seen, but we’ll no doubt find out more about the upcoming NX console in the months ahead.