Report: Nintendo NX Will Use an Android Operating System

Although the Wii U has been out just two years, the NX looks to be right around the corner, and now it's looking to be a very different beast than we thought.

[mikel1015]

Before people start freaking out, it means it will be based off of the android OS, where they can create multiple devices and all be synced to one operating system, like IOS and Android. They are not making $69 set top boxes

[ValKilmer]

Right, but the console will still run on Android and not a proprietary OS like the Wii U does.

[mikel1015]

Somewhat right, it'll run on an Android based OS not a straight Android OS. You will not be playing mobile apps on a Nintendo Set top box. Who knows, NX could be the next handheld, not the console

[OC_MurphysLaw]

Ah...so Android based vitality sensing device confirmed? /s

[mikeslemonade]

Booo I hope this is a bust.

[Eonjay]

Because its a phone guys. Its a phone.

[Satou]

How the hell could this be a bad thing? Its just an OS... This just means that Mobile games will work on the console, next-gen DS games will work too.

This means less work on the OS so they can focus on console games, as well as having handheld support out of the box.

I'm betting NX will be as powerful as X1, amd apu sans the esram so around 75-80% as powerful, which is perfect for NX games.

Android OS would bring NX's browser, YouTube app, start-up time, and media playback into the 21st century.

How could this be a bad thing? I'd much rather see Ninty take after Google than keep having its strange infatuation with apple CPUs from the early 2000's that they don't even use anymore...

When somebody asks why Ninty is so weak these days, I'm like 'you remember those old I'm Mac, I'm a PC commercials? You haven't seen in a while? Well, one of the same reasons you don't see those commercials anymore is why Ninty is so weak.'

And generally get a strange stare back... Its true though, one of the reasons you don't see those commercials is because they've moved onto x86 like the rest of the world, so they're not so different from PC anymore.

Ninty, currently lives right about the year 2000, maybe 2004.

Android OS likely means less overhead and I'm sure they'll go to x86 and be a beast console... They already said they want an OS to unify all 3 teirs, consoles, handhelds, and mobile.

This probably also means a successor to 3ds... I'm betting a 'DS^4G' handheld/phone with sliding second screen and controls, and a non-phone '4ds' version.

And AndroiDS OS to link it to the NX nex-gen console.

Really, its still a rumor, but you all are freaking' crazy if you think Android is the worst thing that could happen to Ninty.(unless it means NX is their mobile-only future which would be pretty scary and I understand why lol)

[DarXyde]

It would be like Xbox 360 running its own version of Windows.

That being said, just about any Android device runs its own unique version of the OS.

[comebackkid9891]

@martinnatalex
Why only 75%-80% as powerful? Is it so much to ask for currentish specs?

[ABizzel1]

It's a smart, but risky move. Using Android is asking for hackers to root it, so they're going to have to be super tight about how they keep games from being pirated.

That being said it likely means NX is a handheld device which made the most sense from the start, considering the 3DS is now well into its 4th year and will be 5 by the beginning of 2016 (NX E3 reveal 2016, launch late 2016 / early 2017).

[rainslacker]

This could make some sense since they have that deal with that mobile company.

However, an Android OS doesn't outright mean that it would operate like it would on one's smartphone. The kernel may be the same, which likely means the system will be hacked in a day, but it may not include the java and proprietary frameworks that Google OS currently employs within their OS's for devices, meaning that it won't be a google box.

In any case, if the NX is a full fledged gaming machine like the X1, WiiU, or PS4, it would likely employ a similar hypervisor setup for games made for the console.

However, so far, everything seems to point that this will not be a conventional console that we are used to.

[pcz]

nintendo have done it again- its worse than my wildest dreams.

[blackout]

Now Microsoft will be making money of Nintendo. Lol

[3-4-5]

You guys realize the NX isn't going to the the console.

Their NX is going to the the mobile games + retro games + quality of life machine.

They will still have a separate Dedicated Console & Dedicated Handheld.

* 3 things. Handheld, NX, & Console.

[3-4-5]

*be the

[Qrphe]

They've been quite clear that they don't want to split their teams into developing for two separate systems and instead just for one ecosystem. If they do go with Android, it's basically guaranteed both devices will run on it.

[princejb134]

maybe nx is not a console but a mobile phone nintendo is working on. They did say they bringing mario to mobile phones

[DeadlyFire]

Why do you guys think instantly that Android is so bad? Only downside to Android is its new to the bigger realm and spreading. It doesn't have alot of drivers or support for full scale gaming, but that doesn't mean it can't happen on a system with really decent hardware. The only company I know aiming for power and full scale desktop range ARM CPUs is NVIDIA. Most of their plans for that though have yet to be fully revealed. ARM is the primary hardware platform for Android, but Andriod even has x86 variants now like at Intel...

Andriod + Nintendo hardware itself leads to even more questions about their direction for hardware decisions. I expect honestly the next major handheld generation from Nintendo could be ARM powered with an Android OS.

[joeorc]

Hey great post, if you did not know the 3DS is already a Arm powered device. Its a dual core Arm 11. With each core running @ 266 MHz each core with a PICA 200 GPU with 6MB of dedicated VideoRam

[DryBoneKoopa85]

@Mikel: Thank you for clearing this up. I didn't completely understand what I was reading but all I saw was the words Android OS. I didn't read anything tying it to the Nintendo NX though.

[jhoward585]

Report: Nintendo NX Will Use an Android Operating System

Makes a lot of sense because ps4/x1 are already using mobile cpu/gpu anyways, so why can't Nintendo.

Sounds to me like a good move by Nintendo if their primary goal is to have cross play between mobile and the NX.

Guys, according to this link its has been rumored that the wii U is already using an android OS.

http://www.christianpost.co...

[SoulWarrior]

Don't believe anything from Christianpost, hell just the name of the website is even to not be taken seriously.

[jhoward585]

That might be true but if you're a tech like me you would know that it didn't take hackers very long to hack the wii U hardware.

That alone is what opened me up to a few possibilities....

First, android OS is an open source software which make it easy to hack.

One thing that is for sure, the wii U can't be using a robust Linux OS because it wouldn't have been hacked so early. so, what exactly is the wii U running in the background I asked?

No one really know because Nintendo hasn't released any info on which OS the wii U is using.

My best guess would be a weak OS due to the amount of Wii U - Hacking & Homebrew it has.

[LexHazard79]

Ahhh you do know Android OS has nothing to do with the APUs in the PS4/Xbox One consoles. From my understanding "mobile" cpus are just cpus used on laptops, tablets and yes phones, all things you can carry making it mobile.

Not sure why Im trying to correct you because i dont know shit about tech. but I have been doing research for a build and learning about cpus is very important.

Maybe the NX is Nintendos Ouya. If they plan on bringing their games to the mobile space it makes sense.

[jhoward585]

With the amount of disagree I have I can clearly see I confused many of you with my post.

of course, the android OS isn't the reason why the ps4/x1 have mobile component inside their plastic casing. I would have to be an idiot to think that.

What I was trying to say is that it very likely Nintendo next machine won't use any PC hardware component because it too big, and the high power consumption most PC component uses doesn't allow Nintendo to make the NX system mobile/or portable. Beside, we don't want another ring of death disaster.

My bad, I confused everyone.

[nidhogg]

I can almost hear the sweatful fuming of the N fanboys. I don't think that moving to android os is bad for nintendo. It's actually embracing what is practicial. And by their current situation, they NEED to be practical and integrate with the mobile industry at least gradually.

[BitbyDeath]

Cmon man, Nintendo are a huge pillar of the gaming community. They would be missed by millions.

[BitbyDeath]

Well Ninty did say it wasn't a replacement for WiiU or 3DS right?
So maybe this is just going down that mobile path they spoke of?

[ginsunuva]

Android is just an OS. It manages the hardware.

Android allows them to not spend time building their own OS and just spend time on hardware and games.

People here have no clue what Android even is or what an OS does. Android does not imply mobile games you uneducated complaining teenagetards.

[loopygames]

Maybe the 3DS successor is a Nintendo phone?

[SilentNegotiator]

Not a chance.

[Double_O_Revan]

Agreed. Nintendo being the sticks up the ass they've always been, no way they use an os as open as android. They've gone so far to prevent piracy as to create the Gamecube with special mini discs that spin the opposite direction as any cd/dvd drive ever.

[SilentNegotiator]

I never realized that they spin the opposite direction. That's crazy.

[Hold_It]

Sounds good if that's the case. The less resource requirements on the OS, the better of the console is. By that I mean that there will be more RAM, CPU, and GPU to throw at games rather than a huge chunk being eaten by the OS.

[jhoward585]

To add to that, going with an android OS might make it easy for Nintendo to have DX12 integrated.

[DonkeyDoner]

ouya NX

[tekksin]

when is a handheld gaming device going to use phone services :|?? And I'm not talking about freaking skype. I would've had any gaming handheld if it had texting and calling capabilities. I'm not about to carry two devices.

[comebackkid9891]

N-gage?

[Trolltroll]

Ha ha ngage. I didnt have the web also would hardly stand in smart phone category. Mainly it failed like the vita (sorry) because the forced data contracts. And it was a terrible device unlike the vita witch has tons of power.

[KryptoniteTail]

If this is the Wii U successor then Nintendo died today. If it's a 3DS successor, I am cautiously optimistic. If it's some hybrid console separate from them both or something then it's awesome.

[PhoenixUp]

It'd be hilarious if the NX turned out to be a microconsole

[blackblades]

Most likely a handheld, it's about that time for a new nintendo handheld.

[tjg59]

New 3ds just came out a few months back

[blackblades]

What's the difference it still a ds, doesn't look like a new handheld for all I know it's just an updated model.

[Errefus]

>Android

ya no Nintendo would never go that route, maybe for the handheld but not the home system

[WitWolfy]

Not interested.. Had my Wii U since launch and most games it released since didnt really appeal to me or could play a better version on the competitions system.. The games I really bought the console for never materialized or got cancelled as the years went by.

Still waiting for Zelda, not holding my breath though...

[Ch1d0r1]

I guess this makes Konami look good since they were focusing on mobile a lot more.

[Relientk77]

Idk if I like this has me a little worried

[SonyOnly4]

Oh god here we go again Nintendo please look at the calendar and see the date we are at and look at the other consoles and realize why you are selling so poorly seriously Nintendo if you f*ck this console up I am done with your home systems I gave my little brother my Wii U because I got sick of waiting for zelda and he plays his 3DS more then it sort your sh!t out Nintendo.

[jholden3249]

That's your problem. "Zelda" is only a negligible fraction of the timeless classics Nintendo offers, and it's not even the best.

Learn to branch out and stop playing only the games you think are socially accepted.

Splatoon JUST launched- hands down THE best shooter I've ever played. Why aren't you playing that? Why weren't you playing Pikmin 3, or Bayonetta 2? Or Mario 3D World? Or Smash Bros? How bout Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate, or Mario Kart 8, or DKC Tropical Freeze? Wonderful 101? Captain Toad or Kirby Rainbow Curse?

Better yet, you want Zelda? Play Windwaker HD! This is why I shake my head at ppl like you who act like a Nintendo console has nothing but a Zelda game once a gen to play. Wake up! There's plenty games to play, and much better games than Zelda at that. Just because a game isn't as POPULAR as Zelda doesn't mean it isn't as good.

[Kalebninja]

When I saw "android" I almost pulled a HATRED but I really don't know what it means so I think I'd be over reacting.

[playstation4epic]

Probably Android TV OS

[tjg59]

The wii u has been out longer than 2 years . The writer of this article should know this

[Indigon]

Makes sense. Why build their own OS from the ground up. Android has been used on so many devices. The US army uses it to guide missiles. Audi will use it in their cars amongst others.

Instead of spending valuable time creating their own OS they can spend it on building hardware and games.

[jhoward585]

I can't believe you have a disagree. You're speaking logically. Nintendo's is likely to stick to their low cost policy no matter what they make hardware wise. The fact that someone disagreed you Goes to show that gamers don't know anything about hardware or software, or Nintendo history.

[dark-kyon]

Make sense,another traditional console from nintendo will be a mistake,they are done with third party support,with this move they go back to sell cheap hardware and gain third party mobiles support.

[GranTurismoFan]

Interesting route Nintendo is taking

[playstation4epic]

Probably Android TV kind of OS I'm guessing.

[themonado]

Can some of you stop saying it will be a phone? Iwata has already said it will be a dedicated gaming platform, and that's all he said about it. It clearly won't be a phone because a phone's purpose isn't for gaming. He said he announced it early because he doesn't want people thinking that Nintendo is giving up on home/handheld consoles.

Conducting research is not that hard, people.

[finite]

click bait anyone :P

[343_Guilty_Spark]

Android meaning ARM meaning suckage.

[MCTJim]

This has to be the newest handheld they are making..Cant see a console using an open source based OS...They would have to have some sort of protection so pirating would not be rampant.

[Father__Merrin]

Nintendo NX is like a handheld phone, cheap Nintendo to Nintendo calls

I'm stoked to learn more...

[_-EDMIX-_]

I worry more for Nintendo's next console the more I hear about it. ....I'm scared.

[DougLord]

1st - the rumor I read said MIGHT be based on Android OS. Secondly we know its using an AMD APU and DGPU. Its rumored to be 4.6Tflop. Its not going to be a $50 Google Box.

[silvacrest]

most people on this site dont know enough about tech or android to get that android OS is more than just phones or tablets, it could have easily been the base for the PS4 or Xbone and they would still happily run the same games they do know

[iNFAMOUZ1]

shovelware nx confirmed

[N8]

Nintendo, with your casual gaming ass smh.

[InTheZoneAC]

sounds like nintendo is on it's last leg in the console business, they don't have the money or time to create their own OS so they're trying to get one last push before they simply go all portable...or maybe they start creating games for other hardware already available...

[silvacrest]

some of you guys are just......anyway, nintendo using android for their OS is an advantage, some of you just dont understand tech enough to get it.

with android you will get cross platform play, assuming the next nintendo handheld, console etc uses android, they will be compatible with each other, that goes for android phones, tablets, TV boxs etc

the wii u is notorious for being slow as f*ck, android will fix this

tons of apps available, nintendo will probably try and block this but its android so someone will figure it out.

nintendo wont have to waste time and money building their own OS and can instead focus on features and games

[Hammtweezy2192]

Nintendo should really pull their heads out of their asses and show up. They could have a cutting edge powerful console and still have Mario or Zelda. I can't understand why the weak ass consoles lately. N64 was awesome!