New Nintendo NX Patent Suggests Some Revolutionary Technology Is Incoming!
Nintendo’s newest console/platform, codenamed the “NX” is right on the horizon, and Nintendo just filed a patent that is likely related to the technology involved.
This patent in question will utilize “additional computing devices” in order to bolster the system’s capabilities, similar to purchasing an upgrade. These devices may or may not be wired in nature.
The last time that Nintendo tried an upgrade approach was for the Nintendo 64, with a device called a “Jumper Pack” used to bolster the system’s memory–this device was required to play titles such as Donkey Kong 64. Even moving forward, Nintendo developed ways to connect to external devices, such as the Game Boy Advance/GameCube translator cable, the ability to connect the Nintendo DS and 3DS wirelessly to the Wii and Wii U, as well as the latest technology that connects the Wii U’s Gamepad Controller to the Wii U as an additional screen. However, NONE of these technologies pushed off processing power to the additional devices.
What can this possibly mean? There is already speculation abound that it might be extra “upgrade parts”, and will function very much like cluster technology. Without going heavy on details, the PS3’s “Folding @ home” technology can be used as an example, where using the software added your PS3 as part of a cluster with all of the other PS3s around the world to be able to do complex computing to help find the cure for many types of cancers.
I have a different theory, though.
With the background knowledge that Nintendo’s console and handheld departments have recently started working in the same building , I think it’s very much possible that Nintendo may be trying to market its portables and consoles together as a bundled value. One of the few advantages of having a home-based console is stronger graphics, so if, for example, you could purchase a handheld system, but when not in use, allow it to be used by your home console to bolster it’s capabilities, then it doubles as both an upgrade for your home console, AND a handheld gaming device at the same time. This way, you can get extra value by owning a handheld, but not lose any value on the home console if you choose not to purchase one.
Reggie Fils-Aime of Nintendo of America has already noted that they won’t be saying anything substantial about the NX until next year’s E3. Although we’re getting very excited, we’ll have to wait and see!
How do you all feel about this new patent? Is it a game changer, and do you have your own theories about how it can be implemented? We would like to know!
Sources: USPTO, Extreme Tech, WiiUDaily
