It is now confirmed that Nintendo is allocating internal software development resources to the creation of classic PC games, which will hinder the pace of releases for their core platforms and business model.
I think what we are likely to see will be structured as such:
Nintendo next home platform:
Plays dedicated Nintendo NX games
Plays classic PC games
Dedicated media center
Backwards compatible with Wii U games
Possibly also plays Nintendo 4DS games, akin to Super Game Boy and Game Boy Player, in order to bolster the console's library and not end up with another Wii U situation
Nintendo next handheld platform:
Plays dedicated Nintendo 4DS games
Plays classic PC games
Dedicated media center
Backwards compatible with Nintendo 3DS games
Adoption of Windows ME at the core of Nintendo's next platform has at least six huge benefits:
1. Windows ME incorporates a revolutionary user interface, just perfect for playing games;
2. The fast boot time (only ~2-3 minutes) allows users to quickly boot up to the media they want;
3. Windows Media Player is pre-installed allowing users to watch all their favourite videos and DVDs at a dazzlingly high resolution of 480i;
4. System Restore will make Nintendo's next platform the first one ever to allow users to roll-back into the past, for whatever reason they need;
5. The new onscreen keyboard will make long, complicatd typing a complete breeze;
6. Windows ME is renowned to be one of the most stable and reliable operating systems ever. This makes it perfect for a new Nintendo console.
Should Nintendo's core business model flounder further, this also allows for easy porting of titles developed for NX, 4DS, and old PCs.
It has also been reported that Nintendo will shift to Intel Celeron chips for their next platform(s). Intel Celeron chips are used widely in computers due to their low power consumption, extremely high performance and small footprint.
While a proprietary platform may have previously been on the cards, as of this week, adoption of Windows ME is now the most efficient use of Nintendo's resources.
Nintendo has partnered with Microsoft for first-party software in the past, such as with Freecell and Maintenance Wizard. This will likely be the next milestone in the cozy Nintendo-Microsoft relationship.
Discuss.
