Makes me wonder hypothetically about what a Google/Nintendo partnership would lead to.
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Nikkei: Nintendo's NX platform will use an Android OS
- Thread starter duckroll
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Makes me wonder hypothetically about what a Google/Nintendo partnership would lead to.
TC McQueen
Member
I think this is a good move all around, since it helps Nintendo drive down the costs of their hardware to a point where price might not be a problem for the consumer who's on the shelf. The only potential problem from Nintendo's POV is the fact that it might be super easy to rip the exclusive games and tweak them enough to run on regular Android devices or Bluestacks (which is not so bad from the consumer's POV is Nintendo doesn't have a compelling price point and game catalog).
TouchMyBox
Member
Why does everybody in here think that the security will be compromised day one? Does running Windows make Xbox One piracy more likely? Does running FreeBSD make PS4 piracy more likely?
Because everyone thinks Android kernel = Android OS. Its expected though, not many people are into the scene to know the difference
Vanillalite
Ask me about the GAF Notebook
To further illustrate my question in an easier to understand fashion I wonder if this is going to be an Android fork like Fire OS or Cyanogen OR if this is going to just use the Linux kernel as a base foundation which would put it more akin to Steam OS?
I can see the streams being crossed info wise in this as well which is why the leak would be credible, but off.
Basically need more info.
I can see the streams being crossed info wise in this as well which is why the leak would be credible, but off.
Basically need more info.
If you know what I mean.
Where is this gif from?
Toadthemushroom
Member
Ah, got it! So Nintendo can build on a solid foundation for their own game OS needs without depending or handing control to Google? That actually sounds pretty decent, and I wouldn't even consider it a fork if it were to happen.
I think your scenario is certainly the most likely if the rumours are true. The word "Android" brings so many different narratives into peoples' minds that it can be hard to see where Nintendo would go with it, but I think you make the best case.
I strongly disagree. As others have mentioned, Android itself is easily hackable. They would need to do a lot of customization in order to provide a secure platform for developers. The question now is - what's better? It might be a plus for creating a unified mobile and console OS, but something like Vita/PS3/PS4 is also working. We will see if the rumor will turn out to be true.
I can't see this as anything but a good thing. Android is pretty portable (as in, it ports well to many devices), and it's a great OS. It doesn't mean they are making an Ouya box or 99p mobile games, and the reactions in this vein are kinda unfounded.
Considering Android can exist on many different kinds of chips (including x86), it makes sense for Nintendo to use Android as the foundation for their console OS. They did say they wanted their next handheld and home console to be similar to develop for, and using Android would help accomplish this.
From a developer perspective, it's a change for the better. For the end-user, I doubt the kinds of games released for the console will be affected because of this. If Nintendo releases mobile F2P-esque pay-to-win low budget games that are popular and usually not very good, it will be because market forces dictate it, not because they changed their OS.
That Android is an OS initially designed for mobile (but now is being found all over the place), and the fact that F2P/pay-to-win games are popular on mobile aren't inextricably linked. Just as in a similar fashion, traditional game platforms (console and PC) and F2P/pay-to-win games aren't mutually exclusive. All the major platforms -- including the 3DS and Wii U -- have these kinds of games on them now.
Considering Android can exist on many different kinds of chips (including x86), it makes sense for Nintendo to use Android as the foundation for their console OS. They did say they wanted their next handheld and home console to be similar to develop for, and using Android would help accomplish this.
From a developer perspective, it's a change for the better. For the end-user, I doubt the kinds of games released for the console will be affected because of this. If Nintendo releases mobile F2P-esque pay-to-win low budget games that are popular and usually not very good, it will be because market forces dictate it, not because they changed their OS.
That Android is an OS initially designed for mobile (but now is being found all over the place), and the fact that F2P/pay-to-win games are popular on mobile aren't inextricably linked. Just as in a similar fashion, traditional game platforms (console and PC) and F2P/pay-to-win games aren't mutually exclusive. All the major platforms -- including the 3DS and Wii U -- have these kinds of games on them now.
PS4's OS is based on FreeBSD. Xbox One's OS is based on Windows. PS3's and Xbox 360's OS's were similarly based on other OS's. Nintendo can lock their fork of Android down if they wish; I don't see the problem here.
ArchedThunder
Banned
I think the most likely situation is that you'll need to keep a 3DS around if you want to play those games. the Wii and DS brands are likely done after this gen and they'll be replaced with a more "conjoined" brand that gets across that the handheld and console are "Brothers" as Iwata puts it. I wouldn't be surprised if the next handheld is a one screen system too.
TheWorthyEdge
Member
Hm...swear I've heard of this somewhere else on GAF...
good prediction whoever said this!
AcademicSaucer
Member
So they are not aiming for developers to easily port games from ps4, xb1, ps5, xb2 , but from smartphones and tablets, interesting.
Could the "4DS", if running Android, potentially run a 3DS Emulator for backwards compatibility?
OnionPowder
Member
I think you mainly took shit at first because your thread title was "all but confirmed" with no source
TC McQueen
Member
Yes, but I'd expect it to be like the Vita PSP emulator - super limited compared to the open source, fan made emulator of the same hardware.
Other than the fact that I think it's really really questionable whether or not that's actually a well-founded concern, the absolute worst that piracy could do is still a drop in the bucket next to the potential long-term benefits if they manage to break out of the increasingly-outdated model of discrete, hardware-based console generations.
KratosEnergyDrink
Member
But nonetheless they feel called to write in this thread
It's quite funny to read the post here. Most seem to have not knowledge of OS development, not even a little. I would think people that feel the need to write in a thread would understand the basic premise of a thread opening.
ArchedThunder
Banned
If it's strong enough, but that's even assuming that it even has the means to display two screens.
KratosEnergyDrink
Member
Re: using Android OS doesn't necessarily mean access to the Play store or other Google services -- no kidding. That's why I stated it "could" be a possibility. Are people just against it happening and that's why multiple responses closed that door or...?
At any rate, I believe that Play store access would be a good thing for the reason I've previously stated. It wouldn't interest me personally, but having access would be a bulletpoint.
At any rate, I believe that Play store access would be a good thing for the reason I've previously stated. It wouldn't interest me personally, but having access would be a bulletpoint.
lyrick
Member
Hopefully all three Console manufactures will move to a more traditional OS for future consoles. The OS memory usage on all three consoles is absolutely bewildering. Dedicating or worse actually using between 1GB and 2.5ish GB of memory simply for OS functions is wasteful. None of these machines should be doing anything near that intensive at the OS level.
Why not though? Nintendo handhelds have been backwards compatible with every previous gen up to this gen.
In terms of the NX and Wii U and backwards compatibility I think the delay Zelda Wii U confirms we'll see backwards compatibility with the two devices which is great for Wii U owners and the launch of the NX.
Vanillalite
Ask me about the GAF Notebook
The question I have is will the OS actually be an Android fork ie Fire OS or will it just use the Linux kernel and be more akin to Steam OS.
A move to Android maybe good for Nintendo for a unified ecosystem, but it doesn't solve the fact that consumers don't want to be married to Nintendo's hardware.
3rd parties haven't been there since the Super Nintendo days except to shovel crap onto the Wii because of the hardware, and if people really were interested in a Nintendo console, then the Wii U would be in better shape. Who's really jumping at the opportunity to buy a underpowered Android-based console to play Mario on? The console market is shrinking in the east, and in the west, there's more interest in the plastic toys that Nintendo has to offer than the console they go with.
If there's also a dedicated handheld in play, then people won't pay attention to it until there's a reason to, like exclusive software. But then what's going to stop people from hacking and putting those games on their smartphone?
I only see this as good news if it means that I don't have to be married to Nintendo's gimmicks or underpowered hardware. We'll see what they have to announce.
3rd parties haven't been there since the Super Nintendo days except to shovel crap onto the Wii because of the hardware, and if people really were interested in a Nintendo console, then the Wii U would be in better shape. Who's really jumping at the opportunity to buy a underpowered Android-based console to play Mario on? The console market is shrinking in the east, and in the west, there's more interest in the plastic toys that Nintendo has to offer than the console they go with.
If there's also a dedicated handheld in play, then people won't pay attention to it until there's a reason to, like exclusive software. But then what's going to stop people from hacking and putting those games on their smartphone?
I only see this as good news if it means that I don't have to be married to Nintendo's gimmicks or underpowered hardware. We'll see what they have to announce.
LordOcidax
Member
Wow, this could be Huge, And LoL a lot of people think Android based OS = Ouya. The NX can have the best of both worlds.
The Dreamcast comparison is probably valid. Although Dreamcast used Windows CE, it was optional. It was a way for Sega to attract third parties. Dreamcast did not actually run on Win CE, as Dreamcast had no operating system. Win CE came on the disc, and the games that used it did not perform very well (Sega Rally 2). The point is, Sega had their own APIs and drivers. So perhaps Android would only part of the 'Nintendo OS', and I know, Nikkei said Nintendo is only considering Android.
Do you?
There are three reason why I predicted backwards compatibility for the next Nintendo home console:
1. Allowing access to the Wii U back catalogue will bolster the software available for the new console, a lot of which despite being widely considered as the highest level of quality ever achieved by the company has fallen under the radar due to the Wii U's failings.
The last thing that Nintendo would want to do is risk having less software available for their next console than there is for the Wii U.
2. Nintendo may want to push this next console out for an early release, such as in late 2016 or during 2017. Wii U owners will inevitably feel "betrayed" by Nintendo abandoning the platform entirely, but backwards compatibility will provide some relief from this.
3. This is consistent with Nintendo's last decade of home consoles, and the company's entire history of portable consoles.
Remember, Nintendo considers its software to be "evergreen," and is still selling copies of its legacy Wii and Nintendo DS software. You can walk into almost any Japanese retailer and buy a factory fresh copy of New Super Mario Bros. Wii, Animal Crossing: Wild World, and an abundance of other titles.
This also gives Nintendo an opportunity to re-package its Wii U software and sell it to a new audience under the "[new console name]" brand.
As for the next portable console, it is almost guaranteed that it supports 3DS software since, again, their entire history of portable consoles has supported its predecessor's releases.
As with the original thread, it is nothing but speculation. But it is speculation that I have tried to ground in today and tomorrow's reality.
I dont see that happen, not only would Nintendo have to license and pay Google, but the would not have control over the store.
I would be extremely shocked (if this comes to past) that Nintendo would not run their own Store/Services along with their own OS
A bit late with this response, but you're crazy if you think Nintendo is going to abandon their dedicated handheld branch to invest in smartphone games. Maybe it is contracting, but there's still a very large consumer base with the 3DS. It's already sold about 50 million units, but even if it's successor only sold 30-40 million, why in the world would Nintendo completely abandon that userbase that's still willing to buy a dedicated handheld? Small bite-sized mobile games wouldn't take a large group or budget to make, especially if they reuse handheld game assets. And even if they had an architecture to easily make handheld and console versions of the same game I don't think that's what they'll do, they'd likely make games with are similar in gameplay in design but still unique, i.e. Smash 4. That way they're not cannibalizing sales from one of their systems.
And with an easier way to develop handheld and console versions of their franchise installments, they could easily devote a small branch to make small mobile games of their franchises as well, especially with DeNA on their side. They can have their cake and eat it too, at least with this generation, and I don't see why they wouldn't try.
And the 3DS had similar issues to the Wii U when it came to developing a base, people thought it was just another DS, the price was too high for it's own good. It's drastic price drop and influx of Nintendo's top franchise is largely what saved it. If Nintendo can release a new handheld with a new name and design with a cheaper price like $150 at the start with a few big names, it could do a lot better than the 3DS did starting out.
And I don't think Nintendo is going to completely hedge their bets on smartphones and consoles alone since their biggest issue by far in the console space is their image and lack of third party support. If they can't get major third party support, no amount of cross compatibility with mobile is going to save it, since third party support is largely what's needed if their console is going to survive in the western market. And if they still play second fiddle to PlayStation and Xbox, then they're not going to have their handheld profits to soften that blow. It just sounds like a bad idea all around.
ArchedThunder
Banned
I'm a little confused here, I'm not super knowledgeable on the subject so could someone answer a question? So people are saying this would just be for the OS and not the actual architecture, but if it is just the OS then how does that benefit 3rd party developers?
Because it's entirely possible that the next handheld will be one screen and maybe even use an architecture so different from the 3DS's that it would require them to just put a 3DS inside of the device, which would drive up costs, something they will likely want to stay away from after the 3DS's disastrous launch.
Because it's entirely possible that the next handheld will be one screen and maybe even use an architecture so different from the 3DS's that it would require them to just put a 3DS inside of the device, which would drive up costs, something they will likely want to stay away from after the 3DS's disastrous launch.
tiebreaker
Member
Pretty much what I'm afraid of. Console gaming in Japan is getting deader everyday.
I know, but let's just say I'm rather sceptical of Android.
Oh yeah, right. The moment Nintendo begins using an open system to integrate their products they're dead. Lol
Yeah, I'm thinking abut the potential software backward compatibility, where every game is not depedant on a specific hardware architecture but software enviorement
Baleoce
Member
That's interesting. I'm not a developer so I wouldn't have a clue. I wonder what merits there are going for it then (using Android as a base platform).
i think my head just exploded.
android!?!?
WHY NINTENDO!?!??!
first DLC
second f2p
third open plattform
and now using third world OS on a precious nintendo platform?
what comes next? ISIS becoming the HQ of NINTENDO!?!?
oh man i think i should quit gaming
This has to be sarcasm...
……forgetit
Member
My guess is the fire OS one. Either way it looks good for Nintendo imo.
Bjoern the Smexy
Member
i think my head just exploded.
android!?!?
WHY NINTENDO!?!??!
first DLC
second f2p
third open plattform
and now using third world OS on a precious nintendo platform?
what comes next? ISIS becoming the HQ of NINTENDO!?!?
oh man i think i should quit gaming
No matter how sarcastic you may be with this post (and my guess is "very sarcastic"), calling Android a "third world OS" seems pretty evil.
Because 3rd parties can work with tools that are already available, that they already know, that fit into Visual Studio (the defacto developing environment for most games), that are well documented etc...
It helps nintendo because they don't have to write their own proprietary 64bit multitasking OS, but can base their system on a well proven, well documented and stable basis. They wouldn't use all the google stuff (that's not open source and needs seperate licenses), just like the Kindle doesn't use it. They replace the account system with NNID and google play with the Eshop. This will still require work, but gives them a headstart in development.
This also frees nintendo engineers' time to start working on the API's and SDK earlier - potentially giving developers a more stable and well documented build early on.
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