Following reports that Nintendo’s upcoming NX console/handheld hybrid will use cartridges as its games format, we here at PlayStation LifeStyle just had to react to this little shocker.
For those not old enough to remember, cartridges were the medium for games up until the original PlayStation came in and proved that CDs could hold more data, be cheaper to manufacture, and just flat out prove its the future. While Nintendo tried in vain to make cartridges relevant again by releasing the Nintendo 64, we all know how that turned out. It wasn’t a disaster as some people might think, but it definitely proved that CDs and its ilk, are the superior choice when it comes to housing video games.
So, with that in mind, we here at PlayStation LifeStyle weighed in on this new report, and whether we think cartridges is a good idea.
What do you think? If Nintendo pushes through with the rumored cartridge format, will it work for or against the upcoming gaming device? Also, do you see it making a comeback and should Sony consider it for future handhelds and consoles? Share your thoughts in the comments and let’s get this discussion rolling.
Now Loading is a recurring staff-driven feature where PlayStation LifeStyle discusses anything video game-related under the sun (yes, even non-Sony platforms)
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Now Loading...Nintendo NX and Cartridges
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Now Loading... Nintendo NX and Cartridges
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Cameron Teague
Wouldn't these relics be A) too limited to handle massive data (wait, it's Nintendo games!!) And B) too big in a day where digital is the cool thing..
Wait, this is Nintendo..
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Keri Honea
No cartridges, because I don't have fond memories of blowing into my NES cartridges to get the games to work.
And cheap means they can break easily. -
Chandler Wood
Nintendo is banking way too much on nostalgia, and doing things that no one is asking for. The Wii's success was a fluke. They keep just tossing out weird innovations without seeing if there is a market desire for them. The NX so far feels like another 'let's throw it at a wall and see if it sticks' idea, that will see the same reception as the Wii U.
Cartridges could technically mean SD cards, and in that regard, probably a much better idea for a portable console. But it still reeks of limitations and weird ideas that don't really fit nicely anywhere in the current gaming market.
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Zarmena Khan
I'm a bit skeptical about all of this. What exactly will these cartridges entail? Nintendo has done well in the handheld business so I can see this potentially taking off for them. However, I feel like the company has been swimming in safe waters for far too long and its inability to go beyond that is letting it down. Here's hoping NX proves me wrong and is actually a standout console.
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Michael Briers
Cartridges. In 2017.
It's not as crazy as it sounds. Minimising size obviously takes priority in engineering a console/handheld hybrid. That's something I can get behind if Nintendo gets it right. But just how big are we talking here -- will the NX be similar in size to the iPad, detachable controllers and all?
Also, there's mention of some form of docking station to hook it up to the TV. I'd be interested to see if that boosts performance. Wii U was shunned early on by third-parties and I can't imagine Nintendo wants to replicate that going into a new generation.
Nintendo has pulled it off before (fluke or no) and these rumors remain just that, so I'll reserve judgement until it's finally unveiled.
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Alex Co
Unlike most of my cohorts, I'm OK with cartridges. I mean, I'm not sure how far we've progressed so far with that technology, but the thing that entices me the most is NO LOAD TIMES! As someone who grew up playing cartridge-based consoles, adapting to CDs and load times was, I think the hardest part of it all.
That said, cartridges are expensive to make, and unless Nintendo has a magical mushroom plant that can manufacture them super cheap, we might see games go over that $60 sweet spot (?) that gamers have been used to all these years.
That said though, if someone can make cartridges relevant again, it's Nintendo. And I admit, I'm intrigued to see what they can do with the format and the Nintendo NX.
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Mack Ashworth
I'm not a massive fan of the cartridge making a comeback. Most of my games are stored digitally now, so yeah, not too excited about the trip backwards.
The Nintendo NX does sound cool, however. I like the idea of a device that doubles as both a portable and home console. I'd love for Sony to do something similar, with a PS Vita 2, but I think Nintendo is probably the best company for this job right now.
