Typically, this kind of information would be attributed to changes with the Nintendo 3DS, but given the company recently tested a new line of 32nm ROM chips – in oppose to the 3DS’ smaller capacity 75nm ones – the new cards with the extra space are thought to be connected to the Nintendo NX.
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This increased need is far beyond what’s required for normal 3DS game production, prompting many to believe that Nintendo is making a move away from discs and back to cartridges for their primary console.
Of course the only way we’ll know for sure is when Nintendo announce the NX officially, but there’s still no clue as to when that will be. So much remains to be seen about what shape and form Nintendo NX will take, but we see at least one opportunity for Nintendo to lead in the console space, not follow.
The next Zelda game will launch simultaneously on Wii U and NX – but will the latter be coming on a cartridge rather than a disc?
Ever since 2001, Nintendo’s home consoles have used optical drives and discs to run their games.
According to Money-Link (translated by Screen Critics), Macronix is expecting a period of growth around the time Nintendo releases its NX console.
Macronix had already commented on serving as a chip supplier of some sort for Nintendo NX in January of this year, but in speaking about its current fiscal year (which, for Japanese companies, ends in March 2017), the company spoke about higher expectations for its “NOR Flash” business linked to the launch of the new Nintendo hardware. Instead, in a delightfully retro callback to Nintendo’s 16-bit glory days, it’ll use cartridges instead.
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If these Nintendo NX rumors are true, this is certainly not the first time Nintendo has dropped disc-based media.
