Rumor after rumor continue to pop up about Nintendo’s next console, codenamed NX. We’ve seen leaked controllers that ultimately proved to be fake, we’ve seen games listed as being in development for the NX and now we’re going back in time with the latest leak. It seems Nintendo may bring back game cartridges.
This news comes from NeoGAF user Atheerios, who spotted a recent listing on the US Patent Office website for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. When compared to other game trademark listings for Nintendo games, there is one notable inclusion. On a trademark filing for a Wii U game, under “Goods and services” there is a list of ways the game can be played. These are pretty much all just different ways to say “downloadable game” and “disc-based game.”
For example, the Captain Toad filing lists Optical discs and memory discs featuring video games, downloadable electronic game programs, downloadable electronic game software, electronic game programs, electronic game software, video game discs, video game programs and video game software under Goods and Services.
Now let’s look at that Breath of the Wild listing. We see many of the same phrases uses for Captain Toad, but what’s this? A mention of “ video game cartridges”? We see Nintendo include the video game cartridges line in other filings for games like Pokemon, but those are 3DS games, and use cartridges. Does this confirm the Nintendo NX will use them too?
This isn’t a guaranteed thing, so don’t start taking sides in the pro vs. anti-cartridge debates just yet. Looking at other trademark filings, Nintendo mentions “video game discs” when talking about Ever Oasis, a 3DS exclusive. It’s possible Nintendo simply wants to mention every possibility in the trademark filings just to ensure they are covered. It could have even been a slip-up.
This isn’t the first time we’ve heard about the NX using cartridges. Previous reports/rumors from Chinese memory manufacturer Macronix suggests Nintendo is stocking up on ROM. This could be pointing to a cartridge-based future for the NX. If the rumor of the NX being a console/handheld are true, this could mean games can be played on both using one cartridge, like if the Wii U could also play 3DS games.
So what do you think? Are these patent listings proof that the NX will use cartridges? Do you prefer physical media or have you moved to downloading only for your games? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
