Nintendo NX release date: console to use cartridges?

Cartridge for the Nintendo 64Wikimedia Commons via Evan-Amos

Supposedly, Nintendo may give an old-school feature to the NX, as reports suggest that the upcoming system will use cartridges instead of discs.

According to The Wall Street Journal, sources indicate that Nintendo is thinking of going back to cartridges for its next-gen platform, a move that may seem surprising given that the current platform, the Wii U, uses physical discs. However, the industry follower said that Nintendo may be thinking of its audience. Since most games cater to a wider range, including children, game cartridges will prove more durable than game discs in the long run. In addition, the industry giant may also be thinking of long-term solutions against piracy. Aside from being more durable, cartridges will make game titles harder to copy.

Although the reports remain unconfirmed, this is not the first time that the rumors have cropped up. Previously, it is already speculated that Nintendo is thinking of tweaks and improvements for its next-gen platform, and it is suggested that the Nintendo NX is vastly different from the traditional, current-gen consoles. Aside from using cartridges, it is also rumored that the NX will be an all-around system, a game console and a portable, hand-held game system in one.

Meanwhile, although Nintendo has yet to peg specific release details for the NX, speculations suggest that the new system may be seen sooner than expected. Reportedly, the new system is expected to make an appearance at the upcoming Tokyo Game Show 2016 next week. Supposedly, this is Nintendo's answer to Sony announcing brand-new PS4 console upgrades, including the new PS4 Neo.

The Nintendo NX is one of the much-awaited releases for the industry, ever since Nintendo announced its intentions last year. There are even supposed leaks that allegedly showcase the new handheld/console system, though it remains to be seen on how Nintendo will integrate the two features.