A lot of rumors are circulating about the Nintendo NX, one of which appears to hint that the console may just end up being a streaming box solution of some sort, with no physical media whatsoever. Of course, such a console would end up being an even worse proposition than the Xbox One was when it was announced, and before Microsoft changed the direction the console would take- not least because of Nintendo’s historically poor record for network services.
However, GameStop, who are the world’s largest dedicated retailer of video game software, and who make most of their money selling games, new and pre-owned, don’t seem to think that this particular rumor holds true. GameStop’s Paul Raines, said during the company’s earnings call that the NX will have some form of physical media, and definitely allow for pre-owned sales.
“I would say that the fact that there are rumors of that type just confirms for you that this is an important console for next year,” he said. “It will have physical media, we will play a role in it, our pre-owned business will also play a role. So we’re excited about that.”
GameStop’s Mike Mauler also discussed whether the physical media in question would be discs or cartridges, discussing the economics and logistics of both.
“The only difference would be on the refurbishment and pre-owned side,” he said. “And actually, cartridges are much simpler to refurbish and repackage. So there is somewhat a little bit of an advantage if it went in that direction on used.”
So at the very least, it sounds like the NX will be using some form of physical media. So to everyone who was freaking out after the last round of rumors- chill.