Nintendo’s Next Console Will Run on Cartridges

The classic video game cartridge has all but disappeared in recent years, replaced by discs and digital downloads—but Nintendo wants to change that. Tech Crunch reports that the video game company has announced plans to bring back the cartridge for its upcoming Nintendo NX console.

The cartridge revival isn’t just a strategy for capitalizing on nostalgia: Cartridges may seem old school, but it turns out they have plenty of technological advantages. Tech Crunch explains that cartridges are more durable than easily scratched discs, have greater capacity and speed, and are cheaper to make. They also, conveniently, happen to be harder for media pirates to copy.

While bringing back the Nintendo cartridge may feel like a throwback, the new Nintendo NX system is anything but. The device will function both as a portable gaming device with a built-in screen, and as a living room gaming console that can be connected to a TV. It's likely that Nintendo also chose cartridges for their size and portability: While they’re not exactly cutting edge technology, the memory devices are much smaller than discs, making them perfect for a portable console. Plus, who doesn’t miss blowing into their Nintendo cartridge when their game freezes up?

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