Rumor: EA has had NX dev kits for awhile, other tidbits
Update: Some additional rumored details from Nintendo Life:
– Information comes from “several” EA staffers
– EA was apparently one of the first publishers to get access to NX development hardware
– Nintendo is citing EA as a key ally when it comes to making its next console a success
– Multiple meetings in March
– Meetings will apparently decide how much support EA (EA Sports) arm will be giving Nintendo in the near future
– EA wants “a detailed plan” on how Nintendo intends to win over sports fans with NX
– EA is keen to learn how Nintendo intends to build up a large enough “sports” audience on NX
– This was apparently one of the key reasons for the publisher abandoning Wii U
– EA is asking Nintendo to spend more advertising dollars during televised sporting events like NFL games, NBA games, MLB games, World Cup matches and the World Series in order to claim this audience
– EA is citing the fact that both Sony and Microsoft spend a large portion of cash during such events, and that EA’s titles are given prominence in promotional campaigns
– Sources see Nintendo not bundling EA games with consoles as an insult; both Sony and Microsoft are involved with such bundles
– The company will be asking Nintendo to consider shipping NX consoles with leading EA Sports titles, such as FIFA and Madden
– During a December meeting between EA and Nintendo executives, an EA exec “criticized Wii U for not having entertainment apps for MLB.TV, NBA, WWE Network, NHL Gamecenter Live, and the NFL”
– EA believes PS4 having these apps is a key reason for the machine’s success among sports fans
– EA wants NX to be able to run such apps or offer similar functionality
As relayed on Twitter by Liam Robertson, someone well-known for discovering information about cancelled games and other industry news, EA is in rumored to be in possession of NX development kits. Furthermore, they’ve apparently had them for awhile.
Robertson has also said that Nintendo and EA will meet in March “to hash things out and discuss potential plans.” It sounds like EA wants to pursue cross promotions such as sports console bundles. Robertson added that “EA wants Nintendo to help them cultivate an audience for sports fans if they’re going to go on board with NX.”
Here’s a roundup of everything posted by Robertson:
Don't read too much into this. It means what it means – potential plans. It sounds like mostly very early stuff and EA is still unsure.
— Thrillho (@Doctor_Cupcakes) February 22, 2016
Nintendo is the only one of the big three that doesn't do this, and they're hoping to get them to budge on this.
— Thrillho (@Doctor_Cupcakes) February 22, 2016
EA wants Nintendo to help them cultivate an audience for sports fans if they're going to go on board with NX.
— Thrillho (@Doctor_Cupcakes) February 22, 2016
