French site Nintendotown has posted a new batch of Wii U rumours, one of which is rather plausible due to previous comments made by Nintendo.

First up is the rumour that a new Metroid is in the works for the console and is being built using Unreal Engine 3. This is plausible, and the site says a tech demo of the game was shown in cooperation with Nintendo’s Retro Studios. At least, that is what we gleaned from the Google translation.

Another rumour the site noted which was posted on Adweek, was that Nintendo is in talks with various partners regarding video on demand services. Wii owners can already watch Netflix offerings on the console, but this rumour implies a built-in application on the console’s dashboard similar to Xbox 360 and PS3. Like the aforementioned rumour, this one is definitely plausible considering Nintendo has been hinting around at such content. Still, the firm has been a bit evasive so expect to hear more about the UI and apps at E3.

The final rumour posted in this little round-up was in relation to news the firm has integrated Android OS on Wii U. This one, we’re not really sure about, and honestly find it extremely far-fetched. Then again, in the world of gaming news, nothing really surprises us anymore.

That is the latest rumours. For me, the Metroid one is far more interesting as I buy a games console to play games. This could be a very special Metroid we will see. However, the unlikely one about Android OS is probably a good talking point. I don't do Android, so it means nothing to me. Does it many anything to you? Does it matter or would it be an awesome addition if true?

I doubt it. Nintendo has always had this "We only make games for consoles we made ourselves" thing, and if it used Android, I'm sure there's a whole boatload of built in limitations that maybe wouldn't mesh with their games. That is, unless they are allowed to basically modify it in anyway they see fit. I don't know if Google would be down with that though.

Let me be the first to say the Android OS sucks. Also that sounds very un-Nintendo like.

Nintendo's move to release all their upcoming 3DS/Wii games digital is pretty bold of them.. but I don't see them suddenly partnering with Android, especially if that meant Nintendo games appearing on Android phones. I'm sure a lot of people would love to be able to get virtual console games on there, but it would instantly destroy one of the biggest selling points of Nintendo systems. If it's just Nintendo using Android UI's.. I guess it could happen, but why?

The Metroid news would be amazing though, even if Retro are only involved and not straight up developing it. Anything would be a step up from that Team Ninja "Metroid" game.

I'm open to the idea of using Android, but considering Nintendo's track record, they like to keep everything in-house. It's a viable move though when you consider Apple is essentially their rival. What if Android isn't for the Wii U, but for their next handheld device?

@selbie said:

I'm open to the idea of using Android, but considering Nintendo's track record, they like to keep everything in-house. It's a viable move though when you consider Apple is essentially their rival. What if Android isn't for the Wii U, but for their next handheld device?

I would have thought their next handheld is so far away - 4 years maybe - that it wouldn't for that. Too much would change before then. I assume based on Nintendo business style this is very unlikely. I still don't really understand what it would mean, not being familiar with Android (I'm Macman)

Everything sounds plausible except for Android OS.

@Jack268 said:

I doubt it. Nintendo has always had this "We only make games for consoles we made ourselves" thing, and if it used Android, I'm sure there's a whole boatload of built in limitations that maybe wouldn't mesh with their games. That is, unless they are allowed to basically modify it in anyway they see fit. I don't know if Google would be down with that though.

As long as the terms of the license are followed, Google will have no problem with it. Nintendo did obey the licenses for the open source code used in the 3DS browser, and I trust they'd do the same if the Android rumour were true.

So where did this story come from, aside from some random French site no one has ever heard of?

@iAmJohn said:

So where did this story come from, aside from some random French site no one has ever heard of?

Who knows with rumours John. That is why we should always be sceptical. Some things take a life of their own and most turn out to be false.

@iAmJohn said:

So where did this story come from, aside from some random French site no one has ever heard of?

Coming from a random French site no one has ever heard of is what gives it credibility. Random French sites have a pretty good track record.

I think it's actually kind of a cool idea. Also Retro working on another Metroid would be fantastic.

I was hoping the Vita would run on Android. I don't feel so good about a home console though.

I've been seeing this Android rumor pop up all over the place. I'm sure the tablet would only be able to stream from the console, but it is an interesting idea. Makes me look forward to E3 even more. The leaks have begun.

@Contrarian said:

@selbie said:

I'm open to the idea of using Android, but considering Nintendo's track record, they like to keep everything in-house. It's a viable move though when you consider Apple is essentially their rival. What if Android isn't for the Wii U, but for their next handheld device?

I would have thought their next handheld is so far away - 4 years maybe - that it wouldn't for that. Too much would change before then. I assume based on Nintendo business style this is very unlikely. I still don't really understand what it would mean, not being familiar with Android (I'm Macman)

From what little I know, the 3DS has had poor sales relatively speaking, so a new handheld might only be 1-2 years off (based on the assumption Nintendo want to quickly break the stigma of lost profits). Also if you consider Android being a direct competitor to Apple's iOS (or at least the closest competitor so far), then you can see a logical progression occurring. An android based handheld could be essentially the equivalent to the iPod Touch, with the ability to use apps alongside Nintendo's own gaming services and functionality.

Let's not forget that Nintendo made an operating system for Google, so the companies are closer than most people think.