The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Nintendo has begun distributing development kits for its next console, currently known as the NX.
This in itself shouldn’t come as a surprise considering that the company plans to show the console off at the 2016 Electronic Entertainment Expo next June. But what’s most fascinating about this story is that insider sources have claimed the kits will “likely include a mobile unit that could either be used in conjunction with the console or taken on the road for separate use.” Ever since Nintendo merged its handheld and home console divisions, many have speculated that the NX would be some type of “hybrid” console that combines the two disparate platforms into one package. Nintendo’s late president Satoru Iwata denied these claims, but fans will remember that Iwata had a tendency to deny reports that ultimately came true, as was the case with many of Nikkei’s reports.
What should also interest gaming fans is that the NX development kits reportedly use “industry-leading chips,” which suggests the console will be a graphical powerhouse. Ever since Wii’s release, Nintendo has scaled back on the specs of its consoles, making them more affordable than their competitors. While this ultimately worked out well for Wii, Wii U has certainly suffered due to its lack of power, and third-party support for the system has all but dried up.
These reports have led analysts believe that Nintendo will be launching the NX next holiday season. While that may be a stretch, we do know that the world will get its first look at the mysterious new console during next year’s E3.
What do you think about Wall Street Journal’s report? Do you think Nintendo’s NX will be a handheld and a home console? Share your theories with us in the comments!
Source: Wall Street Journal
Man, it’s going to be fun hearing all of the micro leaks that come out about the NX until they fully reveal the system to the world.
It was mainly due to the Wii U’s confusing and complex design that hurt sales and third party support, rather than its lack of power. Considering Nintendo’s competitors continue to market their last generation consoles alongside their current gen, not to mention many believe in this age of realism, consoles are reaching their apex. Until the Wii U, it has always been the least powerful system that’s sold the best.
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As far as the NX, I am anxious to see how well this goes. Nintendo (and smart devices) has had success with playing portable games on the TV. However, this sounds like a home console with portable equipment. Which might mean there may be some games that can be taken on the road, while others will require the TV and console.