We’ve known for some time now that Nintendo was eager to move on to its next system, the Nintendo NX. But contrary to some earlier rumors, the Nintendo NX isn’t coming out this year.
In the company’s latest financial forecasts (via TechCrunch), Nintendo formally announced that it “is currently developing a gaming platform codenamed ‘NX’ with a brand-new concept. NX will be launched in March 2017 globally.”
Along with that announcement came word that the next Legend of Zelda game will be a launch title for the NX while simultaneously being released for the Wii U in March 2017. No other details about the NX or its launch titles have been officially released.
So, what is the “brand-new concept” of the NX? One of the most popular rumors is that the NX will be a successor for the Wii U and the 3DS, in that it serves as both a home console and a portable device. The portable component would probably be something similar to the Wii U’s gamepad. That’s an intriguing idea, but we’ll have to wait for Nintendo to confirm or deny those features.
Why is Nintendo making the NX announcement two months ahead of E3? It was probably meant to encourage the company’s investors. Sales of the Wii U and 3DS have been disappointing, and Nintendo badly needs some good news. The real challenge will be convincing the hardcore Nintendo fans and a new generation of gamers to embrace the NX. But launching with the new Zelda game is at least a step in the right direction.
Are you excited about the Nintendo NX? What features do you want to see in the system? Let us know in the comment section below!
Image: Nintendo
