Nintendo NX hardware will launch globally March 2017
Nintendo outlines launch for new games system with "smart device". Next Zelda game will launch simultaneously on Wii U and NX.
Nintendo NX hardware will launch globally March 2017
Nintendo's new games hardware will have a global launch date of March, 2017.
The company said that it intends to enter the "smart device" business with its new games machine, as video games remain the core focus for the company's profitability.
"For our dedicated video game platform business, Nintendo is currently developing a gaming platform codenamed "NX" with a brand-new concept. NX will be launched in March 2017 globally," said the company today.
"For our dedicated video game platform business, Nintendo is currently developing a gaming platform codenamed “NX” which is a brand-new concept, and our unique software-led hardware-software integrated business will continue to constitute the core business for Nintendo. For the purpose of maximizing the population that interacts with Nintendo IP, we have entered into the smart device gaming business.
"We will aim to create a synergetic effect between the smart device business and Nintendo’s dedicated game system business to maximize the Nintendo businesses overall by growing our smart device business so that it is profitable on its own while continuously strengthening our connection with our consumers by enhancing features of our new membership service called My Nintendo"
There are plenty of rumours surrounding Nintendo's next games console, although this is the first time the company has gone into any detail of the successor to the Wii U. Some analysts and industry watchers had been expecting the NX to launch this holiday season.
Nintendo has also announced that the next Legend of Zelda game will launch simultaneously on NX and Wii U.
Note there that Zelda will be the big focus for Nintendo at E3 in June, not the NX hardware.
During its earnings call Nintendo also revealed that Fire Emblem and Animal Crossing titles will be making their way to mobile devices as part of Nintendo's new focus on apps, as it partners with DeNA.
Be sure to check out our E3 2016 hub for all the news, videos, screenshots, interviews and much more, live and direct for this year's show.