Nintendo NX Launches Globally March 2017, New Legend Of Zelda At E3 2016
Finally the world has wrestled a date out of Nintendo for their latest hardware, codenamed 'NX'. While details of exactly what it can do remain scarce, we know it's out March 2017.
The announcement of a global release window for the Nintendo NX is welcome news but we're going to have to wait a while yet before Nintendo start releasing any actual facts about the gaming platform. They describe it as a "smart device" and a "brand-new concept" for the company.
"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," said the company.
They then go on to mention this 'smart device' angle for the NX, adding: "For the purpose of maximizing the population that interacts with Nintendo IP, we have entered into the smart device gaming business." What exactly does that mean? They remain tight lipped.
"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."
Analysts and insiders had expected the new NX console to launch this Holiday 2016 but Nintendo has other ideas. They also revealed the new Legend of Zelda, which will be at E3 2016, will launch simultaneously for Wii U and NX. The new platform hardware won't have a presence at the convention in Los Angeles this year.
The new Legend of Zelda, which still doesn't have a full title yet, has therefore been delayed into 2017 and most likely will be aiming for March 2017 for the NX launch. Originally it was due out in 2015 for the Wii U but obviously the NX and its features couldn't be resisted. It will give the Nintendo NX a huge boost at launch.
Nintendo released a teasing 'first look' at the gameplay for the new Zelda adventure back in December 2014, which featured footage of it running on the Nintendo Wii U. Of course this was before the major delays and the likely adoption of a NX version.
E3 2016 is scheduled to run June 14-16 at the Los Angeles Convention Center, California.
