Nintendo NX news: Koei Tecmo CEO Yoichi Erikawa hints device will be home console

Reuters/Kevork Djansezian

More and more details about the ever-mysterious Nintendo NX continue to come to light. The latest scoop comes from Koei Tecmo President and CEO Yoichi Erikawa, who referred to the new console as a "machine" during an interview with 4Gamer.

The interviewer inquired about the declining interest and demand for home consoles or gaming consoles that gamers can "only play at that spot." Erikawa responded that home consoles are actually doing "much better" and this may be why Nintendo is venturing into it with the NX.

"The PlayStation 4 has recently surpassed 2 million units in nationwide sales, and Nintendo announced a new 'machine' called the NX. From this point forward, I believe that each company will make clear commitments for these machines," Erikawa stated.

This remark made media outlets believe that the Nintendo NX will be a home console, contrary to the previous claims that it will be a standalone handheld device. Siliconera points out that Erikawa's statement still does not rule out the possibility of a hybrid console.

Not too long ago, a leaked patent document put media outlets under the impression that the Nintendo NX will have a touchscreen controller that completely forgoes the traditional buttons. This controller can reportedly be played as a standalone handheld and also with a main console.

As per WCCFtech, Foxconn will be the key manufacturer of the console, which enters production during the second quarter of this year. Other companies such as Macronix, Pixart Imaging, Coxon Precise Industrial, Nishoku Technology, Delta Technology, Lingsen Precision Industries and Jentec will be providing parts for the device.

It has been confirmed that the Nintendo NX will not be a new variant of the Nintendo Wii U. In the recent message shared by Nintendo president Tatsumi Kimishima, he said that the console will be a "brand-new concept."

No concrete details about the NX have been provided by Nintendo yet but it is expected to discuss more about the much-talked about console this year.