The Nintendo NX may be set for release sooner than what previous reports have suggested.

Nintendo is reportedly in the process of checking up on their production partners. The gaming company has even reportedly agreed to a contract with manufacturer Foxconn Electronics to help speed up the process of creating the new console, according to Gamespot. Upon completion of the contract, Nintendo reportedly requested the manufacturing company to begin immediate production of the NX console.

The rumors suggest that manufacturing of the NX console could begin in earnest as early as October. Once the pilot production process gets underway, mass production of the console is rumored to begin some time in 2016, with either May or June being the likely starting point, according to IGN.

Nintendo is said to be targeting the release of 20 million units of the console in its first year. The rumors also suggest that if Nintendo and its partners are able to begin mass production of the console by that time, it is likely to be released by July of that same year. The rumored timeline of production and release could put the NX console on track for unveiling at next year's E3. 

Nintendo has already confirmed its plans to manufacture its newest console but have yet to provide any official word regarding any specific release date. Notably, the company has not confirmed any of the rumors surrounding the NX console other than to say that it is in their plans.

In related news, Nintendo is also reportedly in the process of cutting back on the production of the Wii U. That's because the Wii U has lagged in terms of sales and popularity in comparison to the Playstation 4 and Xbox One ever since it was first released. If the rumors prove to be true, Nintendo could be looking to shift the majority of its resources towards the NX console.