Nintendo NX release date: New console to come out next year?

The complete line of Nintendo's game console products, which will soon be joined by the next-generation gaming platform called Nintendo NX.nintendo.co.jp

Although it has already been confirmed that game industry giant Nintendo is currently working on a new console to be added to its lineup, there are scarce details on the development. Nintendo itself said that prior to its release, the earliest that information would be available for the upcoming NX system would be next year. According to speculations, though, aside from confirmation, the Nintendo NX may roll out before 2016 ends.

According to a post on the NeoGAF forum threads, a patent application by Nintendo seems to be NX-releated. The thread starter, user Disorientator, commented that based on the figures presented in the documentation, the patent filed seems to be a handheld controller with display.

If this is true, then the controller for the new console will closely resemble that of the Gamepad for the Wii U. However, the post also dovetailed with recent speculations that the NX system will be a mobile/home console system. If the speculations are correct, then the patent may well be a cross between a controller with 3DS-like attributes.

Meanwhile, another indication that the new system will come out soon is Nintendo readying its game development phase. According to the Wall Street Journal, the company has already sent out software development kits for prospective developers. The game studios can use the kit to either develop a port of an existing game in their portfolio, or develop new ones from scratch.

Game studios that have already stated an interest in having an NX game title include Monolith Soft and Square Enix. Meanwhile, titles that are said to be already in their developing stages for the NX include a new "The Legend of Zelda" title, which is rumored to be for both the NX and the Wii U, and apparently an iteration of a Nintendo-recognized franchise, a "Super Mario" game.