Nintendo NX release date, specs news: Console rumored to release in March 2017 with detachable controllers

Nintendo Wii U, the current console from NintendoNintendo

Nintendo has not given much information regarding their new upcoming console, the NX. However, a report from IGN has pointed out that the company has filed a new patent which could indicate what the console's controllers and the overall design of the console will be when released. 

According to the report, the patent indicates that the NX will feature detachable controllers. However, these controllers will not be using electrical components and instead will use infrared technology to read the player's button presses. This will lower the cost of the console and its controllers. 

It is speculated that this type of design means the NX will indeed be a home console and handheld hybrid, allowing it to be hooked up to an HDMI television like the Wii U but can be played on the go like the 3DS and New 3DS. It is undetermined if the main unit itself, to which the controllers attach to, will have a touchscreen similar to the Wii-U's gamepad or the 3DS' lower screen.

According to a report from Games Radar, the NX is rumored to be as powerful as the Xbox One. This may allow the NX to attract third party developers, an aspect that the Wii U ultimately lacked. Because the Wii U lacked popular third party games such as "Dark Souls III" the console failed to reach the target sales that Nintendo had hoped for. 

The Nintendo NX will feature several of its key franchises within six months of its release such as a new "Super Mario" game and the upcoming "Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild." However, Games Radar also reports that there are rumors of "Super Smash Bros." launching with the NX when it releases although it is unclear if it is a new game in the series or an NX upgrade of "Super Smash Bros." from the Wii U.