Nintendo NX release news: hype for next-gen Nintendo system continues to grow

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

Anticipation continues to grow as game industry giant Nintendo confirmed the release of the Nintendo NX. Meanwhile, some observers are hesitant to categorize the upcoming NX as a home console, as speculations mention the upcoming Nintendo hardware to be at least a console and mobile handheld hybrid.

According to video game enthusiast and analyst Michael Pachter, while Nintendo still has to come out with concrete details regarding the NX, the anticipation is going strong, as it is speculated that the NX may reach at least 30 million units sold in its initial cycle. This is even if rumors about a hybrid system are unfounded and the NX remains a dedicated home console system.

On his webcast, Pachter said (as reported by Gaming Bolt), "Are they going to get the Wii magic back? Probably not. But if they go back to a conventional-like console, their only problem they have now is they are very late in the cycle so they're not going to sell that many. Could they sell 30 million? Sure."

The hybrid rumors started when supposed "leaks" for Nintendo patents cropped up online. Crossmap managed to collate some of the speculations, and the patents that Nintendo apparently filed were a cross-reference to hardware that is a hybrid between a handheld D-pad and a console controller. In addition, Nintendo also apparently filed for an Achievements-type feature for its next system, which will share the player's best moments with other players, supposedly using a Miiverse-like system.

In addition, tech manufacturer AMD had also apparently alluded to the NX console when it said that it is developing hardware for a next-gen console to be released next year.

Meanwhile, Nintendo continues to remain silent over the speculations and rumors about the NX but has already made a statement that it will only be releasing concrete details about the new platform when 2016 comes.