Nintendo NX Release Date: New Dev Kits to Be Rolled Out Ahead of 2016 Launch

By Lorraine Caballero, Christian Post Contributor Saturday, October 17, 2015

Nintendo is set to roll out new dev kits for the upcoming Nintendo NX gaming console, which will reportedly be released next year.

Reports have surfaced saying the new Nintendo NX console will run on the latest chips to help it compete with rivals PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. The release of the dev kits further strengthens the rumors that the specs of the device are now finalized and third-party developers are already being urged to conceptualize games for the new console, according to IGN.

News of the software development kits' release also suggests that Nintendo NX may be out on shelves by next year. Insiders cited by the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) say the dev kits have already been rolled out to third parties and that developers are being coaxed to sign up for a new Nintendo web portal, the International Business Times (IBT) UK reports.

"We are increasingly of the idea that Nintendo might launch the NX in 2016 because of the softness of 3DS and Wii U," the IBT UK quotes Macquarie Capital Securities analyst Dave Gibson's statement to the WSJ.

Despite all the hot rumors surrounding the impending release of the next-gen console, Nintendo itself has chosen to stay mum to prevent information from leaking out to its competitors. The company has repeatedly said that it will reveal more details about the Nintendo NX next year, the report explains.

Aside from inclusion of the latest chip in Nintendo NX, the console will also come with a mobile unit that gamers can use with the console or with a separate device on the road.

The Nintendo NX is touted to be a replacement for the Wii U, especially after the latter's sales proved to be a flop. Clearly, Nintendo has been having a hard time with third-party support, so it would be a boon for the company if it would release a new console with better support.

Nintendo is expected to keep its word and announce the official release date of the Nintendo NX by 2016, so fans need only to wait a few more months.