Nintendo has reportedly released a software development kit for the forthcoming Nintendo NX console, suggesting the console is on track for a 2016 launch.
Wall Street Journal sources say the tool, which allows third-party developers to create games for the console, is now in the now out in the wild.
The company is believed to be preparing to reveal more information about the new console at E3 2016 next May. Whether the console will go on sale in 2016 remains unclear.
Although confirming the existence of the new home console, Nintendo has refused to discuss details this year, other than do say it’ll be a “dedicated video game platform with a brand new concept.”
Earlier this year, the late Satoru Iwata said the firm does not “intend [the NX] to become a simple replacement for Nintendo 3DS or Wii U.”
The WSJ report suggests the shape of the console has yet to be decided, but sources did corroborate recent rumours suggesting it'll will have a mobile unit (a la the Wii U GamePad) that could be used on the move as well as in the home with the main system.
The sources also claimed industry leading processors would be deployed after the Wii U was criticised for its relative lack of power, compared to the other systems on the market.
An early launch of the SDK is significant as it will allow developers to become familiar with the capabilities of the NX console.
Nintendo has suffered from a dramatic fall in third-party developer support in the Wii U era, so it’s crucial the top names make a comeback on the NX.
The continued struggles of the Wii U and Nintendo 3DS platforms may have hastened Nintendo’s desire to get the NX out to consumers.
However, given the importance of the console to the Japanese giant’s future, it may be wise to make sure it gets this one right.
No comments:
Post a Comment