Nintendo NX Release Window Revealed Along with E3 Plans and Mobile Apps

Written by Brandon Hofer on April 27, 2016

News: Nintendo revealed when we can expect their next system to arrive in stores along with what they are bringing to E3 and what their next apps will be.

Nintendo has just released some news about their next console. It is currently going by the codename of “NX” and is slated to be released next year in March 2017. Rumors have been rampant for a while now that the “NX” would be released at some point in 2016 so it is nice that Nintendo has finally come out and confirmed that isn’t happening. The Wii U was released in the fall of 2012 so a 2017 release (or even a 2016 release if that had been the case) is in line with what we normally experience given that console generations are usually around 4-6 years.

That is all good news but unfortunately there is some bad news here as well. Nintendo has stated that they have no plans for anything “NX” related at E3 this year. Apparently there won’t be any news and it definitely won’t be at the show for everyone to see. Instead Nintendo is going to be focused solely on the new Zelda game that is coming out for both the Wii U and the “NX.” Yep, similar to what happened with Twilight Princes, the new Zelda game will be released simultaneously on the Wii U and Nintendo’s newest console. Both versions of the game have been released in tandem according to Nintendo. What this revelation also does is serve as notice that the new Zelda game has been delayed once again. It was slated to be released in 2016 but now that it is going to be a launch title for the NX it has been moved to 2017. This is certainly disappointing news for Zelda fans (myself included) but I have no doubt that it will be worth the wait.

Nintendo also announced that their E3 presence this year is going to be fairly small. They will still be there but their sole focus will be the new Zelda game for the Wii U and NX. The Wii U version of the game will be playable on the show floor but it will be the only playable game Nintendo presents at the show which is in stark contrast to previous years where they would have a plethora of titles for people to check out. This is being done in order to “provide attendees a complete immersion.” Your guess is as good as mine in regards to what that is supposed to mean but Nintendo did say further details regarding their E3 plans will be announced over the next few weeks.

Outside of the NX announcement, Nintendo also revealed that their new app, Miitomo, is doing exceptionally well and has already crossed 10 million users worldwide. The free-to-start social experience launched in Japan on March 17 and in many other countries on March 31. In the United States, Miitomo reached #1 free app status in its various online stores shortly after release. Along with those user numbers, Nintendo has also sparked more than 300 million conversations in Miitomo. There have also been more than 20 million “Miifotos” created since the app launched. To help celebrate the milestone of 10 million users Nintendo will run a special ten day “Celebrating 10 Million Users!” promotion beginning on April 29 and running through May 8.

Continuing down the mobile route, Nintendo has revealed some info on their next apps. These next apps will be a bit more gamer centric as they will based on Fire Emblem and Animal Crossing respectively. The Fire Emblem app, while making it more accessible in comparison to the Fire Emblem games, will offer the “great value” of a role playing strategy game. The Animal Crossing app will be connected with the world of Animal Crossing for dedicated gaming systems (presumably the 3DS and/or NX). Compared to Miitomo, these apps have more prominent game elements, and the game content will tie closely into Nintendo’s dedicated games business. Nintendo has said that more information will be released later this year but these new apps should be really interesting.

What do you think about these announcements? Are you excited to learn more about what exactly the “NX” is? If it does indeed come out in March 2017 will you be picking it up? Tell us what you think below.