According to a new report from The Wall Street Journal, Nintendo has begun sending out software development kits for its upcoming NX game console. The SDK will allow developers to begin working on games for the console ahead of its release.
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It’s no secret that the Wii U has struggled to gain a foothold in the market, especially following the launches of the PS4 and Xbox One in 2013. Analysts believe that perpetually disappointing Wii U sales might lead to a 2016 launch for the NX. When asked about release plans, a Nintendo representative told WSJ that the company will disclose details next year.
As for the console itself, sources claim that “Nintendo would likely include both a console and at least one mobile unit that could either be used in conjunction with the console or taken on the road for separate use.”
The same sources say that Nintendo has taken the criticism of the Wii U’s power (or lack thereof) in stride, and plan to implement “industry-leading chips” in NX consoles in order to compete more seriously with Sony and Microsoft.
It’s not the windfall of information we were waiting for, but now that developers are beginning work on games for the next-gen console, it’s only a matter of time before we hear more official news from Nintendo itself.