The hotly-anticipated Nintendo NX release date might be happening real soon as reports from Asia indicate that 'trial production' of the rumored hybrid gaming machine has commenced. Industry source also hinted that the Japanese game maker plans to hold an event in October to formally introduce the supposed replacement to Wii U.
Taiwanese publication DigiTimes revealed in a new report that Foxconn, also known as Apple's long-time partner in manufacturing iPhones and iPads, has started the trial production of the Nintendo NX game console. It should be noted that the current building activities is vastly different from that of mass production.
"Basically, this is where manufacturers do a test run of production so they can work out the kinks in the process before the real show starts," Business Insider said in a related report. It is in the aftermath of mass production that shipment of products will follow, the report added.
And once large-scale production of the NX is given the green light, DigiTimes said that other manufacturing players will join Foxconn. Those mentioned in the report were Misumi Electronics and Hosiden but it is Foxconn that has the honor as the largest original equipment manufacturer or OEM of the upcoming Nintendo gaming device.
All there builders are expected to contribute to the annual production target of the Nintendo NX, which DigiTimes said will be between 9.5 and 10 million units.
The latest development, Business Insider said, appears to confirm that Nintendo is so far on track to meeting its earlier declaration that the NX will be on store shelves worldwide on or before March 2017. There are signs too floating around lately that a product introduction will happen as early as October, the report added. Nintendo, however, remains silent on anything about the NX release date details.
In the same way, the company has opted to keep everyone hanging on what exactly will unpack with the Nintendo NX. But speculations are rife that the device is a combination of console and handheld, partly designed to lure in hardcore and casual gamers.
According to BGR, the NX has been teased so far as "a portable console with a large display and detachable controllers." Citing the recent hints from Nintendo and The Pokémon Company executives, the report added that the NX is an attempt to redefine the concept of console gaming.
It is believed that on release date, the Nintendo NX will feature "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild" as among the launch titles, which likely will include fresh take on Pokémon, Mario and Final Fantasy games.