Nintendo NX, which will take on the PlayStation NEO and the Xbox Two, concept by a fan on YouTube (Photo : YouTube / CTNtechnologynews)
Microsoft has already released the Xbox One S and Sony's PlayStation 4 Slim will come out soon rocking specs and feature bumps that in all likelihood will equal whatever were unleashed with the former. So the Nintendo NX on release date is hard-pressed to impress on the same level and perhaps even erase the disappointing image that the Wii U was.
For the most part, Nintendo only allowed hints and teases on the NX subject matter so not much is known but thanks to supply chain leaks and persistent rumors fans have a general idea of what to expect. Here are the revealed details so far, confirmed and unconfirmed:
Hybrid device
Nintendo has already confirmed that the NX when it touches down will bring a fresh concept in the gaming world. What exactly the Japanese game maker means remains everyone's guess but one possible direction that the NX heads to is that of a hybrid gaming machine - that is the combo of a console and that of a handheld.
One hint came from well-known gaming observer Emily Rogers, according to BGR. Rogers said that the NX will have a detachable controller that features a 6-inch touchscreen 720p display with force feedback and motion controls. The controller has stand-alone features and games can played on it independent of the docking station or the main console.
Connectivity
The NX is expected to deliver better resolution from its immediate predecessors but the connectivity features reported to date are limited to USB ports, which Rogers said will have at least two to hook up with for possible expansions.
Internal storage
Rogers also claimed that a Nintendo NX prototype has been spotted bearing a measly 32GB of built-in storage. It's highly likely though that in time for the final cut, the NX will boast of a larger storage space, the blog report said.
Mobile power
In terms of the power that Nintendo will pack the NX with, Business Insider said the device is more likely in the league with high-end tablets that are capable of extensive gaming. The chance is low that the NX will match the muscles that both the Xbox One S and PS4 Slim will have, the report added.
Launch titles
One thing is sure about the Nintendo NX, it will unbox with "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild" and in the immediate months following its debut more game titles will follow, mostly likely from Nintendo's franchise characters such as Mario, Donkey Kong and the Super Smash series.
A Final Fantasy title is also possible with Square Enix rumored to quickly support the new platform.
Cartridge or download
Rumors say games for the NX will come in the form of cartridges, which explains the 32GB prototype cited by Roger but titles are likely to be downloaded too, in which case the on-board storage are likely to be expanded internally or with an external drive.
Launch time
When exactly Nintendo intends to introduce the NX remains a mystery as the company already stressed that a reported September event will not in any way touch on the product. But speculations are rife that mass production will start soon (or already underway) for the unveiling to take place December 2016 or January next year, en route to the scheduled Nintendo NX release date in March 2017.
