Nintendo NX release date updates: Nintendo to return to cartridges

Unofficial concept design for Nintendo NXNintendo

Almost two and a half years after Nintendo launched its current-gen console, the Wii U, the gaming giant announced that it is developing its next-in-line home gaming system, the Nintendo NX. Although no specific dates for the rollout have been released, Nintendo targets 2016 as the release window. 

To reinforce the hype for the upcoming gaming console, Nintendo also announced that developers and publishers have already expressed interest in the soon-to-come NX, with big-name publisher Square Enix the first one to officially join the NX bandwagon. 

According to industry observer TechRadar, Square Enix is considering publishing two of its titles under the "Dragon Quest" franchise for the PS4, Nintendo 3DS, and the upcoming Nintendo NX. The publisher will be porting the previously-released "Dragon Quest X" and the current title under the series, 'Dragon Quest XI." 

Meanwhile, some observers are saying that Nintendo might have jumped the gun a little bit early for the NX's announcement, since aside from confirming that a new console is in the works, Nintendo is choosing to keep silent on other details about the console. It is unclear if the company is choosing to surprise fans next year, or if there are no details to be released as of yet, as it is reportedly still on the drawing board. 

As with other announcements without follow-up details, rumors have begun to surround the Nintendo NX. The most prominent among the speculations is that it will now be able to instantly share any unlocked trophies and achievements during gameplay. This achievement and sharing feature is currently absent on the Wii U.

In addition, it is also rumored that Nintendo will be bringing back cartridges. Flash storage is becoming more advanced as opposed to discs – the amount of memory they can hold and production prices keep on evolving. Meanwhile, some reports also take a guess that Nintendo may swing to the other extreme option – ditching physical media entirely and making the NX a completely digital-content console.