'Kingdom Hearts 3' release date rumors: Game to make its arrival next year?

Sora in'Kingdom Hearts 3'Square-Enix

Although Square Enix has already confirmed that "Kingdom Hearts 3" is coming out, the publisher has yet to set a release date. Speculations suggest a late 2017 launch for the sequel.

Previously, it was expected that "Kingdom Hearts 3" will launch early next year, possibly as early as April. However, given that the game is still in development, rumor has it that Square Enix has no choice but to aim for a late 2017 release for the sequel. In addition, "Kingdom Hearts 3" failed to appear at this year's E3. Since this is the case, the game may be officially unveiled at the E3 2017 instead, with a holiday release happening after the announcement.

Meanwhile, a late 2017 release for "Kingdom Hearts 3" also dovetails with recent speculations about the sequel. According to reports, Square Enix is also targeting the sequel to be one of the main titles for the launch of the Nintendo NX. Just recently, an Australia-based retailer has listed "Kingdom Hearts 3" as a title for the Nintendo NX, together with a supposed $119.95 price tag. The franchise game is listed together with other confirmed Nintendo NX titles like "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild" and "Just Dance 2017."

However, "Kingdom Hearts 3" for the Nintendo NX remains unclear, and has yet to be confirmed by Square Enix and Nintendo.

A holiday 2017 launch for "Kingdom Hearts 3" also fits with the supposed game release schedules from Square Enix, since the publisher also has other big-name titles in the pipeline. Next month marks the release of "Final Fantasy XV." Meanwhile, there is also a planned "Final Fantasy 7 Remake," which may also serve as an interim release between next month's triple-A launch and next year's "Kingdom Hearts 3" debut.