The Nintendo NX is set to become the next major console release from Nintendo, although the company has refrained from revealing any further details regarding it throughout this year. However, a report from DigiTimes (via My Nintendo News) suggests that Nintendo is already preparing production to hit an expected July 2016 release.
According to the report, NIntendo has already requested its supply chains to begin production on the NX's components this past October. This will prepare the unit itself to be assembled, tested and mass produced in order to be released on time in July next year.
It is also stated that Nintendo aims to sell at least 20 million units of the NX in its first year on store shelves. This would be a big expectation on behalf of Nintendo given that their most recent console, the Nintendo Wii U, has managed to sell only over 10 million units since its launch in 2013.
However, it is important to note that the Nintendo 3DS has managed to sell over 50 million units since its 2011 launch.
The NX is expected to be a unique hybrid of a home console and a portable handheld, although this has never been directly confirmed or denied by Nintendo. If true, then the sales records of the 3DS implies that the NX may hit its 20 million target.
One reason for the Wii U's low sales is the lack of third-party support, particularly after EA pulled out and no longer developed games for the system. According to a report from the Express, EA CEO Andrew Wilson did explain that the company is looking into expanding its reach, which may include the NX.
EA games is currently the publisher for big titles such as "NBA 2K16" and the "Madden" franchise. It has also held the distribution rights for major franchises such as "Dead Space," "Dragon Age," "Devil May Cry" and "Need for Speed."
