Nintendo NX: Iwata hints platform may replace both Wii U and 3DS

Nintendo president Satoru Iwata has commented on the company's next piece of games-dedicated hardware, codenamed 'NX', hinting that it may be replace both their Wii U home console and Nintendo 3DS handheld.

Speaking to shareholders in a meeting on 25 June, Iwata said: "The NX is new hardware, and will start from zero. However, the 3DS and Wii U have install bases. Immediately cutting off software for previous hardware upon the release of a new machine is inefficient."

His comments were posted on Twitter by user NStyles and translated by user Cheesemeister3k (via IGN).

"We will continue making 3DS and Wii software while preparing for the NX," Iwata continued. "We are prioritising satisfying customers who purchased the Wii U."

At the E3 trade show in June, Nintendo's underwhelming announcements indicated that the company's focus has shifted to the NX, for which it is likely saving its main hitters. Its biggest games at the show were Star Fox Zero and Super Mario Maker – both announced at last year's E3.

Iwata also spoke about why Nintendo is holding off on detailing the NX until 2016. "We can't talk about the NX," he said. "If we do, competitors may take our ideas and customers won't be surprised."

Nintendo's NX was announced as being in the works in March, in tandem with the company's declaration that it is to develop mobile games for the very first time. Shortly after the news broke we speculated as to what the NX might be, suggesting it could be both a handheld and home device.

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