Nintendo NX Set For Release In Early 2017, Legend Of Zelda Confirmed As Launch Title

Nintendo has today confirmed plans to release its new hardware, currently codenamed Nintendo NX, globally in March of 2017.

News arrives alongside a financial release from the Big N, stating that: “For our dedicated video game platform business, Nintendo is currently developing a gaming platform codenamed ‘NX’ with a brand-new concept. NX will be launched in March 2017 globally.”

That reportedly takes the Nintendo NX out of the running for this year’s E3 – plans are in place to unveil the hardware later in 2016 – when the Japanese giant will double down on The Legend of Zelda for Wii U. In fact, with the NX looming on the horizon, it’s understood that the latest installment in the beloved action series will release simultaneously for both Wii U and NX, ensuring that Zelda now stands as an early launch title for the latter platform.

Per Nintendo:

“The latest installment in this classic franchise is scheduled to launch simultaneously for both Wii U and NX, and both versions of the game have been in development in tandem. Because developers need more time to polish the game, it will launch in 2017, but it will be the focus of Nintendo’s presence at E3.”

Once slated for late 2015, fans will now have to wait until early 2017 before jumping into the new Zelda. But when it comes to the Nintendo NX itself, company President Tatsumi Kimishima noted that “it’s not merely the successor to the handheld 3DS or stationary console Wii U. This will be hardware that’s been made with a new way of thinking. I’d like to announce more particulars regarding its specs and how it works another time this year.”

It’s official: Nintendo NX will launch in March 2017 and will be flanked by The Legend of Zelda. Start getting excited, folks.