Rumoured delay for Nintendo NX to add VR

Ready for another NX rumour? This time, reports are claiming that Nintendo has pushed manufacturing for its next console back in order to include virtual reality tech.

The story originates from DigiTimes, which cites “sources from the related upstream supply chain” and says the move has been to ensure NX keeps up with the competition – i.e. PlayStation VR and Microsoft’s augmented reality device HoloLens, not to mention the rumoured Xbox VR.

Allegedly, mass production for the NX was due to begin in mid-2016 but has been pushed back to early 2017, with “some key components” due to enter production by the end of the year.

DigiTimes report remains in line with the most persistent rumour: that NX is somehow a hybrid of both console and handheld.

“The sources pointed out that the Nintendo NX combines the video gaming experience with the mobile gaming experience,” the site writes. “The device features a five- to seven-inch display, controller and joystick for users to play as a mobile gaming product, but it is also able to connect to a TV for users to play as a video game system.”

The introduction of VR would be interesting given that Nintendo was initially against the tech because “it’s not fun, and it’s not social”. However, earlier this year it was reported that Nintendo was “looking at VR”.

If the report is to be believed, Nintendo is also less optimistic about its sales chances than the Wii U, cutting the planned shipment from 20m to 10m in order to account for the shrinking console market in Japan.

Another recent rumour is that it will be dropping disc-based games in favour of cartidges similar to 3DS.

Nothing is known about NX other than its planned release date of early 2017 – although presumably this has been pushed back as well. It will apparently not be unveiled at E3 later this month.