14 DAY TRIAL // There are a lot of rumors around about new hardware coming from Sony, Nintendo, and Microsoft, and it seems that the leadership of retailer Gamestop is ready to welcome the new devices and believes that they will have a big impact when they are finally revealed and launched.
Speaking to investors in Texas, Tony Bartel, the chief operations officer of the company, says that because the devices are not official, growth associated with them is not built into its earnings projections yet.
He adds, "Although we have not modeled extensive growth for innovation in this presentation, we are very pleased to see the introduction of technology like virtual reality and rumored new console launches, some of which seem imminent."
Gamestop is very interested in selling hardware because those who pick one up inside its stores also get video games associated with them and even subscriptions for services offered by the platform holder.
The company will also be eager to get a solid share when it comes to virtual reality hardware sales, but at the moment, both the Oculus Rift and the Vive are only being delivered to those who pre-ordered them, and it seems that the two manufacturers have some trouble meeting demand.
The COO has also said that Gamestop knows more about the future of gaming but cannot share details.
All console makers might be preparing for big launches
The biggest coming hardware release of the year is certainly the new NX home console from Nintendo, which has been rumored for some time and is thought to be on track for an announcement in early summer and will be in stores before the end of the year.
There are plenty of rumors about the device at the moment, and fake images of its controller have already been created.
Sony is also said to be working on a new PlayStation 4K, which apparently can deliver content in 4K resolution and will also have a graphics processing unit that provides twice the power of the current one and will offer more support for the coming PlayStation VR.
Sources are also talking about a new version of the Xbox One that Microsoft might be getting ready to show off during the coming E3 2016 event in June.
Rumors are saying that the new platform will be a Slim version and that the new design will also slightly increase performance and will offer a quieter experience.