The company is evaluating the entire process

Jul 2, 2015 21:01 GMT  ·  By

Video game hardware maker and video game publisher Nintendo might be unwilling to talk about the new NX hardware platform until the early months of next year, but a leak from the companies that will manufacture the device says that a launch date has already been decided.

Digitimes is quoting sources familiar with the industrial facilities where the devices will be created as saying that the official launch might take place at some point in July 2016.

Pilot production of NX home consoles will apparently start in October of this year and will be handled by Foxconn Electronics although it seems that Pegatron Technology is also seeking to get some orders from Nintendo.

Partners have been recently getting visits from the Japanese company, as it is evaluating their capabilities ahead of the coming venture.

First orders will be finalized in February or March of 2016, and mass production will begin in either May or June of the same year.

Delays might happen if the pilot devices are not up to the quality standards of Nintendo.

Nintendo wants big sales for the NX as soon as it is launched

The company is aiming to deliver no less than 20 million units to gamers during its first year on the market, which is a huge quantity of devices when compared to the Wii U, which is selling about 10 percent of that during the same period.

Companies like Macronix, PixArt Imaging, Coxon Precise Industrial, Nishoku Technology, Delta Electronics, Lingsen Precision Industries and Jentech will manufacture parts of the NX.

Neither of the entities involved has reacted to the rumors about the manufacturing process or the launch date.

We do not yet know exactly what kind of device the NX will be although Nintendo has suggested that it wants to deliver an innovative experience that will capture the spirit that made the original Wii a success.

Given recent statements from the company, it is clear that virtual reality will not be included, but a focus on well-being and health might be present.

Nintendo needs the NX to be a success to once again compete directly with Microsoft and Sony, which are seeing solid sales for both the Xbox One and the PlayStation 4.