Nintendo NX Release Date Update: Rumors Hint At Augmented Reality Support And High-Profile Titles

It's been awhile now since speculative updates on a possible Nintendo NX release date by the end of 2016 became a regular phenomenon across the tech sphere.

Keeping true to that trend, a new update has surfaced now that reaffirms the earlier predictions of the next-generation Nintendo gaming console making it to the store shelves later this year.

However, this time, the rumors have more good news to offer. Rejoice all you awaiting Nintendo fans for it is now being said that the NX could bring secured third party support along with some form of augmented reality compatibility.

Apparently, tech portal GoNintendo has learned from an unidentified source known by the pseudonym MetalDave that Nintendo is currently busy widening the distribution of the software development kits for the new console.

If true, the report has led many to believe that by aggressively pushing the dev kits to key second and third-party partners Nintendo is virtually making it clear that the release date won't be postponed beyond 2016.

Some rumors also suggest that the Nintendo NX could bring some sort of augmented reality support when its release date arrives.

Worth noting, these rumors are the continuation of a Fortune report that claimed the NX could actually focus on social AR/VR games.

Citing Tim Merel, founder and CEO of Digi-Capital, the report claimed that Nintendo was planning on low-cost augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR) or mixed reality head-mounted displays (HMDs), or smartphone HMD holders.

"This looks a bit like the original Wii strategy applied to the AR/VR market in the context of smartphones, and could enable Nintendo to leverage its IP to again disrupt an entire industry, and in a good way," Merel said.

Meanwhile, other reports claim that Nintendo is working extra hard to ensure that the release date of the NX is accompanied by some high-profile titles including a Mario game and Super Smash Bros.

Nintendo is expected to unveil the details of some of the key info on the NX at the coming E3 Expo 2016. 

According to some analysts, the company could be more inclined toward a regional launch strategy.