Nintendo to skip E3, release new console March 2017

Rumors have been swirling for months now about the future of Nintendo's new console, code named the NX. What would it be, what would it play, how would it work -- but most importantly of all, when would it come out? While we're still in the dark about most of those other things, Nintendo has finally shed some light on the latter question: 2017 is the year they plan on bringing out the big guns, namely a new console launch, new Zelda game, more mobile plans. This year is less about big releases and news, because Nintendo is going to essentially skip out on E3 and only bring one game to the convention.

During a news conference in Japan, Nintendo Chief Executive Tatsumi Kimishima dropped the big news about when we would be seeing the NX console, in addition to laying some groundwork for the rest of the company's year. Despite rumors claiming the NX would launch by the end of the year, Kimishima gave a launch window of March 2017 for the highly anticipated gaming system. Kimishima also revealed that the long in development next iteration of the Legend of Zelda franchise will indeed be delayed and is now coming out for both the Wii U and the NX in 2017, as previously expected.

Separate from all the NX talk, Nintendo also confirmed they would be releasing two new smartphone apps by the end of the year, hot off the heels of the successful launch of Miitomo earlier this spring. The new apps will be based on the Fire Emblem and Animal Crossing franchises, and both are looking to launch sometime this fall. So well console gamers might be waiting a little bit longer for the goods, it's clear that Nintendo still intends to give fans a lot to keep themselves occupied with until then.

And though the NX won't be released until 2017, details on the console should be coming later this year. Check back with us in early June to see what the new Zelda looks like, as Nintendo will be showing off gameplay and letting attendees play the game for the first time.