The NX Mystery

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Looking back Nintendo President Satoru Iwata did no one any favors, when he announced the newest Nintendo Gaming System NX in early 2015. More than one and a half year later and we still don't know anything about it. The NX could be a console, a handheld, a hybrid or new series of Game&Watch.

After the initial announcement rumors and speculations started to spread, like always when a new piece of hardware, especially Nintendo hardware, is announced, but after over a year of running rampant without any official news the Hype Level for the NX has grown into ludicrous proportions. But what does Nintendon have to gain from keeping the NX a secret for such a long time? Let us take a look at some of the more likely thoughts behind holding back NX information.

The NX Mystery: Good or Bad?

When the NX was announced it was to squelch Investors, who were worried because of the failure of the Wii-U as well as fans, who weren't happy about the decision of developing mobile games. It was done to send the message that Nintendo is still staying true to their vision as gaming company as well as showing that they already took steps forward and away from the Wii-U failure.

Because of that I think at that time they didn't have anything specific to show or tell about the NX platform. It was still deep into development.

But then one year later they announced a release date for the new console. March 2017 would be the worldwide release of the NX. If they have a definitive release date, that also means that the product is in a advanced state already. Alpha testing has probably started already, maybe even Beta testing. With this in mind they could have shown the NX form this day on. They could have shown in it at e3, Gamescom, the Tokyo Game Show or at a Nintendo Direct.

But they didn't.

The most logical answer is summarized in one Word. Hype.

Over the last year the rumors and speculations towards the NX have build up an incredible Hype. People have expectations for something they only know the name off. And I think Nintendo wants to capitalize on that. So far they have done nothing against those rumors and that is why I think that Nintendo feels confident to satisfy the Hype, consumers have created for the NX. If not they would have announced the system by now to bring the expectations back into reality.

But if they can satisfy the hype that has build up around the system then this stalling tactic makes sense. What I think is that Nintendo plans on a very short but intense ad campaign. They don't want the Hype to die down in the months leading up to the release of NX. That is why they let the rumors, the leaks and the speculation run wild for a little longer. My guess is that they plan on unveiling the system somewhere in October and then start a short, but intense, five month ad campaign.

This way they can secure that the people don't grow tired and the excitement doesn't die down.

To me this seems like the most logical course of actions, and if it turns out to be true then Nintendo has much to gain from keeping the NX secret for such a long time.

So what are your thoughts on that matter? Are you tired of not knowing what the NX is about? Or are you still excited about Nintendos next gaming system? Let me know your thoughts in the comments.

And as always

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