Earlier this month, Nintendo CEO Satoru Iwata announced the development of a new game platform codenamed "NX." The revelation came shortly after the Japanese electronics giant confirmed plans of bringing its games to smartphones, GameSpot reported.

Not a Shift of Attention

Iwata clarified that Nintendo isn't neglecting its passion for gaming systems. In fact, the company plans to introduce "NX" as a brand new concept.

NDTV took note of the CEO's words, which said, "On the contrary, because now we have decided on how we will make use of smart devices, we have come to hold an even stronger passion and vision for the dedicated video game system business than before."

"As proof that Nintendo maintains strong enthusiasm for the dedicated game system business, let me confirm that Nintendo is currently developing a dedicated game platform with a brand new concept under the development codename 'NX,'" Iwata revealed.

A New Service

GameSpot is convinced that "NX" will be developed alongside a new membership or subscription service.

In such a way that Windows 10 aims to unite smartphones, Xbox services and PC, the new Nintendo service is believed to unify the company's consoles and handhelds, among other platforms.

The Wii U's Replacement?

As it turns out, more information on "NX" is due for announcement next year. According to NDTV, the Wii U appears to be the "prime candidate" for replacement, as it said to fail expectations.

For those who may not know, Nintendo's top-selling portable is the Nintendo DS, TechRadar noted. On the other hand, the outlet felt the Wii U could "go down in history" as the company's worst-selling console.

A Console-Portable Hybrid?

Iwata has spilled subtle hints in a more recent dialogue, suggesting that "NX" could be a surprise. Speaking with Japanese business outlet Nikkei, the CEO tipped (via Kotaku), "However, if you only expand upon existing hardware, it's dull."

"In some shape or form, we're always thinking about how we want to surprise players as well as our desire to change each person's video gaming life," Iwata went on.

TechRadar jumped into the thought of the "NX" being a console-portable hybrid. The source, however, seemed sure that a new control method is "in the works."

Facts So Far

At this point, it's best to review what we've known about Nintendo's plans thus far. As told by Heavy:

1. Nintendo's partnership with DeNA, a Japanese mobile gaming company, is expected to yield the new membership service.

2. "NX" is just a codename. It is not the moniker of the actual console / hardware we're bound to see in the future.

3. "The Legend of Zelda," as previously reported, is delayed for the Wii U -- Heavy said it could be the platform's exit.

These are things known about the "NX" so far, but followers are rest assured that more details will come in 2016.

Would you like to give the Wii U a try? See the console in the videos below.