Nintendo NX Release Date Rumor: Console's Launch Possibly Leaked by Gamestop Survey
A new survey from a retailer in the United States may have leaked the release date of the upcoming console Nintendo NX. It also boosts a prediction made by one analyst earlier this month.
Nintendo-centric community GoNintendo spotted the survey and posted screenshots of a couple of questions relating to the Nintendo NX on Saturday, Jan. 23. The survey was run by U.S. retailer GameStop and it wanted to determine respondents' future purchase decision.
The survey first asks if the respondent is aware of upcoming releases. The options provided included "a new Nintendo console (codenamed the Nintendo NX)," but the rest were virtual devices including Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, Samsung Gear VR, and PlayStation VR.
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The interesting bit, however, is the follow-up question (screenshot below). It asks respondents how likely they would buy the devices mentioned earlier "in the next 12 months." The VR devices are expected to release this year, and with the Nintendo NX included on the list, some have taken the time frame as hinting at the Nintendo NX's release date.
Although the survey most likely wanted to determine consumer interest on new hardware, it's uncertain why GameStop bundled the Nintendo NX with the other upcoming devices of 2016. It could have been based on prevailing Nintendo NX rumors. It's also possible that the question was based on internal knowledge. Companies have been known to provide retailers with release information ahead of time so they can plan and allocate shelf and stock space for new products when they release to the market.
Whether or not the Nintendo NX will release this year, this survey alone cannot tell. However, it does boost a previous prediction from one analyst. Earlier this month, an analyst from Tokyo's Nomura Securities, Junko Yamamura, said Nintendo's upcoming console will be announced between March and May, unveiled in June, launched between October and November, and finally be available during the year-end shopping season.
Nintendo, however, has not announced any release date or window for the Nintendo NX as of this time.
