Nintendo NX Console and Pokemon Go Are in Final Stages

May 23, 2016 09:55 AM EDT

Nintendo is gearing up for the much-anticipated release of NX console and Pokemon Go. These forthcoming Nintendo products will shake the gaming market once they become available. Now, here's the latest round-up of news about Nintendo NX console and Pokemon Go.

In Time's interview with Nintendo CEO Tatsumi Kimishima, he said the forthcoming NX gaming console won't function as a replacement for Wii U and 3DS. Instead, it is a new gaming experience that will make a huge impact to long-time Nintendo fans.

Kimishima went on to explain that the Nintendo NX would be the first-of-its-kind console. The specific details about the device are still scarce, but there are rumors that it might have a similar design to the current Wii U with improved capabilities.

As for the device's release date, Nintendo president says, "It's not simply a question of when the hardware's ready; rather, we need to ensure our software lineup is also in a good place."

We previously reported the NX console would have Xbox One-like capabilities. If that is true, it might compete against the top gaming consoles in the market. It is also rumored that Nintendo could recover any of its third-party support to have an edge against other gaming consoles.

Interestingly, Nintendo NX might become available with Smash Bros. game, according to industry analyst Dr. Serkan Toto. In his post on Twitter earlier this year, he stated Bandai Namco is making several NX games, and Smash Bros. is one of those. Toto is popular for his predictions in the Japanese gaming industry.

Now, let's check the latest developments in Pokemon GO.  After Japan, Australia, and New Zealand, the game's beta program comes to the United States. The Pokemon Company and Niantic are now inviting players to join Pokemon GO field test in the U.S. Interested gamers should head to this link to sign up.

However, not all participants will be selected in the beta program. Niantic will send an invitation to the lucky participants in the next couple of days. Once chosen, players should make sure that they have an iPhone under iOS 8 or higher or an Android phone under version 4.3 or higher.

After the field test in the U.S., gamers believe Pokémon GO will become available. They also believe the game is now finished, and Niantic is only testing its gameplay to improve some of the features.  Nevertheless, we can expect the game will launch sometime this year.

With that said, let's wait for more information from Nintendo about their latest projects.