Why the internet is in a flap about Nintendo's NX console

Nintendo is yet to reveal the first details of its upcoming NX console, and we are unlikely to hear anything concrete until this year's E3 conference in June.

Regardless, the internet is in a flap about a new set of rumours about a home console and handheld hybrid to replace both Wii U and 3DS.

Adding fuel to that fire, today saw a marketing survey slide pop up on NeoGAF with a fresh set of claims - and again, reference to the NX as a console and handheld device. Eurogamer has spoken to individuals who responded to the survey and can verify it exists.

Whether Nintendo commissioned the survey and to what extent its information represents the console's final form is another matter, however.

The slide describes NX software as having gameplay which "flows" between the console's home device and handheld.

Players will be able to earn and share achievements, surf the web and make video calls - so far, so believable.

But the survey goes on to mention "4k/60fps video streaming" and "gameplay graphics at 900p/60fps". Plenty of Wii U games are 1080p, which makes this claim stand out as odd.

Eurogamer understands the survey goes on to quiz responders on how much they'd pay for the device and whether they would want a console with a disc drive (or not).

Another question asks if users would be interested in a Netflix-style game subscription service.

The survey was posted by major market research company GfK, the same outfit which collects game sales data for Chart-Track in the UK.

Immediate reaction to the survey - especially the 900p detail - was negative. Although, as already stated, it is likely much of the information contained within was simply to test the waters. Consider the marketing surveys which Ubisoft sends out each year with suggestions for further Assassin's Creed. Some questions reflect features in upcoming games - which are by that point already well into development - while others are there seemingly to simply canvass opinions.

If this does come from Nintendo, it is probable a similar tactic is being used here. Or, if not from Nintendo, it is another company's best guesses.

The only thing certain at this point is that Nintendo will reveal details on NX when it is ready - either at E3, or to the Japanese newspaper Nikkei which will publish all the details online prematurely and spoil all the surprises (as has happened in the past).

We've contacted GfK for comment.