From the beginning, Nintendo has insisted that the NX will be a "brand new concept" in the world of gaming. But what does that mean?
Late Nintendo president Satoru Iwata said the console is not intended to simply replace the Wii U or handheld 3DS console, but we're pretty sure the Wii U is on its last legs and the 3DS is getting long in the tooth.
Iwata also commented on the different ways that "dedicated game systems" are played in Japan and elsewhere, with handheld devices being much more popular than home consoles nowadays in Nintendo's native country. With that in mind, Nintendo wants to "create a new platform that will be accepted by as many people around the world as possible."
Based on those statements and reports from industry insiders, the popular thinking for a while has been that the NX will do something to bridge the gap between home consoles and handheld systems. This is pure speculation, but the NX controller could double as both a regular controller and a handheld device, or the handheld unit could come packed in with the console.
Again, absolutely none of that could be true. People have inferred those ideas from vague statements and reports. Just know that when the NX launches next year, it will apparently be something different.