First Details of Nintendo's Next System, the 'NX'

Nintendo's next generation games system is codenamed NX, the company's chief executive Satoru Iwata has revealed.

Iwata said that the hardware project represents a "brand-new concept", but didn't elaborate further. The announcement came moments after Nintendo revealed plans to bring its household games and IP to mobiles and smartphones.

Speaking at a press conference held on Tuesday, Iwata explained: "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'. It is too early to elaborate on the details of this project, but we hope to share more information with you next year."

It is not clear whether the new hardware represents new strides in the handheld or home console business.

However, the new platform appears to be developed in unison with a new membership (or perhaps subscription) service that will unite Nintendo's home consoles, its handhelds, as well as mobiles and PC.

Iwata clarified that this new membership service will "encompasses the existing Nintendo 3DS and Wii U systems, the new hardware system with a brand-new concept, NX, and smart devices and PCs."

He added: "Nintendo will be the primary party to operate this new membership service. Unlike the Club Nintendo membership service that Nintendo has been operating, the new membership service will include multiple devices and create a connection between Nintendo and each individual consumer regardless of the device the consumer uses."

Earlier this year, Nintendo announced that it would be closing its Club Nintendo membership program by September. The loyalty program launched in 2007 and supplied free gifts to owners of the Nintendo DS, Wii, 3DS and Wii U. At the time the company claimed it was "working hard to create a new program." It appears this new membership service will be its replacement.