Nintendo Opens Submissions for New Developer Program

Nintendo has launched a website where developers and publishers can register for access to "tools, resources, and downloads" to help "create and publish Nintendo games and applications using HTML5, Unity, or native Wii U and 3DS SDKs."

Signing up and being accepted gives developers access to the Nintendo Dev Interface (NDI), which ensures creators have "the optimal development environment on your development system."

Although the site only lists the Wii U and Nintendo 3DS as supported platforms, reports have suggested Nintendo has started sending out software development kits for its upcoming gaming platform, codenamed the NX. It is likely this platform will also support the NDI toolkit, though this has not been officially confirmed.

Publishers, meanwhile, will be able to more easily distribute content through the company's eShop, as the developer portal gives them access to an "ever-growing suite of tools to help you develop, publish and manage your games and apps."

"If you have a concept, we want to help you make it a reality," the site says. "Whether you’re making the next blockbuster game, or an app that utilises the unique abilities of the Nintendo 3DS or Wii U, we’re ready to assist you in making it available for people to download on their favorite devices.

"This new website had one goal--to make your lives easier. We’re hard at work making more and better tools to help you self-publish, digitally publish, and publish at retail."

Recent reports have suggested the NX will be comprised of both a console and "at least one mobile unit that could either be used in conjunction with the console or taken on the road for separate use." The hardware will also use "industry-leading chips" for better graphical capabilities.

As of yet, Nintendo has not officially announced specifics on the NX. Responding to these reports, the company reiterated it "will not comment further on NX until 2016."