After announcing its next console system, early reports suggest Nintendo's NX hardware may include more than one device.

According to The Wall Street Journal, Nintendo has begun distributing a software development kit for NX. Rather than just being a console or handheld system, the platform would feature separate devices that work in conjunction to each other.

"The exact shape of the NX hardware isn't yet clear," wrote contributor Takashi Mochizuki.

"People familiar with the development plans said Nintendo would likely include 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. They also said Nintendo would aim to put industry-leading chips in the NX devices, after criticism that the Wii U's capabilities didn't match those of competitors."

Reportedly, NX will likely have "more than two devices," making it a group or family hub of devices that can interact with each other.

For fans, the potential for the NX platform could mean a new way for Nintendo to utilize its popular franchises such as Pokemon.

"This makes me super excited," wrote Dan Johnson on Facebook

"I think it will be the next big hit. This is the gateway to having a full console Pokemon RPG! I mean come on, that's a guaranteed 10 million consoles sold [on] day one. And I'm sure some people will still say it's too 'gimmicky' to be taken seriously as a gaming console."

Early predictions suggest that the next-gen Nintendo platform could arrive as early as 2016.