Mario and Pokémon will boost Nintendo's NX console: Report

Nintendo is intending to give sales of its next console a strong start with support from the Mario and Pokémon franchises, according to a new report.

"The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild" is already expected to help launch the new console, dubbed the NX, when it arrives in 2017.

A March 2017 date has been announced by Japanese console manufacturer Nintendo, which coincides with the release of "Breath of the Wild" both on NX and the current Wii U console, and the company is to reveal the new device before the end of the year.

The new Zelda, along with new Mario and Pokémon games, will all release within the first six months of the NX's introduction, according to UK trade news outlet MCV.

The publication's sources also backed up an earlier report from Eurogamer which had the NX as being wholly portable but with detachable controllers and the ability to plug into a dock and a TV.

This year's Tokyo Game Show runs September 15-18 and Nintendo may choose the occasion to unveil the NX during a concurrent, dedicated event.