[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/16/nikkei-nintendo-to-launch-unified-console-handheld/)
[Nintendo](http://www.engadget.com/tag/nintendo/) plans to merge its handheld and console gaming units into one division to create next generation hardware "that will turn heads," according to a report from Nikkei. It's reporting that the gaming outfit is feeling the heat from competitors, along with new devices from the likes of [NVIDIA](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/07/nvidia-project-shield-tegra-4/) and [Ouya](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/28/ouya-unboxing/) on upstart platforms such as [Android](http://www.engadget.com/tag/android%20gaming/). Nintendo is reportedly looking to speed up the development cycle and increase product interoperability by bringing the brain power from all its divisions together. It'll inaugurate the unified division by February 16th of this year -- transferring in 130 console and 150 handheld engineers, to start. It'll house the new team in a facility next to its Kyoto HQ that'll be completed by the end of the year, which it sees becoming "a hotbed of new ideas," according to Nikkei. All this comes on the heels of tepid launches of the [Wii U console](http://www.engadget.com/wii-u-review/nintendo-wii-u-review/) and [Nintendo 3DS gamepad](http://www.engadget.com/2012/07/10/nintendo-3ds-xl-review/) -- so any shakeup is likely good news for gamers.
Filed under: [Gaming](http://www.engadget.com/category/gaming/), [Nintendo](http://www.engadget.com/category/nintendo/)
**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/16/nikkei-nintendo-to-launch-unified-console-handheld/#comments)**
**Via:** [IGN](http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/01/16/report-nintendo-to-restructure-hardware-divisions)
**Source:** [Nikkei (subscription)](http://e.nikkei.com/e/ac/tnks/Nni20130115D1501F03.htm)
URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/16/nikkei-nintendo-to-launch-unified-console-handheld/
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