Nintendo’s ‘conglomeration of hardware and software’ to be shown next week. Mario 128 due?

You remember that several weeks ago, Nintendo’s president Satoru Iwata spoke somewhat mystically of a new product in development by Nintendo that would be a fusion of hardware and software.

Understandably intrigued, we contacted Nintendo Japan who simply said that an announcement would be made in the coming months, mentioning Easter next year as a time to watch. We were candidly told that Iwata's speech related to Donkey Konga, so that was that...or so we thought.

However, Nintendo Japan today contacted us to say that it has a major briefing pencilled in for next week at which several new products will be shown. Interestingly, not all of the goodies on show will be software, with the iQue, Game Boy Advance Wireless Adapter and others being shown.

Nintendo also stated that the meetings, to take place at three regional offices jotted about Japan, will showcase key products for the coming half-year. Could this be the first glimpse of Mario 128?

We’ll be on location next week, bringing you all the announcements. Stay tuned.