Nintendo's new console is in the works, according to Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto.

Shigeru Miyamoto made it official: Nintendo's new console is in the early stages of development, and it appears the company is planning on a multi-platform release.

The announcement came as a surprise; console makers usually start developing the next system after the release of the current generation, but it's rare for an insider, especially for someone like Miyamoto, to openly discuss the details.

Miyamoto told the Associated Press the new hardware is in early stages of development, and work is underway on more than one system. The news does not guarantee that Nintendo's new console launches in 2015, though. The company will continue support for the Wii U next year (abcenews.go.com reports).

"We're focused on providing a robust line-up of Wii U software for next year. It seems like we've managed to do that this year and people are very happy with what we've done on Wii U.

For the time being, our focus is on the Wii U hardware, but Nintendo as a whole has groups working on ideas for new hardware systems. While we're busy working on software for the Wii U, we have production lines that are working on ideas for what the next system might be."

Sharp is rumored to partner with Nintendo in developing a free-form LCD screen, to be used on a doughnut-shaped display. In October, Nintendo hired new staff for the confirmed development of new hardware.

Fans eager for a new Mario game would also have to wait for Nintendo's new console.

"Since we first created Mario, people have compared him to Mickey Mouse. I've always said Mickey Mouse evolved with each evolution in animation. You saw Mickey Mouse each step of the way.

From early on, I wanted Mario to be that character in the digital world, so that with each digital evolution, he was there to usher in the next era. I think that maybe when we release the next hardware system, you can look forward to seeing Mario take on a new role or in a new game." (gamespot.com)