GameStop executive teases 'imminent' release of new Nintendo NX and PlayStation 4.5 consoles

When pressed on his comments, GameStop executive Tony Bartel said: 'As usual, we know more than we can share'

. (David McNew/Getty Images)

A senior executive at American games retailer GameStop has said the launches of new consoles from Nintendo, Sony and Microsoft "seem imminent."

His comments will add even more fuel to rumours that a rash of new consoles could be released by the end of the year.

Speaking at a GameStop event, chief operating officer Tony Bartel told attendees that his presentation didn't take into account the potential launches of new consoles, Gamespot reported.

Explaining, he said: "Although we have not modelled extensive growth for new innovation in this presentation, we are very pleased to see the introduction of technology like virtual reality and rumoured new console launches, some of which seem imminent."

When asked to say which consoles he was referring to, Bartel said: "As usual, we know more than we can share."

His comments may be far from definitive, but plausible rumours have been swirling for months about upcoming 2016 console launches.

In March, Kotaku reported that Sony was working on a beefed-up PlayStation 4, capable of running games in ultra-high 4K resolution and providing better support for the upcoming PlayStation VR, a processor-intesive virtual reality headset.

Nintendo's legions of loyal fans are also excited for the release of the Nintendo NX - Nintendo has kept the console completely under wraps, but a few leaks have revealed pictures claiming to show the console's controller, as well as potential games and release dates.

Microsoft has also hinted at plans to introduce hardware upgrades for the Xbox One - however, Xbox boss Phil Spencer has been cryptic in his comments.

At any rate, all is likely to be revealed at E3 in June - it's the world's biggest gaming show, and is traditionally the place where companies announce their latest platforms and games.

Bartel's comments will kick off a whole new round of rumours, but it should only be matter of weeks before we get some more solid details.