Topic: 3DS still has a long way to go before the next gen handheld.

Three reasons why the 3DS has a long way to go.

1.If they are to make a next gen handheld, they would also have to make a next gen console as well because simply updating that compatibility for the new system on the wii u would require time and cost.

2. Games are still not as big as the DS and while it can be said the same for the GBC and N64, they atleast had third party support and had games that we want. The 3DS however still needs a Metroid game and a Wario game and more games like Advance Wars as well.

3.The technology would have to be released at a reasonable price. So if the system was rushed like the Wii U or like the first 3DS (which if you ask me, is more of a prototype than an actual system. ), it would be expensive and Nintendo would make a huge loss.

Everything you said isn't true.
1. No they don't have to have the next home console absolutely ready just how the two devices will communicate.
2. There are always games people still want to come out doesn't mean they will.
3. 3DS was outdated on release and Nintendo could easily bring out a considerably more powerful handheld but won't because the 3DS its self is still selling.

I think Nintendo's going to do a "Fusion" next gen with both their next handheld and next home console launching in 2017.

@Jazzer94

1.If they don't have to make it compatible with the Wii U, then how are they going to do a cross buy?
2.Maybe so but the library for the 3DS is still underwhelming.
3.2011 was a rough year for Japan so that itself had caused some losses for Nintendo as well.

The DS library was amazing. Most of the 3DS titles are just continuations off of those ideas (I call it developer/publisher laziness and development delay due to the terrible first year). I would say that Nintendo actually has produced better first party titles on a whole for the 3DS compared to the DS (specifically with Mario related titles and Zelda titles). At any rate, I think we are probably 2 years off of the new handheld if past trends hold. Now let's address the points:

1. Nintendo is currently developing their new handheld and console (or whatever hybrid version there may be), so they can release a new handheld with little worry about compatibility issues as long as they have the same or comparable OS. They probably would just not worry about compatibility with the new handheld and Wii U because frankly it hasn't really been a necessity for compatibility since the gamecube/GBA era.

2. Apparently a Metorid game is in the works (at least they have said as much), but that doesn't mean that will be a reality. I think a warioland game would be awesome as those have been some of nintendo's best handheld games. I am surprised a warioware game utilizing the 3D and gyro functions has yet to be released, but maybe that was too much of a headache with the bad 3D sweet spot. Maybe look for a new 3DS version. Advance Wars won't be coming I suppose. It never sold that well in Japan (I don't think Days of Ruin even released in retail over there) and Intelligent Systems seems to be prioritizing Fire Emblem and Codename STEAM (which I think was a new AW game but it just lender itself better to a new IP).

3. The 3DS is already using old tech (the screen is the same as the DS basically) so it isn't as if a new handheld will break the bank. Plus Nintendo has stuck by Gunpei Yokoi's philosophy of using cheap technology to create affordable (read profitable) experiences.

I think the 3DS is beginning the long process of winding down now. I don't think we'll see another year like 2013, at least.

Eh I think Nintendo is slowly but surely winding down as they prep for next gen.

2015 looks like it'll be on a similar level to be honest! Although I do agree 2013 for the 3DS was one of the best years any console has ever had. But 2015 we've got
Majoras Mask, MH4, Xenoblade Chronicles, Codename STEAM, Fire Emblem something, Bravely Second.
And those are just the retail releases. Lots of great downloadables too!

Considering that they've already decided on bringing the handheld and console closer together in terms of architecture, this probably won't be a problem.

Most of those IPs are niche, so I'd hardly call that "a long way to go". The Wii U has a bigger need for new games really, because in addition to those games, it's still missing a main series Kirby, Animal Crossing, and Paper Mario.

2016-2017 is enough time for them to do that.

Not at all, most of these games are JRPGs and besides Majora's Mask (which is a remake), there's no big IPs represented here. We don't have a Pokemon game announced yet, there's no Mario, no Kirby, no Donkey Kong, no Yoshi, etc. There's really nothing here that's attention grabbing.

I fully believe next gen portable games are already being made. I think they are even working on next gen console games, but most people don't believe me. However, if it is coming out next year, they would have to have been working on them since last year. Most people believe it's coming in 2016, in Japan, at least.

They are making a new next gen handheld, it will most likely come in 2017.

The GameBoy Color, an upgrade, was introduced in 1998, 3 years later their next gen handheld came out, the GBA

The DSi, an upgrade, was released in 2008, 3 years later their next gen handheld came out, the 3DS

So if history repeats itself, a next gen handheld will come out in 2017, 3 years after the upgrade, the New 3DS

Of course they're working on the next consoles. They have to work on them at least 3 or so years before they release them, and they've already started making comments about what next gen would be like, so obviously they're working on next gen now.