Nintendo NX Doesn't Need To Compete With PlayStation 4 And Xbox One To Be A Success, Claims Analyst

Seems like this will be an interesting system.

I don't know......it needs somethin.....

No, because in another 2 years we'll have the PS5 and Xbox SomethingNoOneUnderstands, and they'll be more powerful and grab all the mainstream headlines. Nintendo needs to provide a unique experience that people understand and compels them to go out and buy it.

I came here expecting another nonsense Pachter article, very disappointed!

@Dakt Hahaha I know right? My first thoughts too.

But yeah what I love about the big N is they actually innovate. Microsoft and Sony have great systems (in general) but they are always merely more powerful versions of the previous one. Whereas Nintendo creates NEW ways to experience games completely like with the Wii's motion controls, double screens on the DS, the gamepad, etc. I bet the NX will revolutionize gaming yet again while powerful, (but boring imo) X Box and Playstation continue to go about business as usual.

@Dakt I do this every time I see the word analyst regarding Nintendo lol.

@Dakt there's an f3 for that

Yes it does need to compete. Let's say the same third party game is released on all three consoles, its not good enough that the NX will come a poor third regarding graphics and power.

The console is not relevant, what shows on the large tv screen is. That and a decent controller.

Any gimmic Nintendo wants to add on is fine as long as they get the basic stuff right.

A smaller screen to make a game portable may work as long as it does not involve to much additional work for the third party developers, otherwise they will not bother with the NX.

Unfortunately, we have been one full generation behind other systems since thE Wii was born. I was personally ok with falling behind because current gen games all seemed to begin to revolve around battle arena, wars, or sports. I could not find an experience as complete as Metroid Prime 3 on any other system. I could also not find such satisfying game play and story telling as Twilight Princess on any other system. Super Mario Galaxy 1 and 2 proved that the Wii was worth more than its weight in gold as well. The Wii U looked very promising at launch with so much 3rd party support but in due time, it turned out to be more 2nd party and 1st party titles that executed correctly, so 3rd party developers began shying away from the awesome system. They gravitated toward the more powerful machines because of the ease of development, the more capable systems made it less complicated to port games. So even though the Wii U is more powerful than the ps3 and xbox360, there are ps4 and xboxOne titles that get a ps3 and xbox360 port but no Wii U port. Thusly making us Wii U owners feel as if we are stuck in the gap between the last gen and the one before it, not even the current one. So, hearing now, that the NX "MIGHT" be "as powerful" as the ps4 or xboxOne Simply let's me know that we will always be at LEAST a generation and a half behind. Because let's be honest here, as soon as the NX was hinted at, Microsoft and Sony began to pump more money into the development of their respective next gen consoles, so when NX finally gets revealed, guess what, ps5 and Xbox4 will get a set of specs that makes the NX sound like too little too late. So the story will repeat itself again, we will be hoping to get a vibrant library of games for our shiny new NX but will get limited titles which I'm sure will be breathtaking and amazing, but not plentiful. What I am wishing, hoping, praying for, is that the NX packs more than twice the power of CURRENT gen consoles and Nintendo takes things back to the days of "now you're playing with power" and the NX has as much 3rd party support and success as the Super Nintendo did, making the statement that proves Nintendo really has to be the leader of this industry we all love so much.

Wrong!! We have seen what Nintendo can do when not competing and it's not good for sales. Other then the lightening in a bottle Wii their console sales have been in a rapid decline. If not compete then what's the point. Then need to take a bigger bite out of that market. They need people to have a reason to want only Nintendo and not the other systems.

What is it with you people and Pachter? We all know he's horrible, but can't you just forget about him?

Not even reading that. If it's not as powerful as those two, it will just be what we have now.

What, an analyst with common sense? Say it ain't so!

Perhaps I'm in the minority, but I've got a Wii U, and I had to decide whether I bought the Wii U, PS4 or Xbox One. It wasn't any easy decision, but the fact that I especially love Nintendo games and the cheaper price of the Wii U was what tempted me (though the other consoles also have good games).

Nintendo has to be different. I'll agree with Matt Diener that it'll be tricky to win over established PlayStation and Xbox fans if Nintendo tries to be the same. Worst case scenario is if Nintendo makes a console similar to the others but isn't as powerful, since then people would look at the third party games and see that the best version isn't on the NX and then would be discouraged from getting this console.

Nintendo must be different, but they also have to be careful. The Wii U gamepad didn't get widespread appeal and some people were put off by it or didn't understand the point in it. The increase in price of the gamepad compared to a traditional controller could have also put people off. Making something that is "innovative" without being "gimmicky" is a tricky job.

I'm excited to find out more about the NX. It'll be tricky to pull off successfully, but it's possible for them to create a console that's a huge success.

Edit: I knew it wasn't a Pachter article by the number of comments that were made so far. There would have been a storm of comments by now if Patcher's quotes were in this article.

This makes a lot of sense.

Except that works sooooo well with Wii U....

I agree so far as Nintendo needing a different approach from their competitors to stay relevant. I disagree with continuing this charade of pretending that Sony and Microsoft are not directly and indirectly competing against Nintendo. This isn't the 80s and early 90s anymore; Nintendo may dance to their own tune, but they're not in a league of their own.

I would also posit that Nintendo was very conservative with the Wii U, taking few risks. They didn't support much of anything on their home console this time around, which is a stark contrast to the gambles they took on even the N64. (Such as spending a minimum of about $100 on marketing for every console shipped, which ultimately worked out to around $3.3 billion on just marketing and advertising for the N64! I bet that's a hell of a lot more than Nintendo spent on the Wii U, especially when you adjust for inflation, which would make that be the equivalent of almost $5 billion today.)

The Wii U was the console that tried to appeal to a completely different market than the PS4.

The XBone was designed around and tried to advertise itself as appealing to the casual market as well, although not to the extent of the Wii branding, it's one of the reasons gamers flocked to the PS4, which made clear that the system was designed to appeal to gamers first and foremost.

What's wrong with innovating AND competing against the PS4/Xbox One??

Y'know, he's kind of right. They need something to catch consumers, and just following the footsteps of the Xbone or PS4 isn't going to do that for people that already have one of those two. HOWEVER, they should probably be careful with what they shove out the door, and should also make sure that it's 3rd-party friendly (and also SOMEWHAT powerful).
@John_Enigma We COULD forget about him if Nintendo Life would just stop reporting on him and reminding us of his drivel!

The way I see it, Nintendo should do one of two things next console generation...

1. They compete with Sony and Microsoft directly in terms of power, architecture, features, etc. The only problem I can see resulting from that is that we'll basically have the first year and a half of the Wii U again (and likely the first year and a half of PS4/One) because that'd be new hardware to develop for and it'd be a half gen of ports and delays while they learn the new hardware and architecture. In the long run, it could be better for Nintendo, I suppose...

2. They create another Nintendo machine that's uniquely Nintendo, but sell it as a must-have secondary console. Many people (including myself) have more than one system and I know a lot of people that have one of the "main competitors" (PlayStation or Xbox) or a PC next to a Nintendo console (again, including myself with the PS4 and Wii U).

In short, all Nintendo has to do is market their system to make people WANT to buy it. If it sells, it'll be fine.

For me, though, as long as I get quality games...which I feel I have since I bought the system...Nintendo should just keep doing what they're doing. I've got a PS4 for games that don't come to the Wii U if they interest me, but my Wii U still gets more playtime out of the two.

Nintendo do their own thing and have made this clear since the game cube days, big difference now is Nintendo seem to be pulling away from delivering consoles about the same time as Microsoft and sony, is the wii u a wii gen late or is the nx a ps4 gen late, who knows because neither are anything like it's competitors, they are making good games and money to boot, in my opinion that's the main thing, if they start running out of ideas and exclusive colaborations then they will be in trouble, but the wii u shows if anything that they don't need third party support to have a great catalogue of games and let's face it third party although can bring blockbuster movie tie ins they can also bring a lot of dross, the only thing I think the wii u is missing is football and a lack of racing/rally/simulation.

Seems kinda common sense comments to me. Nintendo doing it's own thing is part of the reason I like it.

The Nx will be totally different to the other consoles - it will have Multiple ( up to 8? 3D + HD Screen gaming controllers - each can accept a Gamecart and can be played away from the main console.
The console will run SPlatoon NX - Zelda NX - Fire Emblem NX - Mario NX - Pokemon NX - Monster HUnter NX - Animal Crossing NX - Donkey Kong NX - Battalion Wars NX - Star Wars NX - and wil - AGAIN - provide an experience that the other consoles won't offer. . .

I think Nintendo's approach to consoles has been the most innovative in years. The Wii and the Wii U are fantastically unique and allow for a very different and fantastic gaming experience that simply cannot be matched on the other consoles.

And, Amiibo is a great idea and it's fantastic how a little character can be used in different games as opposed to the SkyLanders approach. (I finally broke down and picked up Toad and I'm getting my daughter Ganondorf and Bowser.)

Nintendo, for the most part, make fantastic games and I don't think that'll change. While we haven't had the big third party support there have been many exceptional games from the smaller studios.

The biggest fallacy I see here is power is what this generation seems to be about. It is not like last gen where it was about gimmicks.We have had almost every major developer say they are skipping the Wii U for a game due to the Wii U's lack of power. We have had games gimped beyond crazy due to lack of power. What Nintendo needs to do is find that next thing but do it with the power to compete with the other two. Otherwise, if they release weak, underpowered again, they'll be dead on arrival.

Sure and whatever other films starts tomorrow doesn't need to compete with Star Wars because it does its own thing. And whatever smartphone is released doesn't compete with the Iphone cause it does its own thing. And whatever TV show is released the same time as a Marvel show on Netflix doesn't compete because it does its own thing......
That's just not how it works! You're in the same space and you compete with the other products in that space for people's time and money. Whatever you do.

I don't like analyst! It's is a miracle how they stay employed because their predictions rarely seem to come true.

As for the NX, I just hope that it doesn't have a gimmicky controller and that there will be more games to play for it.

@Baker1000 Actually, I don't think Sony or MS could afford to do that and mess with their 3rd-party relations. The cost of AAA game development is so much nowadays, that 3rd-parties need some successes and time before they can jump to newer hardware, because that in itself will take time and money for them to learn, and the jump of power would require them to jump with that to use it. Should the twins go and just make new consoles this soon to be even more powerful could scare 3rd-parties away. It's not a problem for Nintendo to make the jump because the end result isn't going to be a drastic boost from what's already available.

That's one thing I enjoy about being a Nintendo fan - not only can they deliver incomparable game experiences, but they also aren't afraid to innovate with their new systems. I can't wait to see what Nintendo has up their sleeve for the next system. That said, I don't see Nintendo winning over the other system fans, but I don't think they need to. System sales are going to come mostly from casual fans who see the system as affordable and fun to play, just like the previous big sellers from Nintendo (NES, SNES, Wii). Once the user base is there, third parties will provide some ports and multi-platform titles so that the system won't have the dearth of games Wii U has had. Just do your thing, Nintendo.

It's pretty simple, if NX gets good 3rd party support along with a steady stream of great 1st party titles it will be fine. If that doesn't happen the NX will be Wii U part deux.

I would love to have something a Wii U game pad that could not only link with my powerful console, but also go solo and play mobile games.

"The worst-case scenario I could see for the NX is if Nintendo tries to copy the PlayStation 4/Xbox One too closely in an attempt to entice more third party support for the platform."

This, this, freaking THIS.

I'm sick of people saying that Nintendo needs to 'ditch the gimmicks' and simply create a powerful box with a 'normal controller'.

Not only are these people clueless dunderheads, but this would be one of the worst things things Nintendo could possibly do. The company thrives on creating new experiences that can't be found anywhere else - that's how videogaming evolves and expands. To be creatively regressive and regurgitate the same thing over and over with 'moar powar' is the very antitheses of what the industry is about.

Sometimes the experimentation doesn't work (Wii U), but that's the whole point of being daring - failure will likely occur.

With the rise of indies and the shift the current marketplace is going through, Nintendo needs to think outside the box, and not be beholden to lazy, bloated third parties that are slowly imploding - nor the whiney minority who (if they had their way) nothing would change, ever.

@Spoony_Tech Yeah, the Wii was a fluke. Let's forget the Game Boy, DS and 3DS, huh?

When Nintendo directly competed in a non-monopolised marketplace, we had the N64 and Gamecube. Two great systems, but both were handily outsold by Sony. The Wii U has been the only exception to the rule.

@Kage_88 Damn straight. If anything, I don't think Nintendo pushed the Wii U's primary gimmick hard ENOUGH. If there had be a solid stream of games that made innovative - or at least engaging use of the Gamepad - AND a decent advertising push to get people thinking, "hey, look what we can do on this new Nintendo!", then I think the Wii U's launch could have been very different, and it would have better differentiated itself from the original Wii.

As for the analyst, I think he makes a lot of sense. Yes, Nintendo should provide sufficient power and architecture to make 3rd party development relatively seamless, but they shouldn't give up on being Nintendo in the process.

I don't think Nintendo should worry about trying to compete with the other two companies, but they also shouldn't completely ignore it. Their focus should be on a completely solid experience out of the box while being both innovative AND intuitive. All the gimmick in the world won't help if your customers don't understand it. The console should also be easy to develop for to entice the 3rd party developers and have a strong launch library. Lastly, they need to advertise advertise advertise. NA is a very advertise heavy market. Just about every other commercial break there's a Sony or Microsoft ad for their console or game for their console. Word of mouth and niche websites aren't going to be good enough for Nintendo.

Oh and one last thing... Nintendo needs to figure out their online account system, ESPECIALLY if their new console is going to be a portable hybrid.

@Baker1000 There is no way we see the PS5 or next XBOX in 2 years. They've only been on the market for 2 years and are currently selling like crazy. The PS console life have been increasing since PS1; PS1 = 5 years, PS2 = 6 years, PS3 = 7 years. The original xbox was only out for 4 years before 360, but the 360 was out for 8 years before the XBONE came out. It stands to reason that we've got a minimum of 4 years left with the current XB & PS consoles, maybe 5 or 6.

But other than that I generally think you are right as was the analyst in his last point. They can't simply make a system like the PS4 or XBONE. People already have those systems.We don't need another one to do the same thing. Nintendo had to find another way to attract consumers; something that the other systems don't already have.

I'm sure I'll be getting it no matter what, but I just hope that Nintendo can release something that brings them strong commercial success and recognition, instead of ridicule from the masses.

It is precisely this thinking that Nintendo should avoid internally. Their objective should be to mop the floor with Sony and force Microsoft out of the console business. I don't need to tell you that both are a monumental task at this point for Nintendo, but that should be the end goal.

"Nintendo NX Doesn't Need To Compete With PlayStation 4 And Xbox One To Be A Success"

is like saying the Wii U was a success for the company because they didn't sell it at loss for a couple of years. In reality, it is one of the biggest jokes in the history of video games. Being successful in this industry has less to do with profit margins and more to do with public perception and visibility.

He's right to an extent.

Nintendo systems have always been different from the competition and having features they didn't have.

Wii U was the closest thing they've ever produced to a "traditional" console.
Though every Nintendo console has been weaker than the competition each time.

If they can successfully pull of the united OS and development architect, then it should make developing for both handheld and console easier for everyone.

FYI Pew Research just released the new data on what a "gamer" is as of 2015.
http://arstechnica.com/gaming/2015/12/survey-gamers-are-poorer-more-male-less-white-than-game-players/

So how exactly is Nintendo supposed to get major 3rd party games ported to their system if they aren't competing with Sony and Microsoft? That seems contradictory to me. If Nintendo is completely doing their own unique thing, then that is all the more reason for 3rd parties to completely ignore them. Nintendo not emulating Sony and Microsoft more is exactly why 3rd party support is so nonexistent.

I agree that Nintendo can be successful without competing with Sony and Microsoft, but being successful in that way involves abandoning the core gamer crowd, which is the market the latter two are in. I would imagine Nintendo could make a killing selling nothing but Amiibo and Amiibo games made specifically for families and children. But that kind of Nintendo would never get my support.

First the obvious: we all want the most powerful and online feature-enabled (complete with one transferable account and its purchases across multiple systems) console possible from Nintendo, preferably one with a traditional joypad that would make it more welcoming for third-party publishers. So, with that out of the way...

It always, ALWAYS comes down to the GAMES, no matter what gimmick or novelty a new console (Nintendo or otherwise) might offer. And Nintendo's GAMES are what have enabled the company to repeatedly defy predictions of its impending demise and/or falling out of the console-making business (and for anyone who thinks that'd be a positive thing, remember Sega since they went third-party and then hit yourself across the head really hard).

The secret to why Nintendo has been able to not only survive but often flourish with primarily first-party support for their consoles is brutally simple: nothing like them can be found on any other platform, not even the PC. How many "Metroidvanias" and "Zelda homages" are out there nowadays? Plenty, but none can come close to the production values and genius game design that made people coin such terms with regard to Nintendo titles. Mario, Zelda, Donkey Kong, Fire Emblem, F-Zero, StarFox, Kid Icarus...any of the other console makers would LOVE to have even ONE of those IPs on their platforms, but here's the rub: they're making too much money rehashing "AAA" FPSes and sandbox assassination/zombie apocalypse/tactical stuff to bother. Nintendo therefore is literally an entire section of the videogame industry unto itself, one that appeals to family friendliness while at the same time providing some of the greatest challenges found anywhere in the hobby. Anyone gotten all 128 stars in Super Mario 64? Beaten the Water temples in Zelda without using a guide? Beaten a Fire Emblem game without losing any members of your army? All of these are doable (and I've done them all myself) but they're most definitely NOT the "child's play" that some (mostly younger) gamers dismiss Nintendo games as being. To each his/her own.

Nintendo's mishandling of the Wii U and its Gamepad (which they've never fully taken advantage of; it's as if they weren't really ever sold on it themselves) cost them some confidence among their loyal fans. It's up to them to prove that the NX will be worth the investment when it hits...and it will depend upon the GAMES more than anything else.

@greengecko007
Nintendo has never supported the "hardcore" and core market.
There traditional market is families, "casuals" and fans.
All their console shave been targeted at these markets.

They have never made a console for the 'hardcore" or core markets to date.
"hardcore" and core gamers don't like Nintendo and Nintendo games as market research has shown time and again.

Are these the same analysts who said Nintendo would go 3rd party?

@duddy
No, there are quite a few analysts that do gaming.

Absolutely. There is no reason to do a me too console. There's no place on the market for a third dude bro console. Third parties aren't actually significant. Its the concept that needs to sell. If it sells well they would come crawling back and make some interesting games like they did with the Wii and like Ubisoft did with Zombi U and some other early efforts.

@Xenocity I disagree completely. I don't see how you can claim Nintendo never supported the core gaming audience just by looking at all the games they've released throughout the years. Nintendo only started trying to appeal to people that don't normally play video games last generation with the Wii; that was the start of their strategy called "blue ocean". They tried to single highhandedly expand the audience of gamers, and as the Wii U has shown, it failed completely.

Nintendo can either be successful by being a part of the core gaming industry (which is both casual and hardcore players), or they can be successful selling their characters and franchises in ways that appeal to non gamers, but they cannot hope to possibly be successful long term by doing a half-arsed middle ground approach.

@BinaryFragger that's just not true. It's used quite extensively in many games including Nintendo games. Pikmin. Wind Waker. Wonderful 101. Wii Fit U. Party. Wario. Kirby. Yoshi. Xenoblade. Splatoon. Super Mario Maker. It's used everywhere it makes sense and making it an option is a good thing just like it was with the Wii motion controls which were also used extensively and when a CC option was also available, that's just a further good thing.

I think it's all about the money, period.

I know after 6 years the Fed finally raised rates today so all is right in the world, but it isn't. Wii sold well b/c it was $250 w/ Wii Sports while PS3 was either $500 or $600. Xbox 360 was $500. Wii looked great compared to the other 2. Sony learned from this, launched PS4 at $400. Microsoft didn't, launched X1 at $500 and lost sales. Then $400, then $350, then $300 all within 2 ywars. Wii U was $350 or $300, then just $300, now, 3 years later, still $300 with some cheaper sale prices.

So what will NX be? $250 w/ a game or $350 w/ a game? And what will that game be, breakout Wii Sports or asymmetric Nintendo Land?

But the price matters. And backwards compatibility for the 12 million Wii U owners. I think the power and 3rd party support matter less. Make a $200 Home console, sell the Game pad separately as a 3DS replacement, make them work together seemlessly. $400 bundle might scare people away.

I think that analyst states the obvious and I totally agree on what he said. Copying the PS4 etc would end in a desaster for Nintendo. Even if their console would be more powerful than the others, many gamers would still perceive Nintendo consoles as technically inferior (or only suited for children) just because people like to keep outdated images in their heads (biases are a lot easier to live with than reality).
Instead, Nintendo should continue to go its own way and focus on their strengths (but of course also improve their weaknesses).

That said, if an "analyst" only heard of the rumors about a hybrid console and doesn't know anything himself, it pretty much confirms my suspections that these "analysts" are merely normal people that now nothing that we don't but give themselves a fancy name to sound like an expert.
What I'm trying to say is: Even if I agree with this guy, don't trust what all these so-called "analysts" or "experts" say.

The general consensus and what people are expecting is that NX will be more powerful than PS4.

As for a hybrid, that would be too expensive. They can achieve the same concept by just releasing 2 separate systems that are backwards compatible with each other. The handheld wouldn't be able to play the more graphical demanding console games, however.

@Spoony_Tech And how do you suppose Nintendo can do that by following Sony and Microsoft's footsteps? Make powerful hardware cheaper than them? That is something that's too impossible for even Nintendo to do.

If the Wii U was just as powerful as PS4 or One, it wouldn't matter because third parties aren't very creative to deliver games on Wii U or even port games on it for that matter. And it doesn't hurt that they can just force gamers to get a Pro controller to play their games which is again something Wii U owners will be angry because most of them love using the gamepad.

@Kage_88 (@Spoony_Tech)

I don't think you read their post correctly. Nintendo numbers are simply fading away. The Wii and the DS are the only exceptions to this. Sure the 3DS is performing adequately, but the fact remains that it has under half the sales of its predecessor and below the former lowest, the GBA, which was lower than GB. As for the home console line, the Wii U has 10% the sales of the Wii, while the GC had lower sales than the N64, while that had lower sales than the SNES, which had lower sales than NES.

The Wii U and 3DS fall right into place of fading numbers if you take out the Wii and DS. That's the point Spoony is making, and they are right. It's a shadow that's been following Nintendo for years.

The fact remains. The Wii and DS were flukes that captured the causal gamers, but many have moved on to other prospects, obviously. Is Nintendo still wise to chase that "blue ocean" crowd? It's debatable of course, but I'm inclined to say no. They turned out to be very fickle and left quickly.

@rjejr I absolutely agree, the price plays an important role (but of course it shouldn't limit innovation too much) and is something that should be considered by console producers.
Sure, for someone who doesn't have to care about money, it doesn't matter how much it will cost. But for everyone else, affordability is a key factor.

Although I'm not someone who usually buys things new, instead I wait and buy things used and save a lot of money that way.
I bought my Wii U (Premium with Wind Waker) for 199€ on Amazon Warehouse Deals 1,5 years ago. Just because I didn't want to pay more than 200€ for the console itself.
Another example: I bought my graphics card - an Asus R9 290 with DirectCU II - for 210€, used but with warranty. Just because I said to myself that I won't pay more than ~200 for a graphics card. Even today you still have to pay more than what I paid for a used one.

@MoonKnight7 You're missing the context, home console sales generally are declining since the turn of the millenium. Every Playstation (and Microsoft, of course) console sells less than the previous ones, it's not just a Nintendo-exclusive effect, but affecting the whole industry because PC and mobile games are growing stronger (people already have some kind of PC and a smartphone).

If you want to put it correctly, Wii and DS aren't the only exceptions. The older Nintendo consoles sold pretty well, too.
Also, you forgot Amiibos. And due to their previous successes, Nintendo still have a lot of assets left so that they could even survive years or a decade of commercial failure.

This certainly sets us up for an interesting 2016. There will be as much speculation to come about NX as there has already been. I think Nintendo will be content to let Sony and Microsoft duke it out for dedicated console supremacy.

I think Nintendo is going back after the mobile market in some way. They have had success with indies with the Wii U and 3DS. I think they find a way to make the NX powerful enough to get their first and second party games to the level of PS3 and X1, but I think the third party support could come from the mobile industry.

There are a lot of big game makers who have titles in mobile.

Not compete? What a stupid statement. Everyone making a game is competing for attention. People can only play one game at a time, Nintendo can do their own thing, but Xbox/PS will never not be competitors.

I'm having a hard time to understand how a home console won't compete with another 2 brands available in the market. Seriously. It's like saying Pepsi won't compete with Coke or Dr Pepper, like saying a TV channel "A" isn't competing for audience with channels "B" and "C". Let's face the obvious: if NX don't sell well, it will be another commercial failure. To sell well, it must convince potential buyers it's worth investing on it rather than buying another machine and games for them, SPECIALLY for parents and their kids. A console with a small install base and weak sales won't succeed. Wii U has proven that quality isn't enough - it also needs quantity in a matter of sales and support from both gamers and developers.

The way I see it, Nintendo can do whatever it wants with this next console, but it needs to make sure that the console is on par with the others. It can have whatever gimmicky add ons, but if it's underpowered, it won't do well.

I don't understand why Nintendo doesn't do both. It may drive up the price of the console, but I think going the "cheap" route isn't a good idea anymore.

As long as they don't need to support two separate systems they'll win in the operational department.

I'm giving PlayStation a miss this generation. I'd saved up for a PS4 but I'm keeping my money for the NX. I've still got a few PS3 games to complete and I'm mostly playing my 3DS these days. I'm sure Uncharted 4 and Mass Effect 4 will be on the PS5 at some point, I'll play them then.

Didn't they say that about the wii u though..... Lol

All I'll say is I have a PS4, I wouldn't need another one. Personally I love that Nintendo thinks outside the box, even if it doesn't work all the time, you've got to try. Just hope the innovations are more about gaming and less 'social features' (Miiverse/Share Button meh); social gaming for me will always be local... But then I'm not a social media fan much!
Social tangent over, just give me something I don't expect... Though Zelda in 5k 60fps won't go amiss, I mean, I'd need a new tv but still!

It needs to compete. It needs the big 3rd party games to come out without being detailed down in graphics.

Nintendo can survive on their own, but they also need the 3rd parties to fill in large gaps, but also get the various genres flowing through. No matter what, nintendo's next system isn't going to take away the people that already own a PS4 or XONE, but it could become a second console for those people who love to play the nintendo franchises...however, this should be the Wii U right now, so if the Wii U isn't selling that high as the other competition, then nintendo needs to start thinking on 'why'.

Third party support, higher graphics, no gimmicks, no large delays in games, games that will attract all people of all kinds of ages, various genres...but also mix all of this in with something that nobody has ever seen, could help them create a great console. It all comes down to nintendo asking themselves 'why the Wii U was such a disappointment to them', and 'what is making so many people not wanting to take the plunge into the Wii U experience'. I have a Wii U and PS4, and I honestly don't even know the answers to why the Wii U isn't even thought of in the competition.

I'd love to see the best of all worlds with NX. It never hit me until recently just how well Nintendo's games are at introducing younger players into gaming. My niece would always watch her brothers play on my PS4 when they would visit. Then one day she asked if she could play something. The problem was that all the PS4 games where just too complicated/violent for her to play (7 years old) So I told her I had a game where she could play as a princess (Super Mario 3D World) & her face lit up. I played a couple of levels of 3D World with her, & she has been hooked ever since. She recently got a Wii U of her own & is always asking to play games whenever she visits now, Lego Jurassic being another favorite. Combine that audience with the hardcores & watch the magic happen. This is something that the X1 & PS4 lack in my opinion.
I hope my ramblings make sense lol

@rjejr If they made the NX backwards compatible with the Wii U, then they'd also have to make it compatible with the Wii, which could entitle the system to be too much money in costs...raising the price for the consumer. I really don't see them making it backwards compatible even though I'd love for them to do that (would definitely help sell more Wii U retail games to the people who never owned a U).

I guess everyone will find out everything in 2016. Until then, nobody can really trust these articles as truth or lies...nobody knows except nintendo themselves and the ones who own the development kits.

@BinaryFragger I'd actually argue that the case of enhancing the games is a superior idea to having the games rely upon them.

For instance, a control stick isn't something a controller needs, you can still do movement through a D-pad. Heck, even the original joy stick could function the same purposes as a D-pad, but these inclusions, the D-pad and control stick, did enhance the experience of the controller and various games and functionalities.

Whilst the gamepad may not have been entirely necessary for Wonderful 101 for instance, I do feel it improves the game significantly, and I'd have unlikely even be able to complete the game without the gamepad (trying to draw the shapes with the control stick alone is incredibly tough for me). Meanwhile, the ability to swap out items on the go in the Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker HD, as well as type messages for the Tingle Bottle, improves the experience of Wind Waker to significant levels, to the point where it amongst my favourite usages of the Wii U gamepad (I think I'd claim Project Zero: Maiden of Black Water as my favourite usage).

Of course, I might be a little biased, thanks to it's size and shape, as well as features such as Off-TV play; the Wii U Gamepad is my favourite game controller of all time.

Nintendo will not attempt to copy anyone because that's not what they do, simple as that. They'll try something different, something fun, something Nintendo, & it'll either work or it won't but I'll be there & I can't wait to find out... not just yet though, still loving my Wii U

@JLPick why would it have to be backwards compatible with Wii? Wii played GameCube games, but Wii U only played Wii, the previous generation?

Just a quick point. If people think that Microsoft Game Division will simply release a new console within a year or so, that is twice as powerful, think again. Whilst Microsoft as a whole, has a lot of money, its console division is bleeding money, left rignt and centre. They had to borrow over 2 billion dollors from tbe other 2 thirds of Microsoft, to buy out the Devs of Minecraft. Also, at this point, having lowered the price of their console 6 times, they are not making any money back on their investment.

As for Sony. Everyone knows, the PS4 is make or break for them. Selling off their laptop division, closing ALL Sony Centres, selling off over a third of its music division, and closing down 2 offices, with the loss of over 5000 jobs, just so they could afford to bring the PS4 to the market. Whilst it is selling well, again, they are not making any money YET. The only division of Sony's that is making money, is their Insurance Division.

Lastly, even if they had the money and resources, I really cannot see either of them releasing a brand new console within their current consoles 4th or 5th year. The Xbox 360 lasted 8 years before being succeeded, same with the PS3.

@MJKOP To be fair, it also plays N64 games.

This makes no sense. If Nintendo release a new console that is sub-powered and doesn't match/exceed PS4 3 YEARS after PS4's release then all Nintendo are doing is releasing Wii U 2.0.

If their new console does not have third party games across the board then it will fail before it starts. The games market is now to big to think you can thrive on a niche. if Over 90% of games on a shop shelf are not available on your machine, what is the point in your machine?

It's the exclusives and first party titles that are a decision maker, for sure. But if one of your exclusive features is that a consumer cannot have the option of playing Battlefield, FIFA, Madden, Assassin's Creed, GTA ,Call of Duty then you are immediately making a vast majority think 'No' before you've even had chance to show them your first party titles, only existing fans will buy.

If you want a consumer to be attracted away from their current format of plunge in for a second one there needs to be choice first and foremost.

Not competing with competitors within your industry is just backward thinking, how can you expect to grow as a business if you have no ultimate plan for growth, expansion, acquisition? They have a board to appease and I cannot see multi-million £/$ investors saying yes to this weak idea.

Microsoft and Sony will not release consoles for another 4-5 years at least, not if they have any desires for profit. There was little need for this current generation, superseding this one again so soon would just be retarded.

I just wish it will have pressure sensitive / analog triggers in controller because without those i don't see much reason to play simulator driving games with it. Having real triggers would also help with some Gamecube games in Virtual Console.

I like Nintendo for their innovation in software and hardware. But I want and need more story driven games from them... Zelda please.. xenoblade did right on me too.

@Ichiban

That's exactly what Nintendo needs to do. Nintendo could really turn things around if they had their great games and third parties along for the ride.

I do think the Wii U initially tried to do that, but faltered for many reasons. Above all, the NX needs to be easy to port to, with an appealing price tag. If it doesn't happen it will be the Wii U all over again.

I think Nintendo's next console must be both different and at least as powerful as the other two systems. It needs to provide that "Nintendo charm" and unique experience that Nintendo is known for but it also needs to attract the 3rd party back to Nintendo systems.

....and if it were to fully unlock the virtual console as much as possible into a service or something it might catch it up quickly to the competition. Maybe like the Netflix of video games with a huge catalog of classic Nintendo games to play on demand.

With the exception of the Virtual Boy, Nintendo has never made a bad console. Unpopular, sure, but never bad. With that said, I'm not worried about whatever their next console will be. In terms of keeping them financially viable and competative, though, they definitely need either something that keeps them unique and interesting or - better yet - both that and a system architecture that can attract third party support.

Ideally, the NX will be significantly more powerful than the PS4 and Xbox One - something that can compete with the inevitable PS5 and Xbox StupidNameRevolvingAroundTheConceptofBeginningsortheNumberOne. It's not enough, I think, to stay so underpowered in comparison to the competition, so the NX needs to be able to compete with whatever 9th Gen consoles Microsoft and Sony produce.

@JLPick "If they made the NX backwards compatible with the Wii U, then they'd also have to make it compatible with the Wii,"

Why do they "have to"? Wii mode is a separate thing on Wii U. The Wii U doesn't play Wii games, you have to go into Wii mode to play Wii games. It's an annoying extra step but it is a step. I don't think they would get too much blowback if NX had a Wii U mode but not a Wii mode. But preferably not a Wii U "mode", just let NX play Wii U games but not Wii games.

But it all depends who the console is for. Is the console for Wii gamers who never bought a Wii U to enter this gen? 100 million Wii owners and 12 million Wii U owners means there are still 88 million Wii owners who dont' have a Wii U. 88 million is a lot, that's more than either PS3 or Xbox 360 sold (about 80 million each). So if Nintnod simply treated Wii U as a stop-gap and told Wii owners - NX is the console you've been waiting for to upgrade to HD - then NX could sell well. Of course it's posible half of those 88 million Wii owners have moved on to PS4 (30 mil) and Xbox One (12 mil) which only leaves 44 million Wii owners who haven't upgraded ot Wii U. But you knwo what, 44 million is almost 4x what Wii U sold. So even if NX ONLY sold to Wii owners who don't have a PS4, Xbox 1 or Wii U that's still 44 million.

And that's why NX has to announced in early 2016 and launched in late 2016, before those 44 million Wii owners buy a PS4 or Xbox One. B/c, lets face it, not that many more are buying a Wii U.

And if NX is a hybrid Home and Away console, you can add the 50 million 3DS owners to that 44 million over the next few years. That's 100 million. That's a success by any measure. Even if all 12 million Wii U owners felt betrayed and didn't buy an NX, you are still looking at 80 million potential sales.

No, NX dos not need to play Wii games. In fact it needs NOT TO, and Wii needs to stop getting games. Time for all those Just Dance players to upgrade to HD. Skylanders mad ea lot of enemies b/c the Wii version was limitd only to racing. An dLego dimensions and Disney Infinity don't have Wii versions. NX could capitalize on those parents and families. Maybe evne make an amiibo focused launch title to gt those gamers to buy a system for Christmas. Wii needs to die and be forgotten.

What ever the NX ends up being, it is never going to please anyone. Not from looking at what people seem to be asking from Nintendo.

Everyone wants the console to be as powerful if not more so than the PS4, to have an architecture that is easy to port to, a good low price point, have no gimmicks with standard controller but also be a hybrid. Does anyone else see the problems Nintendo would face trying to achieve all of that?

A hybrid console is most likely what's happening and from rumours going around it will be using the latest in mobile chips, we already know AMD last year essentially stated Nintendo were to be using their chip in the NX, just never mentioned any names. But then in being both of these things you forfeit the low selling price point and the lack of gimmicks as being hybrid is just that - a gimmick, one that may put third party developers off if they are required to make sure their games are able to be played on the main device and on the go without needing to make too much in drastic changes.

I think Nintendo's biggest problem is that it kind of wants to march to the beat of its own drums. Sony and Microsoft save most of their biggest announcements for E3, when millions of people are watching. Nintendo saved most of its biggest announcements this year for its significantly less well-known Nintendo Direct broadcasts. Sony and Microsoft are actively trying to make their own consoles seem more appealing to core gamers, whereas Nintendo continues to give off a "you'll get what we give you and appreciate it" vibe.

Outside of Japan, Nintendo is almost becoming kind of a niche brand, except they don't even play up to the desires and expectations of that niche's fans. Compare SCEA's reaction to fan outcry about Gravity Rush: Remastered being a digital-only release to the comparable, if not even louder, fan outcry from Nintendo fans about Fatal Frame V being digital-only in the States, for instance.

Nintendo is still capable of creating amazing, deeply-charming video games, but it's going to lose what little share of the home console market it has left if it continues to behave like this. This is especially true if the NX isn't comparable to the PS4 in terms of power, as third parties are going to snub it big time.

@shani I limit my PC graphics cards to $50. My kid only plays Minecraft and Lego Worlds. Just got a GT 740 b/c the on board graphics were dragging. I think it's the first videocard I've ever purchased that has it's own fan.

As for NX. It's all relative. Anybody can really sell anything at any price if you are good enough at marketing - and we must all agree Nintneod absolutely sucks at marketing, just ask the folks who made AC:aF, Devil's Third and Fatal Frame. Or have a cult like Apple. And Nintendo does, but it's a very small cult, Apple is practically it's own world religion. And then you need games. Nintneod Land should have been sold separatly, SMM or Splatoon bundeld in. Even if that meant selling the Gamepad separatly. Nintnedo sold 50 million $80 Wii Balance Boards by packaging it w/ Wii Fit. It could have worked, certainly couldn't have done any worse than 12 million Wii U after 3 years. And then you have the competition. Holiday 2016 PS4 and X1 will be $250. Holiday 2017 they will be at the magic impulse buy price of $199. NX can't wait until 2017 for that reason alone. Too late to this party, too early for the next PS5 and Xbox X party.

So for Nintendo, price is really it's biggest obstacle. Price, games, timing. In that order. Though price can vary according to the hardware of course. Home console $250, handheld console $200, or tv out hybrid $300. A Wii U 2 type system where the Gamepad is a true portable can probably go for $350 as it would really be 2 systems in 1. Or maybe it's a $100 "retro" VC machine w/ 80 NES and SNES games built in. That could sell too. Hardware will dictate the price, but it still needs to be reasonable. And it needs a really good game. I have no idea what that game will be. Not NSMBNX though. DOA w/ that one. Nintnedo Land 2 could actually work if it's like Skyalnders and every current amiibo is actually playable in game, not just an NC or skin, that ship has sailed. Though it probbaly needs a new name like "Nintendo Kingdom Gameland."

But what reason nintendo have a successfull systems and can't do anything with it,by the way NX has more gorgeous for now, is that nintendo has been revived someone and come into indie again?? just like in 1987?? well does make sense straight following SONY,that's awesome... i want nintendo just like old system again was popular... with some unique in it.

@shani

"You're missing the context, home console sales generally are declining since the turn of the millenium. Every Playstation (and Microsoft, of course) console sells less than the previous ones, it's not just a Nintendo-exclusive effect, but affecting the whole industry because PC and mobile games are growing stronger (people already have some kind of PC and a smartphone)."

Yes that's fair, gaming has evolved considerably, but we've gotten to the point where Nintendo's numbers are severely low, to the point that the Wii U will likely be abandoned and be considered a stop-gap console. The PS4 however, is well on its way to either matching PS3 sales or going beyond that. In two years, its amassed almost 30 million sales. The Xbox barely has a history, but you can bet that the Xbox One will beat out the original Xbox. It's too early to see where it will land in reference to the 360, but it's performed reasonably well ever since they ditched the Kinect (another telling sign that the Wii was a one hit wonder).

"If you want to put it correctly, Wii and DS aren't the only exceptions. The older Nintendo consoles sold pretty well, too."

That isn't what I'm getting at. Of course the older consoles preformed well, that's why I went in reverse order to imply as such. Everyone knows the NES was a massive success. The point is, the Wii and DS are the only exceptions in Nintendo's timeline of not diminishing. We're down to 10 million on the home console front, and 50 (maybe 60 million by the end of its life) for the 3DS, which will be under half or a third of the number of its predecessor and below the current low, the GBA. Not only couldn't Nintendo match the DS's success, they couldn't even sustain the market they carved out for themselves. A shame really, since most iOS games are trash.

"Also, you forgot Amiibos. And due to their previous successes, Nintendo still have a lot of assets left so that they could even survive years or a decade of commercial failure."

You shouldn't brag about amiibos just yet, and its just one small piece of the puzzle. Yes, they've been very successful in their first year, but Nintendo hasn't given us any reason to keep us buying them. The only reason they exist is to slap a band-aid on the Wii U because of its dismal sales. A personal theory of mine is that Iwata pushed them out the door once board members started holding his feet to the flames based on the Wii U's failure. I believe a large reason why they exist were to preform a last ditch effort to avoid smartphone games. That's neither here nor there, I can't prove it obviously.

Nintendo should keep utilizing them on the NX, but I wouldn't be surprised if the well dries up soon. Me personally, I stopped after my Smash collection was complete. Nintendo hasn't given me a reason to keep shelling out the cash. They literally sit on my shelf with the purpose of maintaining a pretty collection of characters I hold dear. Even Nintendo's President said as such. If Nintendo fails to correct this soon, amiibo will fade faster than the Wii did. We can all agree that AC:aF did a terrible job showcasing why we should spend the money on something that could literally be solved with the press of a button, and even worse, proved that they were annoying. If that's the future of amiibo, consider it a lost cause.

@BinaryFragger completely disagree. All these games use the Game Pad extensively. Some games are practically built around it like SMM and Splatoon. All the games use it whether for maps, inventory, menus, and different kinds of interaction. Motion is amazing too when used right and was used in the proper context, and still used. Everything you're saying is simply not true.

@dumedum (@BinaryFragger)

Yes, some of these did use the Gamepad "extensively," but it just hasn't done its duty. The whole reason it exists is to sell the system and be unique. What you have is literally a handful of games that utilize it well. SMM, Splatoon, Game and Wario, Nintendo Land, Kirby and Pikmin 3. These are some positive examples. However:

What's more evident of the Wii U's failure is that the Gamepad actually caused more of a hindrance in many cases. Look at Bayonetta 2 for example. Using it to swipe across the screen was god awful and I dropped that like it was hot, and tried to forget the feature even existed. I wish they hadn't even wasted their time honestly.

There are plenty of other examples of games that literally do nothing with the gamepad. Games like DK: TF literally did nothing (the screen even went black), MK8's integration is literally a joke, and couldn't even preform as a separate standalone screen, a no-brainer to me, cause the Wii U hardware was too weak to preform it well (aka, look how janky Hyrule Warriors is in two player mode). Both Mario Party and Wii Party U are incredibly annoying to pass around the Gamepad, and even worse, you fumble around with amiibos too for Mario Party and AC:aF. NSMBU's implementation is stupidly laughable and I've never used it more than once. Captain Toad didn't even need the Gamepad, but it got shoehorned into it. Smash Bros uses it as a damage counter, something that's already on the large screen to begin with. Super Mario 3D World lets you blow into the microphone. Great. I don't feel stupid at all doing that...

There's other's on both sides, but that's all I can think of for now. Here's the point:

It's a mixed bag. Some were great, some were ok, some were awful, and some were completely non-existent. There were too many cases of games simply using the gamepad for inventory, maps or off t.v. play. As useful as those are (especially off t.v.), it's hardly the "revolution" we were promised when Nintendo Land released, along with asymmetric play. What's worse is many games that utilize maps and inventory, don't need a second screen to still do the same thing. They could literally be solved with the press of a button. Zombi solved that on PS4 and Xbox One. The Gamepad simply caused more problems than it was supposed to solve.

Maybe we'll look back on it and say it was ahead of its time, but it's a shame really. I really believed Nintendo was on to something, but for me personally, they didn't even come close to successfully showing why the Gamepad mattered.

Easy to develop for, thats the key! Developers complained about how difficult it was to develop for the Wii U in the beginning, thats not a good sign. If they had some king of dev kit where with a few lines of code developers could show images on the gamepad screen (different from the tv) every single third party game would make use of the gamepad screen not only that but the architecture of the console too.. thats why most multiplats stayed away from it.. If it was similar to other consoles we would have games from this current gen that had releases on the last gen too..

@FreakFerrett

Exactly. Nintendo can at least start there.

@Baker1000 dude... there will not be a PS5 in 2 years. Come on.

@MoonKnight7 I just don't see it the same way. Nintendo didn't offer a revolution. Kinect maybe was supposed to be a revolution and was a total failure. This is not a revolution. It's a controller. It's a cool controller. It's a controller with a big screen on it useful for off-tv play and for maps and stuff like that. That's the way it is. I never expected it to be any more than that and I'm not even a bit disappointed.

Nintendo simply used the GamePad where it made sense. Smash Bros. doesn't need. Platforms don't need it either (although I think the microphone thing was cool and by the way it also responded to touch on trees, goombas etc.) So instead of shoehorning GamePad into DKCR they didn't do it. People didn't like it when there was a "shake" button switch in the previous DKCR. You can't have it both ways.

Nintendo knows that every game deserves its own controller. Smash Bros? Bring on the cool Gamecube controller. Pokken Tournament? We're even doing a new controller just for that. It's all about the controller.

The only disappointment about the GamePad is that third parties bailed and didn't use it. The GamePad worked beautifully for Zombi U, Mass Effect 3:SE, Arkham City: AE, Deux EX. These all done wonders. But just like the Wii Remote worked so well for Resident Evil 4 and then most companies didn't imitate, here they also had zero imagination, even though those kind of games fit the GamePad better than the style of Nintendo (which again, doesn't fit platformers).

I'd accept the criticism of Mario Kart.. maybe that big horn button and whatnot was not enough. Certainly they could have done it as another screen like I believe Sonic did, so there's no issue of power here. It was a mistake, but they knew what they were doing with the others, just like Brawl and NSMB Wii/DKCR/Galaxies didn't really need motion controls.

Each game and its own. It's just a wonderful controller to have - not sure why anyone expected the sky to fall off or something - it's not supposed to wow you every time. It's just a better controller than the standard boring controller that the other companies had... if you have 10 cool wii motion games and 10 cool GamePad games, that's what Nintendo was hoping for..... Zelda Wii U is going to use the GamePad just as Skyward Sword used it brilliantly for wii remote. That's all Nintendo is really hoping for... making a number of beautiful experiences, not sticking it to every single game in the universe.

Nintendo is in an interesting position. They have the dubious task to create a system most likely needs to have a great deal of superior specs if they are to "compete" with PS4 and X1.

however, others feel that they need to continue to innovate. There is a sacrifice for innovation. I can't see both coming from this unless this is an attempt at competing directly with mobile gaming.

I'm not saying that's the way to go, but I don't see how you can create a system with a top of the line chip set and the ability to take it on the go. It would just be too expensive. Regardless, I'll buy it. I can't lie and say I won't.

I would caution Nintendo about creating another unique controller, I think that would be a huge mistake and show that they're not learning their lesson. I think at this point we've nearly exhausted what we can innovate with controls, pretty much the only thing left is VR (which Nintendo seems unwilling to do right now), other than that I don't think there's any significant gameplay improvements they can make with a controller. Nintendo should seek new ways to innovate gaming such as pricing structures and gameplay styles. If Nintendo really wants to innovate gaming and regain popularity they should try and bring the hardcore and casual markets closer together with gameplay styles that appeal to both. Other than that, it just needs to be easy to port to and then Nintendo's fine.

As for the console's specs, I don't think there's much to worry about. The NX seems to be an entire line of difference devices that are connected with the same framework, so if Microsoft and Sony try to one up Nintendo they can just release a higher end model and call it a day.

@MJKOP Some of the Wii U titles used the Wii controls, which would mean that they'd have to interpret that into their next console (Wii Sports Club, Wii Party U, Wii Fit U, Nintendo Land). That was my only theory on why they'd have to have the Wii on it too.

@rjejr Mess up in my statement. I don't want it to play Wii games, or even Wii U games. I was just saying that if it was compatible with Wii U games (which many of the Wii U games use Wii controllers and accessories), then they'd have to put that into the console, which means more money to make the console...that's why I don't want them to do that. With Japan getting the Wii U controller separate, maybe that's a sign that the Wii U titles will be added to the NX's virtual arcade and you can use the gamepad to play them...minus playing with a second player (who would use a Wii Remote and nunchuck), unless they make it to where 2 gamepads can be connected. If that sounds confusing, I just confused myself re-reading it! Anyways, I really hope that they just start over from scratch and make a good console that can put them back on the map. I love nintendo, but the PS4 has been played more and I end up going back to the Wii or Gamecube for nintendo, instead of the Wii U for some reason (may change in the later years). I was a big fan of the gamecube, even though that didn't sell well for nintendo, but that was my system of choice in that era and I still love the controller and the games for it...just wish the system itself didn't look too childish with the big handle in the back of it! I just want nintendo back to where they were.

sorry you all wrong the truth be told ever since PlayStation 3 and xbox 360 come out Nintendo is not even known at all sure some have a DS thats it. most people refuses 2 buy something where you cant play top games with decent graphics what has Nintendo to offer Mario? outdated sure Mario fun but its outdated now people want call off duty any top AAA games now is the time for nintendo 2 take the top again sorry i don't care what people say ps4 and xbox one made a mistake that Nintendo could easy do and become top four once if they compete and make 100% better console then it sell a lot and people be looking 2 see what they make next when wii come out was people wondering what wii u be like no cuz wii sucked it had games that was hardly decent at all no 1 was looking and wondering what wii u was gonna be like same as NX or what ever they gonna call it no 1 cares since wii u worst thing played and not worth looking now is time 2 compete and take the top ps4 and xbone made a mistake by not doing UHD if nintendo makes something that has decent memory and decent graphics with top games and has UHD it blow ps4 and xbone and go higher then them both on sales.
1. will Nintendo make a decent console no.
2. does Nintendo make cheap console yes
3. will people be looking at the new console in 2016 no
4. will i get NX no till they prove can compete with the best and make something that beats ps4/xbox and worth my money.
5. if people rage at the truth do i care no truth be told Nintendo is know 2 make nothing but crap back in the day they was good at making stuff now they ideas are stupid and not what people really want.

how 2 make a console thats better then ps4/xbox bone simple
1. UHD simple and beats ps4/xbox right away
2. 2tb hard drive max for ps4/xbox 1tb atm xbox can go to 4tb tho
3. better loading speed
4. looks decent not a brick.
5. graphics simple highend
6. simple and what needed stop with all you can only play mario really Mario still and a few over nintendo so good games bring all games that ps4 and xbox can get two NX and make brand new games never heard off new exclusives not Mario V100 or Zelda v200 sure they fun for like 1hour with friends that's it .

@JLPick Gamecube wasn't my favorite console, it's down the list near the bottom, but it was my first Nintendo console, and it did have some really good games not found anywhere else - Luigi's Mansion, Starfox Adventures - and Nintendo was nice enough to sell it for $99 along with a lot of Player's Choice budget priced games. The 2 I just mentioned, plus Mario Kart and SSBM. I bought 4 great games and 1 console on the same day for $200. That's a good memory I'll never forget. And I bet some people this holiday will feel that same way about the $250 Wii U Splatoon and SSB bundle. Too bad it came so late, and then the stores went back to the Mario Kart 8 bundle.

As for NX. It could be an entirely new system with no backwards compatibility at all. But then I think it would need to get more 3rd party support. Way more. And I don't think that will happen. And you may be on to something with Japan selling the Gamepad separatly. Maybe NX is just animproved Wii U that will work with 2, or maybe even 4, Gamepads at the same time? But also work without it so they can sell it cheaper. And then new Gamepads will work on their own like the 3DS, only it will be more like a 4DS.

2016 should be a very interesting year for Nintendo and it's fans.

@zool you my friend understand something Nintendo should have realised 7 or more years ago

Of course they need to compete. Gone are the days when video games were made by bedroom programmers. Modern games require massive budgets and 3rd party publishers need a console that relates to other consoles otherwise a novelty Nintendo console simply won't get the game. The whole point of releasing a console is to satisfy 3rd party publishers. I don't buy the stuff that Nintendo can't release a powerful console. Ps4 can be bought under 300 dollars. Nintendo simply want to spend pennies making a weak console yet charge ps4 prices. Look at how advanced mobile phones are these days. If they simply want to make a console designed for their own ip's then they might as well quit the console market and make games for Sony and Microsoft consoles and sell the games by the bucket load. They Need to look at what made them who they are. The nes and SNES. Proper consoles. Stop being scared of Sony and grow some balls Nintendo coz you have a fan base thats screaming for you to release a proper console but that generation will not be here forever because today's kids haven't grown up with the nintendo glory days

Thank you. Let's hope they can now smell the coffee.

I think I respectfully disagree with this analysts comments. One of the things he said was Nintendo needs to vie for third party support. A clear way into the hearts and minds of third party publishers like Ubisoft, Activision and EA is by parity. Having a console that is on par with the other items available.

Of course the idea of a hybrid unit could theoretically mean "develop once, but have two versions," in which case I think that could have huge upside for Nintendo. But the truth is, these developers, at least for now, just want an easy port to Nintendo systems.

@JudgeMethos yeah but the point I was making is that the other two will always have another console on the horizon. If Nintendo try and compete in terms of specs and features with the PS4 and Xbox One in their next console, they will both release something beyond that again a few years later.

Bottom line is, Nintendo shouldn't attempt to compete because they're always a step behind. They need to craft a unique selling point, and one which people actually understand.

@Baker1000 I got you. I'm just sayin that the waybthe PS4 is selling right now, Sony is gonna hold on for awhile. Nintendo can get another 3 years competing against those two. On the other hand, Nintendo always states that they don't compete, so I don't think they're designing the 'NX' to compete but more to keep them afloat.

@rjejr i have hardly ever gone back into wii mode to play a game if ypu put a disk in it just gives you the option to display on tv and game pad or just tv and then plays. You only have to go back to wii mode if it is a game you own digitally on wii but not wii u

@AtlanteanMan child's play?
You want to talk 'child's play?'
3 core CPU, running at 1.2 GHz.
2 GB of RAM.
Compare that to an 8 core CPU running at 1.7 GHz.
And 8 GB of (still fairly high end) GDDR5 RAM.
Nintendo pooched the Wii U by not listening to the people MAKING games. Most cellphones have better specs.
They were CHEAP.
And their games are toys that do nothing to advance one the largest grossing entertainment industries.
Money drives the wheel, not good ideas.
People pay to see Fast and Furious movies. The 3rd worst Star Wars film is one the most successful films of all time.
Clearly, you're stuck in an era where numbers meant nothing. Partly due to the fact the industry had just CRASHED. Anything looked good in the 80s and 90s when compared to the disaster that came before it.
But that era is DEAD.
Buried a long, long time ago.
And your theory about rehashing boring old FPSes and sandbox games holds little water when a new Nintendo game isn't better and the 'rehash' is.
GTA is getting better. CoD is getting better. Assassin's Creed is sort of getting better (kind of). But it inspired Dishonoured. Tomb Raider is better than it ever was on the PS1 / PS2. Borderlands. Skyrim. Witcher 3.
Compare the first 2 DA games to Inquisition.
Now go ahead, find enough people that liked Twilight Princess and Skyward Sword nore than the N64 games. I'll wait.
Find enough people that liked SM3D World and NSMBU more than 64 and World. Or even Mario 3.
Find anyone who liked Other M more than Super Metroid, Zero Mission or even Prime.
Find someone who genuinely thinks the DKC Returns games are better than the originals.
FPSes, sandbox games, sports games are getting better. Nintendo is shadow boxing it's own rose tinted past and LOSING. The point isn't that the Wii U was a failure or that Nintendo failed or that the fans didn't get it.
It's that Nintendo is as passe as you see Sonic. They haven't mattered, not really, since they broke the motion control barrier and even then, it was only relevant in one game that no one even cares still exists.
They've been bettered in every way, shape and form.
There is no recovering from the Wii U. Nintendo's been dead for 6 years.

I really hope this could be used as a hardcore game system where i can play more adult oriented games, such as Battlefield, CoD, Resident Evil but without having to compensate the graphics, im hoping for a more solid system with decent specs at least get close to the competition. Either way I am exited for it and im sure whatever it is ill have fun playing no matter what.