Honestly I think Nintendo had their priorities wrong they should have kept all the staff on MarioKart 7 and left Nintendogs for a later release. MarioKart would have been a far more impactful launch title and it could have shifted millions of 3DS units at a time when early adopters really had no software to buy.

As for this delaying Retro's game, well it might have slowed it down a bit but I am guessing Retro's title is coming for WiiU and Nintendo will want it within the launch window hopefully. Considering it was apparently in development alongside DKC:R it would mean Nintendo is following their Japanese strategy. Keep the studio working on multiple projects at a time to ensure a smooth transition from project to project and a consistent stream of releases.

My bet is Retro is still on track. On the other hand Nintendo seems to be aware they need a strong first party presence I wonder if this will lead to some more acquisitions or new studios in North America or anywhere for that matter. Or maybe Retro will hire another 50-100 staff to increase its development capacity! Either way I am guessing they have all of next winters games lined up and ready to go if not already 2013's in development early stages likely.

I'd love that, but I can't really imagine. Because MK games have the longest legs in the whole industry. And if Nintendo released them more frequently, the pressure to innovate more than they do would become even greater... just look at some of the reviews. We only get a MK every 3 years or so, and people still scream for Nintendo to turn the game into something totally different. When for the fans it's all about the details and new courses. 

It would have worked, but I'm not surprised Nintendo decided differently. Mario Kart is a sure hit, a game Nintendo likes to release once the launch hype is fading. A typical second wave title. But N was ill-advised to think the 3DS would sell on the 3D hardware alone (probably deceived by the overwhelmingly positive E3 response). I still think Nintendo should have had a totally new type of game available, like the Wii had Wii Sports. A really really good augmented reality game maybe. But maybe I'm wrong, seeing how 3D didn't keep people interested more than a few months... maybe a traditional N game would have been perfect, to remind people of what they DON'T get on smartphones. Mario 3D Land or Mario Kart. 

True, completely forgot about the legs of the MK games. Still wondering if another MK will be launched for 3DS in - I don't know - 6 years?

It's highly unlikely now that I think of it...

The Biggest "WELL DUH" statement of the year

Agreed but Nintendo needs a big first party title at launch of a new console. Nintendogs just wasn't a high enough profile title to support new hardware. Nintendo needed a heavy hitter like a Mario, Zelda ,Donkey Kong, Kirby, SmashBros title launch day. New experiances are great but you need an established brand to launch new hardware as well.

In Nintendo's defense, they did launch the 3DS with the sequel to one of the biggest hits on the DS.

Good point. They clearly didn't think that through. The price was aimed at hardcore enthusiasts, while the "flagship title" was aimed at the expanded audience. 

Actually I wonder how Nintendo are planning to bring the Nintendogs / Brain Academy / Brain Training people to 3DS. Nintendogs&Cats is doing shockingly bad compared to the original game. 

Now that they've enlisted Breiber for 3DS xmas ads, that should fix the females demographic, be it a bit late.

Ahhh, you're such a kidder!

Wait... r u being sirius?