If Nintendo stopped making hardware it would be a disaster for me personally and a huge step backward for the industry. Nintendo is one of the few (maybe the only) hardware manufacturers that still designs its systems as one might design a toy. I know this is one of the reasons some video game fans dislike Nintendo, but I believe strongly its one of its greatest strengths. Moreover, Nintendo designs its hardware to match its software, and its software to match its hardware. The two are inseparable as far as I'm concerned. If Nintendo lost the ability to dictate the specifications of the hardware on which its games are played, it would lose its identity.

Well maybe they would go handheld only because the 3DS is still doing great even if the Wii U isn't right now. But if it did come down to them becoming software only then it depends on which platforms they put them on.

Lately? I wouldn't touch a post-Dreamcast Sega developed game not named Virtua Fighter except maybe for Valkyria Chronicles.

meh. i guess it would give MSony broader appeal which is a good thing but i don't think nintendo is capable of making games i want to play anymore. maybe 2-3 a generation.

Exactly.

They could be a very profitable software developer. The hardware business is just not for nintendo. The past few years haven't been great - even with success came an eventual implosion of the company.

It's just obvious that they are behind the times, and unwilling to enter the post-smartphone world. Their hardware strategy has just been a blind shot in the dark. It all goes back to that ridiculous thing nintendo stated prior to the wii launch. Something to the extent of "We aren't directly competing with Sony or Microsoft." Clearly they are, but their only available strategy is to 'innovate' themselves ahead of the pack. Got lucky with wii-- no longer a reality.

Btw, I'm pretty sure this developer cold shoulder that nintendo is getting probably has something to do with devs not being fans of the original wii. The hardware limitations that nintendo tried to impose this generation.-- Now we see devs, finally comfortable with giving their 'one-finger salute' to nintendo lol.

Nintendo is just fine, it's funny how people can't stand Nintendo but want there games still, Nintendo is going no where, so get used to it

Personally this coming gen will be my last as a dedicated gamer as I am getting to old for all this shit lol. Need to focus on making money and not spending it so I can retire before the legal retirement age.

I also do not like the direction the industry is going with consoles (if you want to know my views find some old posts lol). If I do decide to game on it will be on PC as the consoles are almost the same now but without the flexibility. Also the whole "share" button on the PS4 controller is too facebook like for me. I would almost preferred they call it upload instead. On the upside at least PS4 looks like it will have some great 1 player story games.

I would love Nintendo go software only, I mean I love nintendo but I hate their consoles!
I really miss playing mario and zelda

I wouldn't find it that funny if I was Nintendo. I mean when even their loyal customers can't stand their hardware maybe it is time to worry.