For the past two gens, there has been a dominant console and then two others fighting for 2nd place. Early numbers for this gen show that the PS4 will be the lead console this time around. That leaves the Wii U & XBO fighting for 2nd.
Most people believe that the XBO will easily pass the Wii U either this year or early on in 2015. A few believe differently and I'm one of them.
Note: I also believe that the One will pass the Wii U eventually. I just think it'll take much longer than most expect. It'll be the PS3 VS XB360 of this gen. (If Nintendo announces a new system to replace the Wii U before E3 2016 I retract my prediction) (QOL thing doesn't count unless it replaces the Wii U and / or has its own console-like library)
Reasons why:
[] With the PS4 chosen as this gens leader (E3 will guarantee PS4 the lead in the U.S IMO) this will damage the XB brand more than the Nintendo brand. As more people pick the PS4 it will become the "friend" system leading to even more PS4's being sold. More PS4's means less XBO's and while this will also hurt the Wii U, it won't be as severe.
[] Following up from the last point, some gamers will get a secondary system to go with the PS4. Since the XBO shares much of its library with the PS4 and the PS4 is now the "friend" system, it will come down to the exclusives. While some will of course go with the XBO, numbers show that Nintendo exclusives are overall more popular. They also differ from Sony's 1st party.
[] Price: Wii U is currently $300 while the XBO is $450 to $500. This means that the Wii U is more affordable and can get to a mass consumer price much sooner. This will lead to quicker secondary system purchases for the Wii U. People like to say that the Wii U already had a price cut but it didn't. It got a GB upgrade and some bundles but that's it. Nintendo is growing a decent library of games for the Wii U and while none of them have been system sellers at the moment, eventually, the price will get low enough for people to see it as worthwhile to buy it for 3D World, Tropical Freeze, and so on. Mario Kart 8 will play a big part in this even if not noticeable until the price is lowered.
[] Mario Kart 8 will eliminate the weekly gaps in favor of the XBO. By the time May 30th rolls around, sales for the XBO will drop severely. I see no reason as to why they wouldn't considering nothing will be released during that timeframe. While XBO sales struggle during the Summer months, the Wii U will get a boost. I believe Wii U will outsell the XBO most of the time during the Summer.
[] This Holiday won't favor the XBO over Wii U. Many people believe that this Holiday will be the final push that the XBO will need in order to pass the Wii U. I however think they will sell equal to each other during that time. (With Wii U potentially beating it) This is because of families with children. Everyone knows that kids dominate the sales during the Holidays, and Nintendo has the advantage here. Not only will MK8 be released, but NFC games as well. With a price cut to $250 or an NFC bundle of sorts, the Wii U will be put in a great position. Throw in Smash for the gamer crowd and you got a system that appeals to all types of people.
Again, this isn't to say that the XBO won't pass the Wii U but it'll be much tougher than people anticipate.
