Cheesemester3k from NeoGaf is translating some questions & answers from Kimishima (investors Q&A) on Twitter, just running down some of the more interesting parts

- Wii U will only have 800k shipment for the year, the positive according to Kimishima is they can focus on the 3DS now (ouch for Wii U die-hards)

- Currency conditions are more favorable than when Wii U launched in 2012, doesn't anticipiate NX to be sold at a loss as a result.

- Wanting more software is *one* reason for timing of NX launch (this implies there are other reasons, I'm guessing 14nm fab difficulties)

- Want a steady flow of games post launch, launch is not the only important part, post-launch also, planning for "platform" (NX) to be something that will be played for a long time (hmmm).

- Says Nintendo's priority on launch hardware (NX) has not changed with regards to Yamauchi and Iwata stressing holiday launches in the past. Says Nintendo has always stressed having a "proper launch" as in enough games for the consumer to play being more important. Holiday release is not a "must".

- NX and smartphone apps will largely make up for a "great decline" in Wii U sales.

I'll update more as he goes along.

Yes! NX Hype!!!!!

I'm guessing fabrication issues on 14nm are probably another reason why Nintendo can't launch in fall 2016.

Making a profit with NX from the start is a good move, if the console is affordable and justifies its price tag.

Here's the full translated bit from Cheesmeister3k, note this is not every question asked, he just translated 4 or 5 of the qs:

Q1. It seems the great reduction in the WiiU hardware sales forecast is influenced by the timing of the NX release, but how about 3DS?

A1. While we have set the sales forecast for the WiiU at 800,000 units, we don't think that there will be any negative effect on the 3DS. This fiscal year, the 3DS has big titles as previously presented, and in sufficient quantity. Both hardware and software will make large contributions to sales. Also, while WiiU sales are forecast to drop to 800,000 units, the upside is that we can focus on the 3DS.


Q5. While NX details are not being announced today, I want to know about its effect on results for this fiscal year. Previous launches have not had enough titles and were therefore slow to start. Can you promise to have a proper lineup at launch? The WiiU was a net negative, so also in consideration to cost, please tell me how the first year of the NX will contribute to results.

A5. As the concept and other details of NX will be announced another time, I will just answer the points of your question. As you said the software lineup will be built-up. Having a full software lineup when the hardware launches is one reason for the NX launch timing. Also, we must be in a state to release titles not just at launch, but continually afterwards. We are planning for it to be a platform that will be played for a long time.

Next, about cost, we aren't thinking of the hardware being unprofitable. When the WiiU launched the exchange rate was that of a very strong yen, and so that we don't have that kind of a situation again, launching as a loss-leader won't be what makes up our business, so that's how we're progressing with NX development.


Q8. You indicated that building up software is the reason why NX will be released in March 2017, and I know development takes time, but I don't think there's any reason in missing the year-end sales season.

When the GameCube was launched in Sep., I recall that President Yamauchi said that, "It is absolutely imperative that we do not miss the year-end sales season," and after the 3DS launched in Feb. President Iwata said that, "Missing the Christmas sales was a huge problem." Now with President Kimishima, Miitomo missed year-end and NX will miss the year-end, making an impression that Nintendo's conventional thinking has changed. Why is NX launching in March? Has there been a change in thinking?

A8. There is no change to our thinking about launch timing. When launching hardware, "How much software can customers play?" is important. Launch timing must be based on that.

Customers having more money to spend during the holiday season is one big factor in starting then but our integrated hardware/software business doesn't end that year, but is something that can continue to be played for several years so we think that "releasing something proper" is the most important thing. By that, we don't think "holiday season timing is a must" but rather that we should launch when we can provide something proper. That point has not changed.


Q11. While the forecasted sales for the WiiU this fiscal year are extremely weak, NX contributions to profitability seem to be included appearing to be numbers showing that, "We have some confidence in the NX, which will start with a sprint." Do you believe that the new NX will be able to cover for the decline of the WiiU?

A11. We have forecast WiiU sales of 800,000 units for this fiscal year, a decline from 2.4m units last fiscal year. In terms of what will cover for it, essentially, the NX and smart device businesses will be central, and also, the download content business is included.

We are planning for a large part of the great decline in the sales of WiiU hardware being made up by NX sales.

Nintendo always stressed a proper launch? Umm... GameCube? Wii U? 3DS?

Yeah that seemed to be a bit of a politican answer, lol. GameCube had a decent launch for the US at least though ... Japan was poor.

I'm starting to think there isn't going to be (immediately) a pocket/handheld traditional type of NX. They seem to be doubling down on the 3DS to cover that lower cost/portable section of the market.

I think the intial NX itself will be portable but not a traditional handheld form factor (a mobile console). It was interesting the other day, Kimishima specifically referred to the Wii U as a "stationary console", a term they don't use often if at all ... maybe NX is then "non-stationary"?

Basically ditching Wii U but continue to support 3DS means that NX is definitely some kind of home console and not handheld.

In any case interesting reading, I am glad they don't planning to sell NX with loss and that they will have proper lineup.

Cool. Always appreciate translations so we don't just believe random rumors about what was said.