Could Nintendo scrap 3DS?

[Joelcool7]

Alright the writers here at VGChartz and a fifth of the VG users caught on to the fact I was asking a hypothetical question. Could Nintendo scrap the 3DS, I wasn't in anyway suggesting they will or in any way predicting its down fall.

I was asked by a friend if the NGP launched and 3DS sales did not gain could Nintendo scrap the 3DS. Even as such I was not saying NGP would crush Nintendo, I wasn't suggesting I think NGP even has a chance though I won't further comment as to not open that can of worms.

The question was and is simple, could Nintendo scrap the 3DS?

My response is "no" I don't think Nintendo could scrap the 3DS. Why can't Nintendo scrap the 3DS.

Hardware support - Look at what happened to Sega when they constantly released new hardware. A few hardcore supporters bought the new hardware, however releasing so many add ons and upgrades consumers just stopped purchasing them and turned on Sega. If Nintendo scrapped the 3DS and unvieled a new handheld anytime soon I think many hardcore consumers would hold off on a purchase and some early adopters would as well. If the product wasn't extremely good and priced it would do just as bad if not worse then 3DS.

Third party support - Again I'll have to reference Sega. Sega had developers working hard on Saturn games and didn't give many of them much notice when they suddenly switched to DreamCast. Many developers had long term plans for Sega's consoles but Sega enraged them by upgrading and leaving them in the dark. With 3DS Nintendo has alot of third parties developing software and a scrapping of 3DS would enrage third parties at a time Nintendo is trying to build stronger relations.

Software sales - Nintendo's own first party development has been focused on 3DS and likely Cafe. The software needs to sell and Nintendo is placing all of its heavy hitters later this year. If NGP did infact out gun 3DS Nintendo would need that software to sell and break even.

Breaking even - As another member mentioned Nintendo will not want to loose money, they will want to make back their R&D. This means keeping the system alive. If Nintendo scrapped the 3DS before it had made back the R&D they would need the next handheld to make back its R&D and 3DS's.

Building quality recognition - With DS , Wii and all earlier consoles with the exception of Virtual Boy Nintendo has made a huge name for itself as a quality console maker. The name of Nintendo would be tarnished big time by such a move. It would hurt the companies image in turn hurting its pocket book via investors.

I could go on but don't need to. I told my friend that if Nintendo did scrap 3DS it would take a very big blow and I don't think Nintendo would do that. I also raised the point that Nintendo has billions in reserves and are planning a new marketing plan. I said Nintendo would likely throw a huge campaign behind it before allowing it to go under.

But answered the hypothetical question as a yes and no.

No Nintendo can't afford to take such a blow to their reputation and damage relations with developers and investors. But financially Nintendo does have enough capital to take such a blow if they ever decided to scrap a console.

What are your thoughts on my points?