Soundwave on 16 September 2012
Nintendo actually doesn't need third parties to sell their system, unlike Sony.
What Nintendo needs from third parties is for them to fill in the gaps and keep a steady-ish flow of content in between their big gun franchises (Mario, Pokemon, Zelda, DK, etc.).
Because the 3DS is going to be the market leading platform for Japan for the next few years most likely, the 3DS is guaranteed to be supported with franchises like Kingdom Hearts, Castlevania, Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, Monster Hunter, etc. and things like Bravely Default, which ensures a good amount of games.
That's good enough for Nintendo. They can do the rest. The DS didn't have many great games from Western publishers either but still amassed a very nice library.
