Where Does Nintendo Go If Wii U Never Takes Off?

[JEMC]

Well, if WiiU doesn't perform as Nintendo wants, I think that Nintendo would wait the usual 5 years or so to launch a new console, otherwise it could be seen as a betrayal to their WiiU users like SEGA did with the early move from the Saturn to the Dreamcast.

Besides, even if it doesn't perform well, it's better to continue selling a product that gives them money than launching too early a new device that will make them lose money without knowing how well it will be recieved.

I also think that they will ditch the Wii brand and, like many have suggested, the integration of the home and handheld hardware divisions could be an indication that Nintendo's new consoles could be a home console with a fully capable handheld as a controller or something like that (but then, this machine would be expensive).

Another thing to consider is third party support. If WiiU has it, Nintendo's next console may try to follow WiiU steps in that regard, but if WiiU fails again to get their support, Nintendo could (should?) reconsider it altogether and develop a machine for their exclusive needs and games, allowing third parties to come along and develop for it if they want but without making any compromise in specs or special features to cater them.