Wii U is an interesting thing, because whether it succeeds or fails or does anything in-between, it's positioned to help Nintendo transition into being "handheld only," for a hybrid system that can have limited set-top-box functions to allow it to run like a console when you want it to do so. If the Wii U succeeds, it leads to that point because the gamepad forges the way. If it fails, then that's the route to take because it blends Nintendo's stronger handheld brand with rising mobile tech to deliver a console-esque experience.
They're not going to work with either of the rivals, however. Nintendo's philosophy is all about control over their hardware to deliver optimum gaming experiences, and the shifting technology plays into their hands. If they work with anyone, it's going to be a non-gaming company that's not going to care about the hardware, most likely Google in that scenario. An android build could run handily without Nintendo having to compromise their creative control over hardware design, and then they build something like the gamepad all over again, but one that runs entirely endogenously, and can connect back to a set-top box. Nintendo can do this entirely on their own and simply surrender the increasingly PC-esque (the x86 designs of the latest Microsoft and Sony offerings should be the big hint) home console market, while simultaneously moving into a new market beyond traditional handheld/console offerings.
Monster Hunter: pissing me off since 2010.
