Nintendo has kept having these problems but I believe they didn't take the internet all that serious because of their success without a dedicated network with the Wii. The XB1 proved that games don't always matter (at least in the short term) and I think key third party games would still be reluctant to jump aboard a powerful Nintendo console. They had very little success. Fallout, Elder Scrolls, GTA, and so on compete with Nintendo's own games at the end of the day. Nintendo will likely have to throw big money at them. Its not like they don't have it. They already proved that just because you have the largest installed base console and one of the most successful of all time, it doesn't mean you will get all the best third party games or in their example very little at all.
You mentioned cross-play, it is something that can't be mentioned enough. Nintendo comes off as a major anti-consumer when they make you buy the same copy of a game multiple times with very little (Nintendo Club Points) reward. This is problem that obvioulsy stems from their horrible online infrastructure. They have the best library fit for on the go play and for use of a Wii U controller and TV at home,through a 3DS, and so on.
Nintendo does need a universal online system with one account shared with your handheld and console and is full proof for future systems. It needs (as you said) use its talent to start a new developer to make new mature IPs. It also wouldn't hurt if they make a all in one on the go home console system. If they are going to continue what they have been doing, then its the only thing that I feel they can be forgiven for making another bold but great move since their handheld market has always been strong and now they are uniting their success with it, with their console.
