What are these many failed attempts? NES and Wii were sales phenomenons, SNES sold respectively and edged out the "more hip" genesis, N64 and Gamecube, while huge declines saleswise, still profited. Only the Wii U hasn't profited for Nintendo, and that could have changed lately.
Hardware is what Nintendo does. It's one sets them apart from a typical game developer. And the console/handheld hybrid, while it could be a good idea in theory, there's no guarentee it will be successful just because their handheld line is. And if it fails, then they're REALLY in trouble, as they will only have one piece of hardware to rely on. Probably best to get their revenue from multiple sources.
I'm pretty confident Nintendo has come to their sense and will get it right next gen. That is, go back to the NES/Wii formula of appealing to a mass audience, that brought them such success. If they don't, I do think their "quality of life" platform could at least be enough of a hit to keep them afloat on the hardware front.
"We hold these truths to be self-evident - All men and women created by the, go-you know - you know the thing!" - Joe Biden
