Nintendo will definitely aim for profits + making the system affordable, so the earlier it releases, the worse we can expect in terms of tech specs. Waiting until '17 will give nintendo better options in terms of tech and power efficiency, but not sure if they want to wait that long with current floundering sales. For Zelda U Nintendo can replicate TLOU, making it a timed exclusive for with the superior NX version launching 1 yr later.
Personally, I'm hoping for '17 launch to get the best tech possible from frugal Ninty. Its clear PS4/XB1 will be around for a long time, as unlike the last gen, this is only a 2 horse race with long lives ahead, and we shouldn't expect new consoles from them until 2020 or '19 at the earliest.
Nintendo does not need to rush unless their investors are upset or business is so low that they have no choice but to launch in '16. If their mobile games launch in '16, along with Wii U last hurrah via Zelda and Star fox, it will be wise to wait until '17 for a strong NX launch + best tech possible.
