I would consider the Gamecube one of Nintendo's best systems of all time. arguably by far the best controller they've created (one of the best of any console ever, so good that its still being copied by third parties and being released in variants by Nintendo for Smash play on the Wii U), and an insanely high quality library with great graphics for its time (Wind Waker, Metroid Prime, F Zero GX, Animal Crossing, Pokemon XD, Resident Evil 4, Mario Sunshine, Rogue Squadron II, etc.)
Also the GBA and DS were amazing handhelds with huge libraries of games.
I would argue that the Wii was a mistep in a way but for whatever reasons the consumers loved it so I don't think you can use that as a 'negative' generation for NIntendo when they made money hand over foot. even I have to admit (despite disliking it) that the Wii Sports and motion controls were fun for a LITTLE bit
the Wii U would be their biggest misstep but its less about the software and more about the hardware. Graphics are too weak for this gen and the controller not only is sort of awkward (a tablet to game with? and oversized?) but it also made the price point a bit too high imo. great software though, maybe not as good as other gens by NIntendo but still solid
I have personally been enjoying my 3DS despite not having a large library, although I primarly only bought it to play certain party games with another family member from afar (Smash, Mario Kart, etc.)
I do feel as if the OP seems to not delve into Nintendo's handhelds much in recent years, and I think its easily said that the Nintendo handhelds of late have been of a higher quality than the home consoles. generally bigger game libraries and a bit more accessible
the real key with Nintendo is I feel like there software is practically as good as ever. that's the biggest issue a big game company can have which can cause their fall. Look at Sega- they struggle to internally produce quality titles with their IP outside of studios they've acquired
Nintendo is still making great games they just need to make a logical decision on their next system. Either A) or B), the system is extremely competitive graphically with the competition OR the system has some sort of home console / handheld compatibility which equates to a unified game library and more options for potential for gamers
currently gamers had the choice between getting more powerful systems with regular controllers (Playstation, Xbox) or going for Nintendo with an awkward tablet controller and weaker graphics
even die hard Nintendo fans might have been slightlyyy torn due to that. All Nintendo needs to do is keep pumping out good software (maybe higher more employees as lately they've been a bit slow in that regard), and make a decent power system with a great controller. they'll pull back a ton of fans with that
