The fact is, Nintendo keeps chasing two audiences it most likely won't get. One, the casuals, just aren't there, anymore. At least not in the kind of numbers that make a difference. And the other, the core market, just haven't been very interested in Nintendo consoles for a long time. While the NX does seem to be a less casual console than the Wii U (unless they plan on still using Wii U controllers), it still won't be a hit with the core gaming audience.

If they are actually releasing this year, it's an odd time to launch. This gen is at the middle point, with a clear winner that still has great momentum, and people aren't ready for it to be over, yet. And if NX is only around the same power level as the PS4, or possibly less, who is going to buy it save Nintendo fans? Then you have price. Most likely the NX will aim for a $399 price point. But, against an already dominant (and soon to be $299) PS4, it doesn't stand a chance.

I really see no way for the NX to be a hit. Not unless Nintendo takes a loss and it is at least 2x-3x more powerful than the PS4, for only $349 AND all 3rd party games are coming to it, with plenty of great 1st party games coming out every few months. Let's be honest, that just isn't happening. And God help it when the PS5 launches in 2019 at $399 and being 4x-5x more powerful than the PS4.

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I'm amazed how so many are still hung up about the NX in the context of generations and a console race when Nintendo clearly have no interest in being involved in that kind of competition...

You said it, NX will arrive in middle of generation so we dont know if will count like 8. or 9. gen console, and when NX arrives PS4/X1 would have ten of millions consoles sold already, so there will no be point to compare NX current sales with PS4/X1 when NX arrives. Buy NX definitely could have similar or better final LT sales numbers with X1.

Without 3rd party support Nintendo are wasting their time. They tried a partnership with sega which was a flop, they need to secure more third party titles or they'll become irrelevant. I've seen Nintendos section at the video stores nearly vanish and now the WiiU is fighting with the vita for the last over corner at the back of the video store

as a secondary console: yes
as a primary console: no

Nintendo can't reach people who don't own a PS4 or Xbox One. Those people will prefer the PS4 or Xbox One. Nintendo has to aim for people who already own a PS4 or Xbox One and want to have a secondary console. Every thing else would be complete nonsense from Nintendo and would end in another flop.

It's all about building up a big lead against ps5. It's a next gen console.

Of course not, but I doubt Ninty cares too much about competing with Sony and MS.

You definitely can't say that because we don't know what NX exactly will offer, espacily because it seems Nintendo again want completely new and different product that will have mass appealing, similar to Wii.

Thats some really bad logic.

If the NX releases and its main competitors are the PS4 & Xbox One, for the longest part of its lifetime, why exactly isnt it suposed to compete in that sense?

9th gen my arse, performance wise Nintendo NX will be a 8th gen console, and sales wise, it ll compete on the market against 8th gen consoles.

Basically I dislike calling things by "gens" because its so misleading.

Im seeing the same thing where I live.

The Wii U section keeps shrinking, in stores.