Well wooptidoo, it's the launch numbers.

The Wii U sold over three million in its launch window.

What will be telling is how the PS4 does after new year's.

Err ... no, lol, Wii U didn't sell through over 3 million in its "launch window". Not even close. 

2.25 million by the end of 2012.

I did say launch window, though, not holiday season or launch year.

Err ... yes, lol.

Launch window is usually considered the first few months. Wii U reached 3 million sales at the end of April. That's not at all the launch window.

If Nintendo's 30-year-history as a console maker is anything to rely on, 4½ to 6 years in all.

If by "live" you mean "self-proclaimed hardcore gamers consider it relevant," then it's already dead.

If you mean for how many years Nintendo themselves will support it with games, then probably three to four years from now.

If you mean for how long third parties will support it with games, then probably 4 to 5 years from now, digital included.

I think Nintendo would consider the launch window to be until the end of the fiscal year, April 1st, which doesn't quite make 3 million, true.

I think the only reason sales will be disappointing from this point on to xmas is the lack of stock. Sony could sell a ton of these if they were readily available everywhere....