I made another thread mentioning a Wii U redesign and it got me brainstorming. What if Nintendo redesigned the 3DS family by adding a second circle pad and having them completely replace the Wii U gamepad?

They could allow u to play ur Wii U games on the go and u could play 3DS games on the TV. I know thats basically ripping off Vita/Vita TV but the 3DS family is actually popular so it may be able to pull it off. Also the gamepad would be completely gone and instead bundle a 3DS with the Wii U. Heres the pricing scheme I think they could use.

2DSi/3DSi/3DSi XL-$129/$149/$179

Wii U+2DSi-$249

Wii U+3DSi-$269

Wii U+3DSi XL-$299

Wii U with nothing bundled-$149 (for people who already own 3DSi)

I think this could be a way to bridge the gap if they really are planning on releasing a handheld/console hybrid. So what do u guys think, is this a feasible idea or is it completely retarded?

This seems more like the idea for the coming Nintendo Hybrid itself.

The 3DS lacks the integrated parts for Nintendos streaming technology. With the 3DS the lag would become noticeably higher, at least as high as remote play with Vita and PS4 (about 100 ms). As the 3DS doesn't support WLAN n but only g, I think it would be even higher, something like 200 ms or even 300 ms. And that's dangerously close a level most people would call unplayable. PSP/PS3 remote play operated on that level of lag and I think that setup is quite comparable to Wii U + 3DS.

So no, it won't happen. Not in this gen.

They talked about merging their handheld and home console businesses, so I see this being an idea implemented in the next system.

Who knows with Nintendo, though. Guess we will have to wait and see.

Tying the success of one console to the success of another is a great idea that has never been tried and failed before!

I can see where your coming from, but people arent exactly jumping on board with Wii U when you get the 2nd screen included, so having to buy 2 devices to get the same experience might be just asking too much. I think the gamepad is fine, and the console is well priced...its just sometimes things dont always catch on as is the case with Wii U :(

Maybe games that use the 3DS as controller 2. I'd go for that. Not as a replacement for the awesome Wii U pad, though.

I dont see the 3ds being capable of being as clear as the wiiu gamepad.

U wouldnt be buying them seperately. 3DS would replace the Gamepad and come bundled so basically 2 devices for the price of 1

I think this is the plan for the next generation; handheld console with home 'dock' that functions as a home console.