Looking for a discussion.

The only way you can say if something is what people want or not is throw sales, Mario Kart and Smash show that people want this games. Based on sales Bayonetta 2 and "X" (Xenoblade) are not games people have a lot of interest in.

So you agree COD and GTA sales show what people want, ninty needs somethig for that crowd even if they dont like it.

This prediction would be as plausible as Nintendo exiting the home consoles business.

What you "doom" guys dont get is that, if Nintendo drops the Wii U, its all over for them in the home console market. There is no recovering from that. No one will trust them enough to buy their new system, just like with SEGA in the past.
I think Nintendo will keep supporting their systems, but will probably move their virtual console stuff to smartphones, and if they are smart, their next system will be 2 in 1 portable and home console. There is no point in rushing to new failures. These systems they have out will only increase in userbase, theres no point in starting over and undermining the new system. It would be a dumb business decision.

Only way i see this happening is if Iwata was fired and they got a dumb new CEO in that is gonna run down the company for good.

That beeing said, they can do things for the Wii U that isnt just trashing it. They can keep coming up with good games, like Sony did with the PS3. It works on the long term. Also, they can redesign it, to make it more appealing to the consumer. Smaller gamepad, a bit more storage, new colors, special editions like they did with the 3DS aswell.

As they do all this to recover the current situation they should plan for the next cycle carefully.

Bayonetta 2 was a dumb move financially from the perspective that it is the only game Nintendo secured exclusive rights to. If Nintendo has more exclusive 3rd party games planned, it could sway consumers to buy a Wii U.

I agree though. Nintendo should focus on the games that will generate a profit from a business standpoint. Although, from a consumers standpoint, I want Star Fox, F-Zero, and a new IP.

My prediction is Nintendo goes for a single system route next generation (2017/2018). A powerful handheld (say PS4 level) that uses an inexpensive add on to play games on television and use peripherals such as Wii Mote. COuld use the handheld as a controller as well.

The Wii Go! or something. Nintendo's full focus on one system, and the big thing a true console feel Pokemon that still can take on the go for trading.

Handheld alone $250
Add on to play on television (a la PS Vita TV) $50

Could mix up equation an go $200 / $100 model, or possible bundles at reduced price $275.

Odds of happening are 1%, but if we're doing far off predictions that is my big bold one.

I see them supporting the console through 2017-2018 as long as sales pick up and they mange to reach 30 million sold (by 2017) . I also believe Nintendo will take their time for the next console launch and allow M$ or Sony to go first or launch at the same time.

4 years of life is short, but is not short enough to lose consumers trust. Also in my prediction the next Nintendo console will release in holidays 2016 or early 2017. they won't just drop it and leave it like that.

Nintendo won't  drop the WiiU anytime soon.. Specially if sales pick up..  They aren't simply to ditch all the millions of people that are going to buy the system.

That's why 4 years is probably enough to make a lot of worthwhile games and don't make your fanbase or consumers angry. Besides your new console will be just around the corner in 2016, which will be a time to make things right.

I'd think late 2016, but depending on what their next platform is, and how long it takes to bring it to market with software and services in place, they might not launch a replacement until as late as 2017. Nintendo considered launching GameCube as early as 1999, and would have done had their initial deal with their planned chip supplier not fallen through. It really depends on what kind of shift in business strategy Iwata is talking about and preparing.