So today I was scrolling through the database right here on vgchartz, and I started thinking on the predicted hardware sales for Nintendo's 3DS. I am aware that the fiscal year and actual year are different, but the first year for 3DS saw 13.25m units sold. I'm sure everyone remembers the awful drought in 2011 on 3DS that's reading this. So if it had that drought and still managed to sell that much how could it not sell even more this fiscal year? It has all the games from previous years in it's library and a few hard hitting titles like Smash Bros and Hoenn remakes coming out there should be nothing stopping it from hitting 12m units. I think I am safe to say the Wii U will exceed predicted amounts, but with the 3DS sales the way they've been lately, I'm a bit weary of it meeting it's predicted goals.

I don't remember what the predicted amount was. What was it?

I think the 3ds is really struggling at being a hit, when compared to DS.

Nintendo would put some game on the DS and it would turn gold. With the 3ds only the franchises keep the money flowing. There's not much happening outside that, save for Bravely or Re:Revelations.

I pretty much agree with this, but seeing as Nintendo is pushing the transition to the 3DS and Wii U (noted by the recent termination of Nintendo WFC) I'm hoping they are working to improve the quality of 3DS titles that can really take advantage of the improved graphics internet connectivity the system can offer.

But 3ds is in a good condition where 3ds accounts for more than 80% of the handheld market.

The latest titles from Nintendo for the 3DS have been pretty safe: Kirby, Mario Golf and yoshi island. These games aren't exciting the market, which pretty accounts for the slowing down of the console in all regions.

I think Nintendo has forgotten that new IP's/franchise can create renewed excitement, Tomodachi Life is a good start for the fiscal year, let's hope there is more games come e3 2014

I would argue that some indie developers have benefited greatly from the 3DS eshop.  Renegade Kid, Gunman Clive's delevoper: Bertil Hörberg , Zen Studios, and a couple other indie companies/games have enjoyed decent to huge success on the eshop.  I'll let a few links speak for myself.

http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2013/03/gunman_clive_eshop_sales_surpass_combined_totals_on_ios_and_android

http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/212127/QA_How_Renegade_Kid_quietly_found_success_on_Nintendos_eShop.php

http://wiiudaily.com/2013/01/zen-studios-says-the-wii-u-eshop-is-an-amazing-development-for-nintendo/ (praises 3DS eshop also)

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/feature/34395/a-denpa-interview-with-genius-sonoritys-chihiro-kobayashi (Nintendo is a shareholder in company but I found this next link which makes it seem like Nintendo doesn't have a huge influence on their day to day operations although they probably limit them somewhat)

I’ve heard that your company was established by the so-called “Q Fund,” the developer support fund created by Nintendo advisor, Hiroshi Yamauchi, during his presidency. Also, Nintendo and The Pokémon Company have entered the stockholder ranks, but what relationship do you have with Nintendo and Pokémon Co. in terms of day-to-day operations?

 Manabu Yamana, Genius Sonority President: Our company has no relationship with the Q Fund. And while neither shareholder is minutely related to daily operations, we are dedicated to valuing matters with both of them. Both in the past and now, we have conducted development for Nintendo platforms, items from other companies, and our own. We intend to do so into the future as well.

http://www.siliconera.com/2012/10/25/the-denpa-men-developer-interview-on-developing-novel-products/

The Denpa Men was a hit and it spawned 2 sequels.  Also, Nintendo has a had great success with their eshop titles such as Pushmo/Crashmo, Dillon's Rolling Western, Freakyforms, Sakura Samurai, Ketzel Corridors, and many more.  All these eshop games from Nintendo began on the 3DS and have great sales.  Put a decent game on Nintendo's eshop and you should be rewarded.

ioi:
"I'm afraid they key to mega success in this industry is the casual market - hardcore gamers will only get you 2-5 million sales for a game "
http://gamrconnect.vgchartz.com/thread.php?id=176202&page=1

The casuals were lost in the transition from DS to 3DS.

All the big hitters are already out except for Smash Bros.