Was 3.7 last year, and is growing. 

Logically, if you are a platform built for secondary - which the Wii U essentially is at this point - then those sales would come after the initial rush to buy the primary machine.  Not saying they will do massive gangbusters, but it is a legitimate concept.

Also, I wonder how hard Iwata had to keep from rolling his eyes when they asked if he was satisfied with Wii U's performance.  No duh he isn't; they just wanted him to spell it out so they could have their oh so clickable headline.

It´s being honest and clear, I applaud that.

Good that Iwata acknowledges this.

I just hope that the NX is actually capable of being someone's primary choice of console, having the 3rd party support the PS4 and XBO has.

No offence to Nintendo's upper management I don't really have any confidence that they know what they're doing in the console business anymore.

Really aside from the fad-like success of the Wii for about 4 years, Iwata's 15 year presidency has been characterized mostly by very mediocre to down right awful performance in the console space.

Luckily for them, I do think they will be very successful in the iOS/Android arena and will be able to make a ton of money that way and they should be able to eek out a decent enough profit from dedicated portables too even if that market is shrinking. 

I'm glad he admitted that out in the open. Profits are nice but the console is still a disappointment in the grand scheme of things. Hopefully they can address some consumer and third party grievances without sacrificing too much of their "X Factor".

Before this quote gets blown out of proportion the only thing Iwata actually said is this:

“Certainly I’m not satisfied with the current situation,” he says. “It may not be [people’s] first console of choice, but they recognize it as perhaps the best second console,” he adds.

He didn't say anything about NX or how NX relates to Wii U, that is speculation on the Time writer's part.

The only thing he said about NX is that

1.) It's a dedicated game platform.

2.) It's a "brand new concept"

3.) He can't say anything else about it until next year.

Well, at least he still isn't denying it anymore.

Realize your mistakes and move on! :D

Glad he understands what's going on with the console. I certainly hope he also knows the more important WHY answer. It's one thing knowing what the situation is, but it means nothing if they don't know WHY it's in this situation. 

....watch next year, Iwata will unveil the "Wii XU"

lol, about time don't ya think iwata?