I expect NX to launch at $349 in 2017. Nintendo doesn't compete directly with Sony or Microsoft, so they release hardware and software at their own pace. The power of the NX will be a low priority for Nintendo, so they won't spend too much on hardware. After adjusting for inflation, cutting the fat from switching to a more standard controller, a $349 pricepoint in 2017 seems right.

But how?

Because you still don't understant the NX is most likely a handheld.

The next home will probabily cost 350$ imo.

I'm expecting it to be at least $399 with great hardware specs. I'm betting that Nintendo is the first console to have HBM and the first to take advantage of DX12 to its fullest extent. It should go a long way towards making games easier to port to the system.

I have considered that it could actually be a smartphone (or even software itself) but until there is actual proof, I am preceeding with the assumpiton that it is infact a console. 

If they're competing with Sony/Microsoft and actually going after third parties $350-400, if its another Nintendo box then $200-250.

DX12 is property of Microsoft.

Based on Nintendo leadership comments in recent years about casual gamers being fickle and core more reliable, and that western tastes being clearly different than Japan, I hope and expect a version of NX to be offered with high end specs and a $400 price tag or so.

They could be plotting an innovative budget console too, but that's not my impression.

lol is it? I guess it makes sense. Either way I expect that their next console will take full advantage of todays' hardware.

I tought the same before, Ryng_Tolu. But the amount of titles announced for 3DS and the lack of announcements for the Wii U + the Zelda no-show really made me wonder. 3DS isn't setting the world on fire like DS, but it's a solid seller and we have some strong software sales for Pokemon, Youkai Watch, MH, etc. The Wii U isn't selling well.

Imagine if they launch a new handheld and it flops for some reason. Now the 3DS is dead and the new handheld also is. So they end up with 2 dead devices. That's a terrible scenario. With a home console, they don't have nothing to lose. 3DS will keep going and the home console scenario doesn't have how to get worse, so they either improve their position or at least remain where they are.

However, it could be a sendoff for the 3DS with the last bunch of games, meaning that NX is a handheld and that they will keep the U going (instead of Dreamcasting themselves) and you would be correct on your point.