If they're not going the hybrid platform route then this makes sense.

Launching 2 separate systems at the same time would be a mess, especially If they have ambitions for the home console beyond receiving handheld and Wii U ports. They'd need time to provide it with its own launch line up and software. Launching it a year later would also allow better hardware, something I personally care about and think will secure it a better future

Same day means people who prefer handhelds can get the handheld and people who prefer consoles can get the console.

Same games means all of Nintendo's resources are going to a single, unified platform rather than being split among two platforms.

Same price means consumers can choose based on preference instead of based on finances.

With a unified setup Nintendo doesn't really NEED anybody to buy both sets of hardware, it's simply about getting as many people into the Nintendo ecosystem as possible. They may lose out on double-dippers but that risk is offset by the potential to attract people who previously did not own any Nintendo device. For example, let's say someone is interested in 6 3DS games but they aren't willing to buy a 3DS just for 6 games, let's say they are also interested in 6 Wii U games but again that's not enough for them to buy a Wii U, but would that person be more likely to buy a single device if it had all 12 of those games? I think so.

It's feasible to release a $199 handheld that can display Wii U level visuals at a lower resolution with a $199 console variant of that with the CPU/GPU running at higher clock rates and having 2x the RAM which allows the games to be displayed in a higher resolution/frame rate and some other minor perks. It's basically the difference between N64 vs N64+RAM pak or GC vs Wii or 3DS vs New 3DS. Being powerful really isn't a huge deal for Nintendo hardware, it's more about offering an affordable device that has a constant stream of fun & unique games, as long as the devices run modern engines like Unity & Unreal 4 than its really not that huge of a concern.

The PS4 install base will only ever increase and ultimately has nothing to do with the success of Nintendo's next platform. Its not the size of the installbase thats important but about the markets apetite for new hardware. Someone who has only had a PS4 for a year is less likely to invest in a new game console, versus someone who has had a PS4 for several years. The later Nintendo releases, the more people there are that fit into the latter category and the more chance of people considering their hardware; Regardless of whats on offer.

The only thing that signals an earlier release date as better is them wanting to get thier revenue up sooner rather then later

This is assuming that Nintendo's plan is to steal PS4/XB1 owners, which likely is not their strategy.

Zorg should get a upvote or medal for those replys.
I completely agree with everything hes said so far in this thread.

What the NX needs to be : "Same Day (release for HH &console). Same Games. Same Price. Your Choice." - Zorg.

When the NX needs to launch : "2016" - me & others.

I actually think you could market that rather well.

"same day, same games, same price, your choice".

I think they will want to try and chip off some of the X1/PS4 consoles userbase but more so I actually think their plan with the NX could well be to stop their current userbase buying X1/PS4 for the third party games and stick purely to Nintendo, Thats why I think Nintendo will value third party support so much this time around. If Nintendo fans don't have to buy a seconds console for the third party titles but rather just get them on the NX it also opens up more profit for Nintendo from the platform fee of third party sales as well as stopping any potential droughts.

Or risk your entire strategy when you realize that those people will not be starved for new hardware as the userbase grows, and with it, the support. "Why would I need to buy a new console now when this one is getting even more support?"

.

Dividing the launches (by few a - 6 mos....NOT 1 yr) would be better for Nintendo, to maximize sales, presence, and relevance in the market..  It makes for a better flow of business, and to keep NX buzzing in the headlines.  Now all of a sudden, Nintendo will look healthy in the public eye and perception of the company will improve.  I will stress that if the NX indeed shares a library, that launches should be within several months and no longer.  Nintendo just needs to decide which form will come first, and which will perform better as a non-holiday launch.

My initial prediction was a handheld 2017 release, but I wouldn't be surprised either way anymore

Hmmmmm if this is true, and the new influx of rumours seems to be pointing out so, then Nintendo needs to release a new Direct soon to announce some games for Wii U, because this year rather barren with the exception of 2 or 3 games.