They lost a big chunk of their handheld demographic with the 3DS since the 3D can damage the eyes of children. Releasing one without 3D was a decent call(though it's a 2-edged sword, it's also showing how gimmicky the 3D itself is when they can release a version without it). The design sucks ass, but it's good for who it's targetting. The flip design of the DS and 3DS can be pretty weak, and everyone who had one that was a kid(my nephew, his friends, my sisters friends) had hinge problems eventually. That price is disappointing though--I can get a used 3DS for cheaper than that. Also it's likely the new Pokemon games are going to really beef up 3DS sales.


Also this really doesn't say anything about the status of Nintendo. They have always released various iterations of their handhelds.

Does no one remember this?

http://img.engadget.com/common/images/8302965874342631.JPG?0.2350195647622022 (Unsupported image host)

Wii U is crap though. I haven't had even the slightest inclination to get one, but we'll have to see what they eventually do with their first-party games. The only reason people buy Nintendo consoles are because of the exclusives, and them going so long without some big titles was a huge mistake.