Say what you want about the Wii U (because its true), but what? The Wii was MASSIVE, even if hardcore gamers hated it. The sales decline was simply because it's been on the market for 7 years.

Popularity on it declined, though. How many people do you know who have a Wii, used it for about three months, then put in a closet for something else?

No one actually, but I see what you're getting at.
Regardless, the Wii was by no means a failure at any point in its lifespan so any state Nintendo is in right now is placed solely on the Wii U.

Which is just a Wii HD with a DS controller. You knew they were in trouble when their big reveal game was kareoke.

I still don't think its enough to kill Nintendo though. Despite the early setbacks with the 3DS, they still dominate the handheld market so even if the Wii U proves to be a complete failure they could probably reap enough back to try again.

I realize it sounds like I'm coming down as a Nintendo hater, and I'm not. I loved the NES and SNES, the N64 and The Gamecube was my absolute favorite of the line. And it makes me sad to even think Nintendo could go the way of Sega. The Dreamcast was fun, it was. Still miss Shenmue... Anyway. I really want, more than anything, for Nintendo to do well again. But to do it they have to stop giving us upgrades of the Wii. I know the audiance they're going for is younger. I get it.
And I love me some Zelda and Mario.
But they have to change something quick or else in five years we'll all be saying "Man, remember when Nintendo made systems? Those were awesome times."

Thats what I'm thinking too. They'll become a purely handheld and third-party console devoloper. Which is fine, I love the DS.

I think you misunderstand me. What I was getting at is that they could probably make enough from handhelds to warrant another go at a home console should the Wii U financially flop.

The original DS is one best selling consoles of all time, and the 3DS is shredding the Vita to pieces. They'll be fine providing it isn't publishers that suddenly don't want to touch them.

Ah, I see what you mean. According to reports though the new PS4 will come with a Vita. Which is fine with me, I'll take a free Vita :lol

The next console I really hope has some better titles. Because no game company makes money off consoles, it's all software. My hope is a Zelda launch title, Jet Force Gemini 2, Banjoo Kazooie. Come on Rareware! Come on!

Hilariously, I think Nintendo is the only console worth even offering respect at this point in time.
They're the only ones who try to alter the concept of "Gaming" to a major degree. They're the ones who aren't just saying "Graphics" on repeat ad infinitum. Nintendo is doing something wonderful with the WiiU, trying to pull gaming past what it was 30 years ago beyond graphical improvements.