Nintendo hopes you'll wait for Wii U

Nintendo's "ideal situation" is that the 2012 launch of Wii U will convince those who want to buy a HD video game console now to wait for it.

"The ideal scenario for Nintendo would be that if people are considering purchasing another HD video game console, then knowing that they will have opportunity to purchase Wii U when it is released next year, they perhaps might delay their purchase of a console," Nintendo president Satoru Iwata told investors in a new question and answer session.

The Wii U marks Nintendo's first foray into high definition home console gaming. Microsoft of course went first in 2005 with the Xbox 360. Sony followed a year later with the PlayStation 3.

Iwata was responding to concern that the Wii U may hurt Wii sales. Nintendo's hope is that by targeting "late adopters", the Wii can enjoy a healthy end to its life.

"For those people who are considering their holiday season purchases, it becomes our job to convey to them that the Wii has great entertainment value and it will make their family and friends happy during the holiday season while they are at home.

"If those individuals are looking to make a purchase during the holidays this year, then the Wii U system, which won't be out in time for the holidays, will not be an option for them to choose from. Conversely, because the majority of the people who will purchase the Wii U system initially already own the Wii system, I don't think that the information about the Wii U system launch taking place next year will affect the sales of the Wii system."

Wii U was unveiled last week in LA. Its wireless controller features a touch-screen that can be used in unique ways.