Nintendo has recently revealed during an investor meeting that they were going to launch a new console idea that follows similarly to the Skylanders series or Disney Infinity. The idea is simply to bring figurine based gaming to their platforms. Nintendo revealed that  it can be used across multiple games on the Wii U and the 3ds. They only showed off the Mario figurine so far to the investors. Even though there is not a lot of information about this new console idea, I have a few ideas of how this could work out.  For starters, it would be cool to bring in another character as an assistant to aid you on your quest. For example, if you are playing a Mario game by yourself, and are having troubles on a certain level, you could put the Kirby figure into the game, and he would eat the obstacles in your way and help you out with your quest. Another way this toy based game play could work is by bringing items from other franchises into your game. Imagine playing a legend of Zelda game, then pulling out a fire flower, which would allow you to shoot fire out of your sword. Also imagine if you are playing a Donkey Kong game, and being able to grab an Ore club from the Kid Iccaurs series. One final way I can think of this working out, is vehicle figures. It would be cool to drive around the Mushroom Kingdom in free play, or riding Epona though the village of Animal Crossing. However, There would have to be certain limits to the game, Otherwise you will be able to end up playing as Mario, driving Samus's ship though dreamland being guided by the triforce and aided by Little Mac for the pursuit of the star rod. It would be chaotic, Anyways, this is only my speculation of what could potentially come out of this new idea for Nintendo platforms. I honestly do not know what to expect from this idea, but I am defiantly looking forward to it. It could add a whole new dimension to Nintendo games that was never before thought possible. Perhaps this idea could not only be used with First party property, but also have third party support, such as Mega Man, or Sonic. I see a lot of potential for this idea, and I hope it succeeds.

There is a lot of great insight in this post.  I hope it works out as you see it.  That would be amazing!

As cool of an idea as it sounds, I can't help but be cynical and think of it as a big money guzzler. I personally would probably never buy it, but I get that these kind of things are popular. I also get that Nintendo is probably trying to make up for the big losses they're getting from the WiiU. I personally just don't see myself ever getting it.