Robert W. Baird analyst believes Nintendo will struggle to generate consumer interest for new console with information about future systems from Microsoft, Sony arriving in 2013.

When the Wii U launches worldwide later this year, it will struggle to generate broad consumer interest, Robert W. Baird analyst Colin Sebastian claimed in a note to investors today. The industry watcher said though the system will be adopted by the Nintendo faithful at launch, news of future consoles from Microsoft and Sony in the first half of 2013 will hurt its sales.

News of future consoles from Microsoft and Sony will hurt Wii U sales, predicts Sebastian.

"We remain concerned that Nintendo is missing an opportunity to build greater mindshare ahead of the [supposed] Wii U launch on November 18," he said. "While initial strong sales are likely given the Nintendo fanbase, we believe there may be a narrow window of opportunity to generate broad consumer interest before next-gen Microsoft and Sony platforms are announced in [first half of 2013] and launch in Q4 2013."

Elsewhere in his note, Sebastian said Nintendo is likely to announce a price for the Wii U at the company's media briefing in New York City next month. He estimates the console will sell for $249-$299, which is in line with previous analyst estimates.

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