Nintendo has released its annual report for the fiscal year 2013, and the video game veteran is promising a brighter 2014. In a note at the beginning of the document, company president Satoru Iwata concedes an operating loss of 36bn yen for the year, but assures investors that a return to the firm's traditionally strong financial performance is imminent.

"Nintendo posted an operating loss for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2013," Iwata states. "However, we strive to regain 'Nintendo-like' profits for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2014 by providing many people with fascinating games and services. We continue to make brand-new and unique proposals, and make efforts for the growth of the home entertainment industry with a mission that is to pleasantly surprise people and put smiles on the faces of everyone Nintendo touches."

The poor performance of the Wii U console has taken most of the blame for Nintendo's troubles. Lifetime sales of 3.61m units were recorded in the company's fourth quarter financial results, short of the 5.5m units predicted back in January. According to Japanese gaming magazine Famitsu Weekly, domestic Wii U sales dropped below 11,000 units in the week ending July 28 – the same number as the aging PS3 (more here).

A lack of high quality first-party titles has been blamed for the poor take-up. The console launched without a major new Super Mario adventure, while the much-anticipated Pikmin 3, a title promised since the announcement of the platform, has only just been released. At the same time, third-party publishers have found it tough to attract gamers and support for the format is wavering: Electronic Arts is holding off on any future projects, while Ubisoft only made 3% of its revenue from Wii U titles last year and is unlikely to make any more platform exclusives for the machine.

Iwata's optimism, however, is no doubt centered on the impressive range of major Nintendo-developed titles due before Christmas. Wii U owners will see the return of some major franchises including Wii Fit, Mario Kart, Wii Party and Super Smash Brothers this autumn, while Super Mario 3D World is also expected before the end of the year. A well-timed console price cut or attractive bundle deal could well turn the machine's fortunes – although Nintendo's forecast to shift nine million units within a year of its November 2012 launch remains a lofty ambition.

Nintendo is also lining up one of its regular 'Nintendo Direct' web TV sessions, in which Iwata discusses forthcoming plans and projects. Airing on Wednesday, at 3pm UK time, the presentation will provide updates on games coming to Wii U and Nintendo 3DS, "in the remainder of 2013".

The annual report goes on to provide some interesting statistics about Nintendo hardware and software sales. The company has apparently shifted 268.97m home consoles since 1983 as well as 2,195.09m units of software. Meanwhile handheld units stand at 385.15 million units with 1,907.25m games. By dwelling on past glories, the company perhaps wants to remind pundits of the classic games industry refrain: never write off Nintendo.