Microsoft's French division has been making some big calls about Nintendo, saying the world's most iconic gaming brand is no longer direct competition for other manufacturers.

Marketing director for Microsoft in France, Cedrick Delmas, says that Nintendo's position in today's videogame market has ruled them out of the console race between such giants as themselves and Sony.

Speaking about the future successor to the Xbox 360, Delmas told Le Point that Microsoft does not focus on what Nintendo is doing and that the launch of the Wii U later this year will not influence their next console.

"We're not here to counter Nintendo and they're not here to fight the other manufacturers,” said Delmas. "Nintendo has put itself in a different cycle, they're advancing at their own pace.

Although these remarks might seem a little snide, they do come after Nintendo reported big losses in the current financial year.

With the Wii, Nintendo have positioned themselves in a different market from other manufacturers, though whether the Wii U will continue this trend is uncertain.

Delmas also confirmed that Microsoft will not unveil a new console at E3 2012.