If no NIP console is defined and ready, MVS™ will use the system console as the NIP-time console. The first NIP console which is defined and ready will be used during initialization. MVS will not switch from one console to another during NIP.
You can also define the same device that you use for the NIP console on a CONSOLE statement in CONSOLxx as an MCS console. An SMCS console cannot be the NIP console.
If you define a NIP console for use during initialization, the system directs messages to the NIP console depending on the values that the operator specifies for IMSI.
For information about using HCD to define console devices, see z/OS HCD User's Guide.