I do feel that Nintendo is taking a complete casual approach. I'M not sure that they necissarilly want to shun the hardcore fanbase they have (in fact they may feel their innovations appeal to them because a lot of N fans support their innovative techniques through the year). I just think they have changed their M.O. to focus on more casual development and hope that third party picks up the slack. I feel this has been a trend started years ago when they decided to liscence Retro and Rare to make their franchise titles. Basically, In-house will cater to the new N-missive and hope the farms takes care of business for the old fans.
"Let justice be done though the heavens fall." - Jim Garrison
"Ask not your horse, if ye should ride into battle" - myself
