Nintendo's strategy of appealing to everyone with the Wii U doesn't seem to be working. Casuals are confused, and seem to have no interest in the gamepad. Gamers are turned off by the lack of power, online infastructure, unified accounts, and odd controller. Some Nintendo fans are also frusterated with Nintendo's focus on casuals at times. 

So if Nintendo wanted to steal some of Sony and Microsofts audience, and put all their power into gamers, what would it take to be succesful? The gamecube and N64 both failed to do this, so is it even possible?

This is not asking what Nintendo SHOULD do, I'm wondering the steps they would have to take, and the time, to make money as a gamers first box.

This generation is lost in that regard, but next gen they would need to shed their casual/family friendly image entirely, compete with Sony and MS in terms of specs, invest in multiple new IP that aren't platformers and don't use the art style they usually do. Heavily invest in online, keep it free. Get third parties on board.

But then that would be boring as it'd become the HD triplets, and it isn't what Nintendo is about, not to mention 3 consoles vying for the same audience?

But it's all or nothing if they want to win over the gamer/core gamer/frat boy ect ect

they can't do nothing but upgrade the graphics.

Most of them (not all) mostly care about the visuals more than anything else. Based on how far the graphic war has been going on for years and years.....

They need to invest in western studios to make western games for the western audience.

That's just fanboy fodder (not you, others praising graphics as if they're a huge thing). As long as a game doesn't look too bad most don't care. Heck COD graphics were weak as piss yet it was the best selling franchise last gen. Wheras super good looking shooters like Killzone sold the least out of the competition (Halo, COD, Battlefield).

I think a big part of it is this gen. They need to support the Wii U to the bitter end to establish trust. Honestly, I am more comfortable buying a Sony console over a Microsoft one because of the prolonged support.

I don't agree with the HD triplets thing. Super Mario 3D world is going to be a great, if not even better game if it was on PS4 esque system. Having a more powerful console is better for Nintendo in every way. 

Both MS and Sony have supported their consoles way beyond expectations. (should remember that 3 is a year older) but yeah, I reckon Nintendo could get away with a 4 year lifespan with WiiU, then supporting it a further year alongside their new console.

Heck they only really supported Wii from 06 - 10 anyway.

And some of those years with the Wii were not even truly supported. I swear, the Wii had some of the worst years in Nintendo history. 

I lost a lot of trust when Nintendo completely abandoned the Wii. 

I'd like to know what the heck their dev teams were doing 11 - 13 0_o maybe HD development has been difficult for them?

That is what I am wondering too. Did they just spend 2 year twiddling thier damn thumbs? I expect Ninendo to announce more games in 2014, otherwise that tells me that Nitendo did not do jack for 2 years.