If Nintendo releases a cheaper SKU, what will help it sell the most? Maybe a $249 Wii U Basic w/ Wii U Pro Controller instead of a Wii U Gamepad bundled w/ either Sonic Lost Worlds, Wonderful 101, Pikmin 3, or Rayman Legends? Or a $229 Wii U Basic w/ Wii U Mote bundled with all compatible Wii Sports Club? What do you think? I've set up a poll, but you can tell us what you think in the comment section.

I can promise you that there will be never a Nintendo Wii U (SKU) without a GamePad!!!

Nintendo will never sell Wii U without Gamepad. You need to give up people. Is not going to happen

the OS was built around Gamepad. Why Nintendo would sell Wii U without it?

Although Nintendo has yet to demonstrate a game that proves their vision with the Gamepad, I still maintain that ditching it now is a big mistake. Many of us see potential in it and it's truly alarming that Nintendo hasn't shown us why they designed their console around it other than off-tv play, which is cool, but not a game changer. WWHD plays like a dream with the benefits of the GP but they need to show software that could only function with its features (something much better than Nintendoland).

other = no, none of the above.  a cheaper pricepoint will not create longterm sales, only a week or two slight increase...and then back to the norm.  this has been brought up time and time again.  it's a bad idea.

Zombi U and Wii Party U both make great use of the Gamepad.

I'm not against the Wii U Gamepad. Infact, it's my 2nd favorite controller (nothing can beat the good ol' GameCube Controller). But IMO, if the Wii U is still being sold at a loss, this can be a cheaper alternative with a more attractive price point for more people and  can create profits for Nintendo. The GamePad can be sold seperately at retail with a rather limited supply and cost $80. Not a probable or necessary move I know, but this may lead to more sales and more profits in thoery at least.

I think WWHD makes great use of it too, but the problem is that none of those games have broken into the mass perception of "oh, this is what it's all about".  I haven't played Party yet and it does seem to be on the right track but Ninty needs to develop that hit game that does for the Gamepad what Wii Sports did for the Wii remote.

Yeah they have to keep the gamepad! Its like the second screen on the ds/3ds its here to stay. I dont think they would move that many more consoles without it even if the price is closer to $200. Dont get me wrong $250 is the sweet spot for the wii u (gamepad included). When they can afford to get there there game library will be built up and they should sale really well. Thats why i think wii u peaks in years 3-5 untill they anounce a new system.