Hardcore gamers purchase the best version. The best version of multiplats usually isnt on the Wii U.

They do buy exclusives though.

"So, you can spend your days fiddling around with friend codes"

Theres no FCs on Wii U...

Anyways, as I've said a billion times, publishers need to instill some faith in the Nintendo audience before we start buying their games, and doing things like limiting DLC, delaying games and giving us gimped versions just make the problem worse.

To be honest, I'm beginning to feel like Nintendo's problems are more systematic and more deeply rooted in who they are. It shouldn't be *this* hard to sell even 20 million consoles and you shouldn't need a miracle gimmick to sell every single console you make.

I think the basic formula that Nintendo has of selling consoles is still rooted in the 1980s ... that the home console is for kids first, with little Johnny playing Mario as his dad and mom watch over his shoulder and laugh on.

But I think game consoles have simply evolved beyond that to be a home appliance. Like a cable box or a DVD/Blu-Ray player (no one wants a kids centric Blu-Ray player).

Sure Nintendo has their "hardcore" base of fans who are actually mostly adults, but they tend to only buy a Nintendo console for the main Nintendo IP they grew up with as kids. They buy a Playstation or XBox for any other type of gaming.

Selling a game console that somewhere between a toy and a electronic gizmo mostly on the back of Disney-styled mascot gaming characters is just a format that I don't think appeals to a lot of people anymore. Even kids ... you would figure that Nintendo should have a stone cold lock on that market, but kids want a Playstation or XBox too by the time they get to age 10-11, they want to play what their older brother/cousin is playing.

Animal Crossing is one of the most hardcore game I've ever played, but hey doesn't have blood and not gray enough so I think it doesn't count

I remember I only owned a Gamecube. I missed out on so many PS2 games. Now I have bitchin' PC in addition to my Wii U. I'm quite satisfied, but I do wish Nintendo had a sexier image while maintaining that family friendly brand.

Next generation they need to come out guns blazing, kicking naysayers in the nuts, and having slick designs and advertisements selling the sizzle. There should be absolutely no reason for people to pick up a Sony or Microsoft gaming system because Nintendo makes awesome games and they should have a slick platform for the 3rd party devs to showcase their AAA titles.

I know this won't happen though.  The next system will be de ja vu all over again.  Mark my words.

Precisely this.

If Nintendo can secure high quality mature exclusives like Bayonetta 2, they'll do fine.

At this point though, even if the definitive version of mature multiplat came to WiiU, I don't think it'd sell them best. Could maybe sell well, maybe similar to Resident Evil 4 did on GC.

There's never been a WiiU mature multiplat that accomplished ALL and I mean ALL of the following

-Significantly better graphics than 360/PS3

-Not broken on release

-Not missing features or content compared to other versions

-On time

Are you trying to suggest that I'm that type of a gamer?

well, you are playing Monster Hunter 3 so yes. You are. Shame on you

What is hardcore anyway? :/