Nintendo's Wii U launch was met with lots of negativity. Long download times for updates, some machines bricking that didn't update properly, slow OS. Features promised at launch that never came or came too late etc. Not to mention things like no megaton launch title outside of another New Super Mario game.

As we all know now though, Wii U of today is a different story. It stands out on its own with a nifty little OS that uses little resources, a eshop with varied indies and tons of great first party exclusives that cover different genres. A quick start feature that gets you straight into your game with little issue as well. Its a overall improved system compared to the Wii U at launch.

Lets say this version of Wii U was the launch version. All the nifty little features right out off the box at launch. Do you think this would have helped the Wii U consoles overall launch window? Lets even include Mario Kart 8 at launch. Its a game that most gamers can agree is a game that can show what the system (not the gamepad, that's a different argument) can do. Do you think that would have been enough to ensure better fortunes?

Yes, it would have helped a lot. Maybe it would have made third parties more interested in the U.

Why not just have it launch in 1995, for $50?

Wii U in 1995 would have made it seem like some sort of insane future machine and I'm sure that most of the leadership of Nintendo would have been burrned at the stake for witchcraft.

Nintendo are constantly getting burned for witchcraft... its a reflection of the ignorance of the times and the cloud of mystery Nintendo, and to be fair the press, have created around them.

I think that a main problem of the Wii U is based on the Wii. The Wii made Nintendo think that Control Devices can sell Systems. But in my opinion a standard controller is by far the best input device for most genres.

A touch screen or a motion controller are simply not suitable for most games with deep gameplay. Making these input devices mandatory was not the smartest move. You can always sell them as extra device (like the balance board). The Xbox One removed the mandatory kinect because it was simply giving them a disadvantage against the PS4. The PS4 is selling well despite not having a mandatory "innovative" controller.

The Wii was becoming its own "niche" because due to its technical limitations it wasn't getting most big franchises... so even if the Wii U got some late ports it is always hard to get into a franchise with several sequels with an ongoing storyline... (like Assassin's Creed).

I still have not decided to buy a WII U yet. The focus on the tablet controller killed the interest soon as I was not satisfied with the WiiMote and I did not want to go through the same experience again (control scheme ruining gaming experience).

I was also disappointed that the WII U did not receive a Trophy system. I have the vision that One day I can collect trophies in my favourite Nintendo games in a lasting account. Not to compete with other gamers, only for my own fun in honoring my favourite games.

All in all, the Problems of the WII U are still not solved for me. The Controller still makes the console too expensive for what it offers.

You can buy the Wii U then, there ain't a focus on the tablet controller. You can ignore the second screen in most games or play most games with the Wii U Pro Controller without compromises.

It would have sold way much more. Plus, I think that Rayman Legends would actually be a launch exclusive.

Make it more powerful first like ps4/xbox one
not call it wii u but ultra nintendo entertainment system(unes)
advertise the thing
have mk8 and smash u in launch window and zelda in holiday
your set for a year

Yes, it would have more games and the launch would be a lot better than it was!