How "hardcore" were the N64 and Gamecube?

[peachbuggy]

There has been a lot of talk this gen about which games  and which systems are "hardcore" and which are "casual". Similarly, there has been a lot of talk about the "Nintendo hardcore" diminishing. The Wii has supposedly taken over the mantle of the "casual" Ps2. This must mean, therefore that the Gamecube was a "hardcore" console yet i remember, looking back at last gen the Gamecube was labelled a "kiddie" console as was the N64 before it. Reminiscing about the N64 games line-up i would say it seems pretty "super hardcore" to me now. Also, looking at the attach rate of the GC i would say that was pretty "hardcore" too. Do people really believe the so-called Nintendo hardcore base is diminishing or do they think that the new expanded fanbase will, in time become Nintendo hardcore? I say this because next-gen i believe many Wii buyers will show brand loyalty to Nintendo. For the record, i don't really buy into all this "casual/hardcore" stuff. I believe any game can be played in a "hardcore" fashion. Even Animal crossing. You should see the hours i've clocked up on it.