I'm not quite sure how Nintendo is abandoning the hardcore gamer. I feel like the Nintendo Wii has been more accommodating to the hardcore gamer than the Nintendo 64 at this point in the N64's lifetime.
I loved the Nintendo 64 also, but it was seriously lacking quality titles.
Nintendo has always been one of my favorite gaming companies and I think they are heading in the right direction.
I think the means justify the end result. Attracting casual buyers increases market share and resources. Increased market share and resources attracts developers. It's a win-win situation.
And I am sure some of these casual gamers will step over to the hardcore side.
I am not bothered or threatened by the casual gamer. Even though the N64 and Gamecube better targeted the hardcore...that didn't influence heavy hardcore game development on either system. They both were still lacking in number of quality titles.
Also think about the Dreamcast. Excellent system (IMO) that definitely appealed to the hardcore, but ended up a failure.
I'm not a fanboy, I just try to tip the balance in favor of logic and common sense.
