I don`t understand why Pachter wants so badly for Nintendo to mimic Sony and MS. They did that with N64 and GC and they failed - even worse on GC`s case.
What`s the point on following that path, when Sony and MS are dominant? Putting out a machine as powerful as PS4 and Xbox 720 with the same exact functions (online, etc.) would help Nintendo stand out how? Offering the same thing as the competition will only get Nintendo a "Thank you, but i`m full."
Nintendo wasn`t lucky with Wii. From the name, the controller type, the actual shape of the controller, to all the experiences Wii provided that were already planned before it came out and after, it was planned.
Wii HD wouldn`t Nintendo any good because developers simply wouldn`t support it (would take time and resources) and even if they did, how well. a HD console, 3/4 years after HD consoles came out, would do with the same price tag or higher and no library of games to push it against the HD twins. With, probably, the only thing going for it being a bit more powerful?
And not to forget, a few years down the line and it would be "old tech" when PS4 and Xbox 720 came out.
Wii U has got everything going for it: 3rd parties have already shown support in a way that Wii never did; Miiverse (accessible from mobile phones aswell) seems to be as immersive as any game and draw people together, Nintendo franchises in HD; a great launch lineup; various types of play: Wii, tablet, DS; and not to forget a new to play multiplayer.
