The problem with colorful games is they're all over the iPhone/iPad ... and for free.
If Nintendo's whole sales pitch now is "well you can't play real games on an iPhone with real controls", then they may be better served towards having more games that really can't be replicated properly on a smartphone. They need to differeniate themselves from smartphones in a larger way in other words.
Going more high end may let them have their slice of the market.
Look at the New 3DS launch which was aimed more at an older demographic vs. the 3DS XL launch ... the numbers of the New 3DS launch are much higher.
The problem is Nintendo will predictably stop doing the things that got them success in this case. I've watched Better Call Saul for the last two weeks for example and no more 3DS ads (whoda thought). Monster Hunter and Majora's Mask appeal to older teens/adults ... but what else is coming in the next few months that does the same? This is where you will lose momentum.
