This is the Problem(Main) of the Wii U

[foxtail]

Skullwaker said:
The reason behind this issue really is that the console itself doesn't look too different from the original Wii.

Hence, they showed off the gamepad to highlight the difference but it backfired and came off as a peripheral. What they should've done was design the console itself to have a more unique appearance in the first place.

I think that they had limited options when designing a console that small with a front loading drive.  

The proprietary Panasonic pseudo Blu-ray drive takes up more than half the case.

The proprietary disc drive is that silver box in the top of the picture (front of the console).

Nintendo did try to differentiate the Wii U from the Wii by using black instead of white for the chief console color (while also making the Wii Mini red.)

But I agree that it didn't help that the general shape of the consoles stayed the same.

edit:

I also agree that Nintendo was deliberately hiding the console to showcase the gamepad (even from the beginning reveal at E3) and that it was a mistake because people do like to see what the actual console looks like too.