I think the point here is what us gamers see as standard. When PS4 and XOne launched, they became that standard. Everything with less functions and less graphic horsepower than that is considered obsolete. And that's normal. There's nothing wrong in wanting a Metroid with Mass Effect Andromeda graphics. Nothing wrong in wanting a Zelda with Witcher 3 graphics, diversity and greatness. Not transforming Nintendo IPs in the same games from the competition, but just having the same standard things we have from them. People (in majority) like Nintendo not by their innovation in hardware, but for their inovation in software. Nintendo, even now, continues to create new and refreshing gaming experiences. Like Splatoon and ARMS. They are different from the same gray shooters we see year after year. And there's nothing wrong in wanting to see that new and refreshing ideas coming along the standard functions and graphic level we expect in 2017.
I understand that innovating in hardware supports the idea that a console is a console and not a PC and that's great. But a good part of gaming community just choose console over pc because of price and simplicity. In that sense, Nintendo picked the right thing when decided to use cartridges over discs, eliminating (probably) install time. Simplicity all over. Also, a $299 price is a good price for a gaming machine. But for that price, people in 2017 expect at least power to play Xbox One games. In 2017, people expect good online functions with voice chat and free decent games for the online subscription. People expect Netflix to be there at the beggining. That is the fucking standard.
I don't want Nintendo to be just like M$ and Sony. And I don't think the majority of people would have a problem with Nintendo innovations and gimmicks if they had decent graphics, standard controller option and all the third party support with complete games equal from the competition. Honestly, with a bit of aggressiveness, Nintendo could kick M$ out of the market (there's no space for 3 consoles anymore, Xbox One sales shows it). Still can, if they treat the Switch as portable and launch a capable HC along the PS5 in a few years. Not dropping innovation. Maybe make it a little (just a little) less powerful, but with some unique features (along the majority of features that PS5 will have) and let their incredible IPs be played along all the great IPs that come from thirdies. That could work.
But in this moment, Switch was exactly the right choice. Nintendo couldn't afford a expensive failure. A powerful machine won't compete with a PS4 already established in the market and the XOne that took the rest. The next generation (if it ever exists) will be the chance (maybe the last) for Nintendo making a powerful console. But I'm quite sure that Ninty won't do that.
