@ NightDragon83 ROFL I was out of breath; thats was a good comparision.

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.

That's conjecture. 

The challenge Nintendo faces is the same one that Microsoft ran into with the Xbox 360.  Being first has some advantages, but Microsoft's sales weren't strong until 2008.  That was only after the claims that the PS3 was more powerful never materialized.  If the PS4 and next Xbox prove to be significantly more powerful than the Wii U, the only people buying the Wii U will be die-hard fans that must have the latest and greatest.  Nintendo is going to have to have something ready, something compelling, to spur buyers.

Microsoft had Xbox LIVE, a great game library, and expanding media services.  If Pachter is concerned about the online experience with the Wii U, that should start raising red flags, especially if Nintendo isn't already working on new experiences.

One of my friends has said she won't be buying the Wii U right away, simply because she has a Wii and she sees no compelling reason to buy the Wii U. And this is someone who has purchased every Nintendo game system on day one. Not your typical on the fence consumer.

People may not like the idea of someone raising red flags about their favorite system, but the reality is that they are potential issues that could cause problems if Nintendo doesn't have a solution for them.  Pachter isn't saying "Don't buy a Nintendo console."  He's not even saying "Don't buy Nintendo stock."  He's saying "I'm concerned."  He's concerned because he see problems ahead and he doesn't understand what Nintendo's answer is to those problems.

Talk about conjecture...

What makes you think that people are more likely to pay more for the next consoles from Microsoft and Sony when the mass gamers (i.e. not the enthusiasts on forums) are perfectly happy with the visual fidelity we have now?  Regarding your anecdotal evidence you provided further in your post, I know plenty of people who aren't fans/haters of any company (who own 360 or PS3) who are much more anxious to have their Marios and Zeldas in HD with "current" graphics than they are to have "even prettier" Xboxes or Playstations when they're already happy with how their Halos and God of Wars look.

Furthermore, I disagree that Pachter is merely "concerned" about WiiU's success.  He openly admits to trolling Nintendo fans and relegates Nintendo's successes to dumb luck.  Anyone can be wrong and make a mistake, but this man is a veritable joke when it comes to his analysis of the games industry and it kills him that Nintendo knows the industry and consumers better than he ever will.

And yet people bought a Wii for Wii Sports/Wii Fit/Just Dance and similar games.   Shallow maybe, but that's what a large chunk of the Wii Audience wants.  

Nintendo themselves identified the dual analog controller as the primary hinderence stopping non-players from enjoying console games.  Now they have returned to it.  Not for the sake of the casual market - casual market still doesn't want it, for the sake of the core.

Yes it still supports Wiimote but we all now full well games will support the gamepad over the Wiimote/Nunchuk option.  Often Wiimote/Nunchuk won't even be an option (see all 'core' games announced) and with few expects, when it is used, it's only for additional players.   Wii's casual market will not (Easily) be swayed to WiiU with it's dual analog controller.  

Wii's message was clear.   Simple, accessible, fun.

WiiU's message is a convulated mess.  It's not clear who this is targeted for.  It's a shootgun approach to hit everyone and will (IMO) miss the mark on all accounts.

Having said that, there's enough Nintendo fans and tech nerds to give WiiU a strong first Christmas.   We'll see how it's still selling in March though. 

If Wii Fit U and Just Dance 4 (WiiU) sell weakly over the holidays, you know Nintendo has not retained it's Wii audience.

The one vulnerability of the Wii U is the tablet controller. If they are releasing the Wii U with one Wiimote and one tablet controller packed in for

If Patcher doesn't like it, it's almost guaranteed to be successful