Graphics do matter, but to an extent. Graphics can make a game more stunning or have that wow factor than gameplay can't, but if they don't determine if a game is fun or not, that's what gameplay does.

For me it would be something like this:

1- Game with good graphics and good gameplay. Obviously

2-Normal graphics and good gameplay.

3-Normal graphics and normal gameplay.

4-Bad graphics and good gameplay.

5-Bad graphics and normal gameplay.

6-Good graphics and bad gameplay.

7-Normal graphics and bad gameplay.

8-Bad graphics and bad gameplay.

The masses is everybody. Even the graphic whores have games in their collection that aren't visually amazing. For the most part, graphics whores are just some people who want software with cutting edge graphics that shows their platform is the best and most powerful!

In regards to split screen. Limitations of the hardware is a big part of the problem. A lot of games have two player split screen, but 4 players is too demanding without lowering the visual quality. Halo 4 is one of few modern shooters with 4 player split screen, but it scales down the visuals for more screens and you still get a choppy frame rate sometimes.

1 word minecraft

This hits the nail in the head.

Watch the video peoples. (For those of you that haven't watched it already)

Some informed people there.

Graphics advancements exist in order to potentially compliment art style. Fin.

graphics are only important when your favorite console has the better ones, otherwise 'gameplay is far more important' i.e. hypocrits, hypocrits everywhere.

Visuals are very important to me. The theme, setting and immersion play a big part in my enjoyment. I find it hard to get really into Wii games since I picked up my large HDTV. The grainy images detatch me a bit from being drawn into the world. Xenoblade is one of my favorite all-time games and its worlds are beautiful. It would have been an absolutely amazing experience if it was in HD. Great visuals make me feel I'm playing something fresh and modern. I don't sweat little details, but I like things to look good. I don't know if I will see a great difference between WiiU and PS4 since they should both make great HD visuals. But I will see the difference between a game with beautiful worlds and breathtaking experiences and a game lacking those qualities.

Sometimes better graphics can make a big difference.

I realized this after modding the hell of out Skyrim on my PC. So beautiful to look at now, whether it is day or night. Adds so much to the immersion.

lol what was the point of stating the ps4 doesn't interest you?...

personally i'm hyped for killzone sf, infamous ss and drive club so far

thats a 3:1 ratio of games that i find interesting between the wii u and ps4... even though the wii u has been out for months now