Because the Wii had a new controller, so they had to I think include something new with the Wii U, even if it was impractical in some ways. Nintendo can't resist repeating a successful formula (or at least attempting to).

Imagine a Wii without motion controls or a DS with only one screen.

Its sold at a small loss at $300 so $250 without tablet would be small profit.

Though the Wii U tablet is probably more analgous to the Balance Board (had Nintendo bothered to use it in more games) or N64 Rumble Pak. Most games would work fine without it.

I think the gamepad is neat, I like it alot

I like it a lot as well personally.

But I also get that there are a lot of people who are not buying the system either. Maybe a $199-$250 SKU gets some people to jump in and at least gets them buying some Wii U software (hopefully).

If Nintendo has no plans to make something truly innovative for the Wii U tablet other than making it a second screen map, touchscreen buttons that can be brought up with a start button menu, or performing off-screen play, then they should make two types of Wii U: one without the Wii U tablet and one with it, and have a Nintendo land or a better game bundled with a Wii U tablet in a Wii Fit style bundle.

This way they can see if the tablet will actually sell the console or is better of as an accessory like the zapper, wheel, balance beam, or motion plus.

WHY ON GODS GREEN EARTH WOULD THEY DO THAT!? I like chilling in bed playing console games on the Gamepad. Keep Nintendo unique. There are other options for THAT kind of console.

Yeah that's pretty much what I'm proposing. I do like the tablet controller myself, but then again I have no problem spending $300+ on a Nintendo console. I get the feeling this isn't true of the mass market.

The other kicker is I can really only think of three current Wii U games that absolutely require the tablet to play -- Nintendo Land, Game & Wario, and Zombi U.

And looking at what's coming next year, it looks like only a few more games absolutely need it. Wii Party U. I was going to list Wonderful 101, but I believe the game can also be played without the tablet controller (second analog stick).

Oh, then I agree. But only if Nintendo doesn't plan anything innovative with it next year. If we have to wait two years then this I honestly believe Nintendo thought the controller enough would sell the console because it has touch screen and can use off-screen gameplay. And honestly, they should have something innovative this holiday when the One and PS4 is out. But they did say they are keeping games secret in fear competition copy and this may include Wii Fit U and Wii Party U. Or just an excuse for not having anything interesting to show at E3. I don't know /end rant.

And it seems like you're proposing only one model for Wii U or models without the tablet sold with the hardware. I think it's important to have one model with the tablet just to see if the tablet is not worth being bundled and makes the Wii U seem overpriced.