There is also the games.

I think the wii u is the best next gen console anyways. I know its the least powerful but I think the gamepad is awesome and the games are the best on it. If third party developers were to use the gamepad well they could actually have their games sell well.

Well I think Steam will always be free.

Totally possible, won't happen. PC gaming doesn't require it, it's not needed and is basically just extra revenue.

Paid online is a deal breaker to me, but sadly I think the next Nintendo console will be subscription based too.

There are many reasons NOT to support Nintendo this gen.

1. Nintendo would force us to use technologies/gimmicks we actually don't want. MS was wise enough to drop Kinect, Nintendo has stubbornly refused to drop the reviled gamepad.

2. Nintendo would slow down graphical and technical advances. If it weren't for MS and Sony we wouldn't be playing games in HD quality.

3. A console that virtually only plays first party titles underlines an extremely questionable value proposition especially since it's only 100 dollars cheaper than the competition that does MORE. You get WAY less with the Wii U than the PS4/XB1.

So yeah please don't support the Wii U this gen.

As a PC gamer paid online sucks but that alone is not enough for me to support Nintendo over Sony or Microsoft. Support whoever gives you the games, hardware and features you want.

I prefer pay online with games rather than free online with no games

I support Nintendo because they give me what I want.

1. They're cheap because cheap console
2. They're cheap because free online
3. They're cheap because I don't really have a lot to play, but whatever I end up playing is worth it.

And that's what I don't think they're going to do.