It's not could have gotten but it HAS BEEN downgraded. The earlier trailer was merely a target render most likely rendered using a computer with specs similar to the Wii-U. That said what's more important is the part where you're playing anyway and those look great.

Will you be including a comparison of the difference that having the hard drive installs makes versus not having them?

yup, got the digital version prepped for the other wiiu.

Cool, I'm still deciding whether I should do the installs or not. :)

How many hours do you think you will put into such a massive game? Installing it is a no-brainer.

My problem is I only have 7gb left and I'm too cheap/lazy to get an external harddrive.

There's plenty of time for you to look for a decent one at a good price before the game releases. You'll probably need one eventually anyway. 

Yeah, I'll probably end up doing it, I just tend to be stingy.

No comment.. :)