You lose focus of what the Wii is when you discuss hardcore and Nintendo could care less about the demographic that likes to term themselves as being hardcore. They've always looked to create games that appeal to the masses and implement inovative devices (hardware and software) to make the games more interactive.

Remember R.O.B, the power glove, the lightwave gun, the super scope, the virtual boy, the reinvition of the joystick, and the rumble pack. Not to mention that Sony uses an evolved SNES controller and Microsoft uses and evolved version of Sony's. The DS and Wii just happen to be the first two that made the main stream fully realize Nintendo's goal to evolve the gaming experience.

I personally believe that Nintendo is pushing to define the difference between the PC and console market. That's why you are getting this devide between your view of hardcore. So maybe it's more appropriate to differentiate your position on gaming between your preferred platform of PC vs console rather than to bicker about how hardcore you are. ;)

I agree totally with the what you're saying about nintendo trying to seperate themselves from the PC-esque style games. I wouldn't try arguing about being Hardcore, because I don't think I am. It's just a good slang term that most gamers can identify with:P

Also you have to realize that there are also the 'casual' gamer who like to play games just for the sake of playing them for entertainment. This is who the Wii caters for mostly, people who probably wouldn't have bought a console before.

OR you have children that 'needed' their wii and their 'DS's" and their 'gamecube' You may dabble in that for quality gaming with the kids but prefer your own xbox, ps2/3 and/or pc.
I belong to the school of thought that there are and will be more games that cross between the makes of consoles but they will be a different experience when played on the wii [stating the obvious but trying to sound overly intelligent]

I think with Wii we're seeing a new generation of gamers. When I was growing up there use to be the kids who played sports and the kids who played video games. That distinction no longer exists. Now, every kid plays video games. For a long time video games catered towards people who's coordination didn't extend past their finger tips. It was partially a limitation of the hardware, but I distinctly remember reading about games that tried to remove the "twitch factor", aka coordination, from their games in order to make it more of a mental match. Unfortunately, this doesn't appeal to everyone. I think Wii's move to make a system that brings a degree of athleticism into the picture is great. With the competitive games on the system I find the Wii actual brings more people together in the same room then 360 or PS3. Granted, you can play with other people online, but you lose the personal interaction that makes an evening an enjoyable and memorable event. That's where I see the major distinction between the systems. One is more enjoyable when your friends are actual there, the others provide more escapism.

Tristan, I am delighted that you chose to write about the Wii. My boyfriend and I are contemplating the purchase of one. We feel that the Wii might be great for "casual gamers" such as ourselves because it's relatively inexpensive, and gets our rumps off of the couch and moving a bit. If you're going to stay inside and entertain yourself with video games - at least do it with one that is physically engaging.