Nintendo surprised us all at E3 with the decision to name their future console the Wii U. Reggie Fils-Aime, Nintendo of America's president, proclaimed to a dumbfounded crowd that the Wii U was made for both casual and hardcore gamers. The console featured HD graphics, downloadable content, and a unique controller.

Nintendo will need to hit the mark in many other areas, however, if they wish to compete with Sony and Microsoft for the core-gaming crowd.

The first hurdle the industry giant needs to tackle is marketing. While the Wii U controller features familiar design conventions, its tablet-inspired form and large size could cause some concern among potential customers. Gamers will also need to adjust to the button and analog stick layout which could present some ergonomic challenges. 

To achieve ultimate success, Nintendo should let players experience the Wii U and its controller for themselves. If skeptics are able to wrap their minds around some of these new ideas, it’s possible they’ll support the new console.

Next, the Wii's successor needs to provide a quality online experience. Removing friend codes for 3DS software was a step in the right direction, and this practice must continue. Players should be allowed to create their own accounts and usernames. Nobody wants to be known as 1531-7846-6569.

Online gaming on the Wii suffered from lag and hacking which led to a largely unpleasant experience. Serious gamers will expect an improvement in service. This might come through a subscription-based model. Xbox Live has proven that people are willing to pay for a superior online-multiplayer platform.

Nintendo should also improve the quality of their online store. This includes making demos available, so consumers could try new games without having to pay for them. Implementing more downloadable-content options is key as well.

Lately, the Wii and 3DS have been suffering from a drought of third-party games, and this needs to change with the Wii U. At E3, Nintendo paraded around a number of developers supporting their new system. More third-party titles will attract more players.

A fresh and diverse first-party lineup will help make the Wii U a contender for the core-gaming crowd. The makers of Mario Bros. would be wise to develop new Star Fox, Pikmin, and Custom Robo games in addition to new releases for other franchises.

Admittedly, some of these points will probably not be addressed. But this is what players deserve. If Nintendo kept these things in mind, then the Wii U would be a top contender.