This generation has left me pretty confused.

On one hand, there's 360 and PS3. Both are fine systems, but they're not exactly what I'm looking for. For the most part, I don't care about playing in HD, downloading TV shows, or having a Blu-Ray player--I just want to play some games. As for the games:they're overly serious, overly violent, and waytoo competitive. Whatever happened to sitting down, relaxing, and just having some fun?

And on the other hand, there's the Wii. It's gone the opposite route with the Wiimote and relatively weak graphics--and is suffering for it. I'm all for trying something new, but not if it means missing out on every multiplat I would like to try (or getting a shoddy version) simply because of the lack of raw power. And as for the Wiimote: it works great in some games, but it's telling when games like SMG, SSBB, and Zelda: TP could have easily done without it. Poor online is another issue. Yeah, I want a revolution, but not if that means taking a step backwards in a bunch of other areas.

I'm glad that Nintendo's succeeding, though, and I hope this leads to bigger and better things. I want to see Nintendo really shine with their post-Wii console--to innovate withouttoo much sacrifice. Here are some of my ideas:

1.) Let the developers decide whether to try something new (motion control), go old-school (gamepad), or do a little bit of both. Promote innovation, but don't force it down developers' throats. The Classic and GameCube controllers are there, but I think developers feel like they always have to implementWiimote controls--and often, they do a poor job.

2.) Allow for some multimedia, like a web browser and customizable soundtracks, but don't overdo it.

3.) Offer multiple configurations and upgrades, like Sony and Microsoft. Let gamers decide what features they want, and don't make them pay for stuff they don't need.

4.) Work on the online modes. Let gamers battle their friends, but don't force them to do so by making them use game-specific friend codes.Create a universal system, like Xbox Live. Allow for both ranked and unranked matches. Incorporate online featuresthroughout the game(Halo 3 does this exceptionally well.)

5.) Make the system comparably powerful. It doesn't have to run in HD or have super-fancy effects, but it needs to be able to run most third-party multiplats without a hassle.

6.) Enforce some quality control. Shovelware is inevitable, but at least try to cut down on some of it. Don't let the system be a dumping ground.

7.) Add some adequate memory. 512 MiB isn't enough.

8.) Finally, a positive: keep making top-quality first party games. Series like Mario and Zelda are timeless, and deserve to be continued and expanded upon. Also, keep trying new ideas (Pikmin, Battalion Wars, Animal Crossing, Nintendogs are all good examples).

Let me know what you think.