Wii U's marketing was terrible, but I own one and it's one of the best systems I've ever had.
I leave the "hardcore gaming" to PC and keep console gaming for parties, friends coming over, drinking games, whatever. The 5th player and all the elements that surround the Wii U are really nice. The one thing that sucks is for some reason, the last couple years nintendo hasn't been releasing worthwhile software.
A new mario party game
Super Smash bros 4
Some mario sports games that actually use motion controls right (Tennis/Golf/etc)
Could really make the system great.