That isn't to say we encountered issues within that estimated distance -- in fact, streaming worked flawlessly -- but don't expect to sneak in late night gaming from your bedroom while the Wii U sits quietly across the house.

ENGADGET: Nintendo Wii U review HD

The truth is that the company that popularized the modern image of Santa Claus and whose trademark hoopskirt bottle spread across the globe in the hands of U.S. soldiers during WWII hasn't come up with a memorable campaign or a knock-your-taste-buds-silly new flavor in years.

FORBES: Gone flat