I'd argue optical out and ethernet ports would be features more than 10% would actually use. I'd also strongly support the notion that like the Wii and GC, as well as the lack of any real solid information considering the everlasting online problems they have, that Nintendo will include the bare minimum then offer the dongle for a additional fee. I think we can speculate that if "online play" was a major company goal for this platform, we'd at least get steady and solid info and a ethernet port...
But for simplifications sake, lets just argue the ethernet port. Why not include it, and why instead charge cash money for a dongle? Would it drastically increase production costs, would it undermine a aesthetic or form factor change requiring a slight redesign (like internal HDD)? ...No, it wouldn't. They just don't want to, are not concerned about those would want a cleaner and stabler internet connection, bottom line. So if A) you don't own a wireless router, you must shell out more cash to enjoy Nintendo Network (between $40-$100 for anything really decent, or bogart the neighbors' connection), or B) pay Nintendo a additional fee (probably $10-$20) for a dongle. So Nintendo makes $10-$20, instead of spending a couple pennies in manufacturing for ethernet ports (even for a calculation of 10% of users, which will be in the millions total), seems like a pretty sweet deal.
Maybe I'm just splitting hairs, but I'd consider a simple set of connectors fair play.
my mistake.
