Xbox logo:
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Xbox 360 logo:
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Wii logo:
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Wii U logo:
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So far, they have barely differentiated themselves from the Wii at all. Of course, it's way too early to tell if the name will really mean anything, but if they want to pick up a whole other audience, keeping a near identical logo, a near identical box, and an aesthetic for the controller that can easily pass for a Wii peripheral may be troubling.
GBA looked like a totally new system. 360 looked like a totally new system. If they play a commercial for Wii U that focuses on the controller, has NSMB Mii playing on the screen, and keeps that logo above... people are going to think it's just a Wii controller. I had three friends/family members ask me if I saw the new Wii controller during the weeks after E3.
This is a valid take on it. Wii U just doesn't let people naturally realize on their own that this is a new/different system, whereas traditionally an entirely different name is used or a number to show the increase as that's something that doesn't need to be explained. It's the next iteration.
Keeping the Wii part of it is essential though. Despite sales floundering, it still has brand name recognition even though people might not even know Nintendo makes it. I think Wii 2 is simple and elegant enough while allowing people to realize it's the next version. If Nintendo is entirely incessant on the U moniker, I think at least they should do something like Wii 2 U. Then they can let their marketing teams go nuts with how it means different shit like "it's about games from we to you." and all that noise.