It really depends from game to game, but hey... if you want to "revolutionize" (though, I prefer to look at it as an evolution) how games are played, that takes time. Lots of trial and error, and Nintendo being who they are, I'd say the first step is hella successful.
He does however raise a point, that of the blind Nintendo aficionado. Which is the negative way to look at it. I always felt that gamers who grew up with Nintendo simply have a much stronger bond with their consoles. The passion that cultivates in your heart through generations of playing with Link, Mario and the rest.
It's very hard to objectively judge something/someone that you love.
I'm not defending blindness, but I'm not "casting a stone" at it.