Maybe its not only a test but actually aimed at a different market.
Not the core or the usual casual that might enjoy Animal Crossing with its cute cuddly animals.
Maybe its aimed at more the Wii___ crowd. the people that only play WiiSports, WiiMusic, WiiPlay, etc etc.
That crowd knows its Miis and might initially be turned off by the cute cuddly characters.
A sort of gateway game for the new gamer.