For the sort of tech used in the controller it was too early.
For the timing of a new console it was too late.
Also no flagship software really hurts the Wii U. Mario Kart 8 is a great game, but the Wii U should have launched with a major Mario or Zelda title. Right now neither has released, and a major Mario title will probably never come. They launched with their support software first, and their system selling titles last or not at all.
I describe myself as a little dose of toxic masculinity.