@conegamer: That`s probably the impact of casual gaming and lack of great games for Wii, lately.
A new console is better served at fall because that is where most people are ready to really spend money (not just the states!) and seeing as a lunch only has so many consoles, combining that with the Christmas period, and you have a buzz around your console that can`t be duplicated in any other time.
Why a fall 2012 release? Well, first and foremost, developers need time to creat software. Unless they have already started, a fall 2012 date gives them time to get to know a new console and prepare good games.
I also believe that Nintendo will indeed show a good number of games that will come out this year and that will boost Wii sales. A price cut is bound to happen this year aswell - of 50 €/$/£ imo - and with a Wii 2 set for fall next year, a new price cut might come next year making Wii just 99 €/$/£, lifting sales until Wii 2 comes. A redesign (not WiiHD), combined with the price cut, might help boost sales even higher.
