The Problem With the Wii U is the Wii

[Barozi]

Multiple reasons, but you named the most important ones.

The main reason why the WiiU isn't selling as good right now: Casuals
I think no one would deny that casual gamers played a huge role in the success of the Wii.

Problem No.1: Marketing

Casual gamers won't go to gaming stores to look what's new or buy gaming magazines etc.. Marketing is incredibly important here. If you don't know it exists you can't buy it.
And even if you know it you must make it clear that the console is a true successor and not just some add-on piece or a new game in the Wii series.


Problem No.2: Games

This time for both audiences. Core gamers need more core Nintendo games like Pikmin, Zelda etc.. ZombiU alone won't solve this issue.
Casual gamers need something different, something that pulls them in. Nintendo Land has certainly not the same effect as Wii Sports.
But an important question here will be. Is it enough to release a sequel to a big franchise like Wii Sports or Wii Fit ? Would people spend $400 to play something very similar that they have already at home ?
For what's certain, Just Dance 5 will not be the answer to this question. The people that are interested will buy the Wii version. (overall I expect the series to shrink once more, probably below 5m)


Problem No.3: Features

Motion controls are well known for the past few years, but is it really a good idea to set them behind the tablet in the 2nd row of controller options ? Is the tablet revolutionary enough to make non-gaming people buy the console just to see what the tablet is able to do ? Doesn't look like it.


If Nintendo made a more powerful console, they may have gotten some more of the PS360PC crowd into their boat, but they didn't do it with the Wii either, so it would have helped, but it wasn't essential.