I don't see how anyone could have expected it to ride off the success of the wii when the wiiU is the polar opposite of the wii.
I made a thread when the wiiU had just launch highlighting all the problems it will face but nobody listened to me, I was foolish everyone said for me not believing in the gamepad.... ah here it is
http://gamrconnect.vgchartz.com/thread.php?id=150379&page=1
I think in that thread I had a worst case scenario of it attaining gamecube level sales.
My 3ds friendcode: 5413-0232-9676 (G-cyber)