I dont get why people think one single game is going to significantly alter how a console sells for an extended period of time. When 3DS was underperforming, it wasnt any single thing that caused it to have a turnaround. It was 1/3 price cut+Mario 3D Land+Mario Kart 7(also Monster Hunter for Japan) that helped it out and even then sales would have dropped back down if Nintendo didnt continue to support it with a healthy and consistant release schedule in 2012/2013.
The same thing goes for Wii U, no single game is going to change its fortunes outside of a bump in sales for a few weeks. a massive turnaround wont happen overnight and will take time to build up all the momentum they lost in the first 3/4 of this year. Price cut+Wind Waker bundle gave it a good boost in the West, Wii Party U bundle did the same in Japan. New bundles+3D Mario are giving it a decent holiday boost.
The thing Nintendo really needs to do is make sure they follow up the holidays with a strong release schedule to make sure Wii U doesnt lose all momentum like it did at the beginning of this year. Last year Wii U had a decent launch (not amazing but not bad by any means) but they squandered the year head start by having Lego City as the only major exclusive in the first half of the year and multiple delays. They absolutely have to make sure that doesnt happen again.
DKC in February, Mario Kart in Spring (likey April) and Smash Bros is rumored for May. If those 3 games and maybe Bayonetta all release in the first half of the year than Wii U should sell pretty healthily. There will probably be a slight summer drought then Yarn Yoshi, X and a couple unannounced titles (Mario Party/Paper Mario/Animal Crossing/Zelda are possibilities) can fill out the 2nd half of the year.
Wii U is almost certainly not going to win this generation but thats ok, as long as it sells enough for Nintendo first party software to sell a ton and make a profit it will be fine.
When the herd loses its way, the shepard must kill the bull that leads them astray.
