The problem with the Wii U has been a differentiator one from day one.
Most of what is being released on it by Nintendo are products that have already been made on prior consoles. Only with better visuals. It needs something fresh. Something game changer. The gamepad has a lot of potential, yet Nintendo is playing it safe by releasing Wii U versions of games everyone played on the Wii not so long ago.
Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze is no different. Nintendo is playing it very safe, software-wise. And it's unfortunate. They need to create something that truly couldn't be made without the gamepad.
So far, all they've done is sit on the success of the Wii, and release the same games they made for it, only with a slight visual boost... They're in for a very tough awakening.