I still do not understand the software delays Nintendo has experienced. The only thing I can figure is that they gave hyper-optimistic release dates in order to make the Wii U look like it had a strong "launch window". That, or they just flat-out lied. Other developers have been making high def games for the last decade. It's completely common-place by this point. There is no way in hell it could have sneaked up on them. If it did then it was their own fault and just a massive screw-up that would reek of managerial incompetence.
As for the hardware, the lesson Nintendo learned from the Wii was that gimmicks/innovations have the potential to blow up big and go viral. Unfortunately, they also have a greater chance to bomb. It's like how guys who are trying to hit home runs strike out more than those who are looking for singles or doubles. They are now a company that gambles on hardware. Worked with the Wii, failed with the Wii U. It failed with the 3DS but luckily that gimmick/innovation was cheap enough that it become inconsequential.
Personally, I think the best path for Nintendo might be to drop the gambling approach and instead concentrate on delivering a system that is $100 cheaper than PS/Xbox while providing the best technology for the price. Keep the cheap motion controls solution for the family-friendly games, use a standard controller for those that need it. Keep costs low and the value to the consumer high. I think the gamepad and Kinect have proven that consumers want the most bang for their buck more than they want expensive peripherals. If you want attachments then keep the cost low.
