Even one year ago if I said gamepad is a gimmick people would get angry and say its a unique factor. Lol. How time has changed.
Video gaming has always been simple controller with a moderately powerful system with a good variety of games. Wii U tablet is a complex concept compared to successful systems. Remember NES / SNES days? One dpad with two buttons were enough. Dual analogs are necessary expansion and it doesn't need to go more complex.
A complex controller that makes the system expensive, weaker hardware, no clear vision and expecting third parties to come coupled with strong word of mouth of competitors system Wii U couldn't had any worse position.







