The Gamecube didn't have the Wii series, nor did it have 2D Mario or an (by the masses) acceptable 3D Mario title. Simply calling it Wii U will move lots of systems due to brand popularity, while the Wii also promoted the Nintendo IPs above previous recognition levels.

Still, your entire argument is contradicted by the fact that Gamecube was relevant and possibly even turned a profit (not sure if Gameboy was the sole or part reason to their profit during those years).

These are my thoughts exactly.  I owned the Wii for a couple of years and had fun with the mini games and party games that took good advantage of the the remote's motion controls.  I never bought a single big name Nintendo game, including the ones you named off.  Motion controls take all the fun away from those experiences.  I want to play those games to be immersed, and forget that I'm holding onto a controller.  But the moment I have to waggle it around unnecessarily, it's all ruined.

The Wii U will no doubt do the same, as you've said.  This will be the first Nintendo console I don't buy, and that's a discouraging thought.  If I could buy the console with the Pro Controller packed in, I would consider it.  But the tablet will be required, along with its touch-screen and motion capabilities for in-game controls.

I will no doubt be skipping any other console, as well, that attempts to force these gimmicks into every game.

I also agree that these new VR units have me more enthused about gaming than anything I can remember.  Games progress by creating more immersive experiences, and there's no better way than to feel like you are there (granted, with high enough resolution).  When the game is displayed to take up your entire peripheral vision, it's something I can't wait to explore.  I'll just be patient enough to wait for further iterations of these devices with a standard of HD resolution.