The deal is targeted to the 42 million Wii balance board owners, trying to attract them to the Wii U platform. It is a nice incentive, getting a free fitness game for buying a quite robust $20 pedometer. Of course, communication is key, so getting the word out effectively will be paramount. But to assume that each and every Mr. 30 Year Old Bob will have zero idea automatically assumes that there will be no advertising, shelf space, or word of mouth.
This delay was good planning, since it was originally due in summer. It is right in time for the winter months when active people will be looking for ways to exercise, as well as everyone's New Year's Resolutions to drop weight. Certainly, the fad has probably faded like Nintendogs or Brain Age, but it can still find it's audience and be a successful product.
On a different topic, they *should* try a calorie tracker for Wii Sports Club too and let the software communicate with each other. I wonder if they've considered that?
The *deal is only for current WiiU owners. So they basically need to get an avert out that tells people to buy a wiiu and basically get WiiFit U for free with a pedo purchase. All within 1 months time.
If Nintendo can pull that off, I will be impressed.