Ok so am nicely setup with the Wii U, all looks stunning, 2 TB HDD connected, Wii transferred over games DLed etc. So my final thing is GameCube games on the Wii U VC/eshop, have these been officially confirmed and if so has a timeframe been given for their availability (starting in launch window? after?)?

Would love to centralize everything on the same device.

honestly there has not been any confirmation yet if there will be gamecube games available in the eshop

That's what I feared, everyone has been discussing it but I hadn't found a news story confirming online. Bummer

Yeah at this point I believe its just a rumor. Nintendo hasn't said anything officially about it even happening let alone when.

So far, it's only just a (very likely) rumour.

Well yes, not confirmed, but likely. If the Wii could play N64 games, chances are Wii U will be able to play any home console platform, seeing as it can download much more than the Wii could.

Still after the disappointment on Wii VC especially with some games not coming out due to licensing or other issues its just smarter to get a Gamecube and that way you can get the games that way. Than you dont have worry about when they are going to release games for the VC or if.

The moment GC Games come to VC I'll get a Wii U, but for the time being Ill hold out until the first revision of hardware, and/or a white premium model and/or the first wave of big first party titles.

Im hoping for wind Waker!

I've seen no actually confirmed source even hint that GameCube VC will be available, it's pure speculation. While it's a logically sound thought, who knows if Nintendo will actually do it. I say don't get your hopes up (I already feel disappointed they haven't given us a solid yes or no to the rumors). People are being very optimistic about it so it's easy to get away and assume Nintendo is at least considering the idea, but it's just as likely they'll opt out of it and remaster a few titles in HD like they did in 3D for a couple N64 games. And it's just as likely they won't do anything. It's hard to tell what Nintendo is thinking right now, they've been hiding their cards really well.

Reggie himself has said that he would like to see gamecube games on the Wii U, so that's a good sign.
http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2012/09/reggie_fils_aime_wou...
Funny how many questions asked on this forum could be answered by a simple google search... and within seconds instead of minutes.
The Wii U will be able to download Wii U retail games, so there's no reason to think they couldn't handle gamecube games. It's just going to be a matter of licensing. The only gamecube games I think you could get your hopes up for would be first or second party games.

My Wii U is actually going to sit beside my Wii which will become my Gamecube monster.

The architecture of the Wii U is similar to the Wii, and therefore similar to the GC. It is possible with a little emulation on Nintendo's part.

Whenever I read rumors and speculation about Gamecube on Wii U, I hear potential problems may exist due to the lack of analogue triggers on the Wii U controllers? Would that really be an issue?

It may be an issue with some games but not all of them used them.

Super Mario Sunshine, Luigi's Mansion, Metroid Prime, Mario Kart: Double Dash!! and Super Smash Bros. Melee all used analog controls. Although, I'm sure you could still play all those games just fine without analog controls. You'll just miss out on the subtle things that the developers put in the games.
It was a mistake not to include analog controls for the Wii U. And the Wii's classic controller pro.

I'm fairly certain we'll get them eventually.

@DudeSean
From what I understand there was a patent lawsuit against all three companies (or at least Nintendo and one of them) about the analogue triggers. Nintendo fought it, the other guys settled. Nintendo were then forced to stop producing controllers with analogue triggers (don't remember if it was indefinitely, for some specific number of years or just while the case was being heard). It's why the original CC was the last one to feature it.

You'll probably find sources with more details if you search online.

The reason why it lacks analog is really a moot point, as it's still bad.

I was just about to say this. It's just like mario party 1's absence on the vc all over again!, if Nintendo did not look back on mario party 1, what make's @dudesean think they would put analog triggers in later controller models?!?!?!?! Thank you lawsuits!