We were getting most games on a timely manner before, some even many months before NA (Xenoblade, Bravely Default, PLvsAA), now we got Captain Toad one month late, while we're also getting S.T.E.A.M after 2 months and Kirby who knows when (minimum 4 months late).
Sure it could be a matter of strategy, however I wonder what kind of strategy creates a big empty void on the 3DS and Wii U release schedule from the middle of February to May (!!) on purpose. Doesn't seem a winning one, I could be wrong, but I doubt they're going willing in it. I think they're focusing on other, much longer and harder to translate games, so that they can guarantee worldwide releases for those, while the minor ones end up delayed.
1. European reviewers received their review copies of Captain Toad in late October/ early November. Those copies have been identical to the finished game.
2. Kirby isn't a popular franchise in Europe. Maybe they have data proving the game will sell better later in the year.
3. There is a demo for Code Name S.T.E.A.M. available on the European eShop. Why would they even work on a demo right now, if they're behind the schedule of the translation of the actual game?
4. Nintendo published 3DS games:
February:
-TLoZ: Majora's Mask 3D
-Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate
March:
-Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Tipping Stars
-Cooking Mama: Bon Appétit (You've forgotten to list this as well as the next three entries btw)
-Gardening Mama: Forest Friends
-Inazuma Eleven GO Chrono Stones: Wildfire
-Inazuma Eleven GO Chrono Stones: Thunderflash
April:
-Xenoblade Chronicles
May:
-Code Name S.T.E.A.M.
-Puzzle & Dragons Z + Puzzle & Dragons Super Mario Bros. Edition
Nintendo published Wii U games:
March:
-Mario Party 10
-Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Tipping Stars
May:
-Splatoon
First Half of 2015:
-Yoshi's Woolly World
-Project Giant Robot
Even now both release lists are not barren, but knowing Nintendo those aren't even complete yet. I can imagine additional releases of Art Academy U, Youkai Watch and Project Zero 5 all within the first half of 2015 as well as some third party published games not listed above.