From the small sample size I can work with (that is my friends that do play games). I would guess nobody cares because the controller is pants taco retarded.
That's about it. Most people are semi-excited about what sort of games Nintendo might bring to the console. But any hope is crushed when one realizes that most games will have gameplay mechanics based around the controller shoehorned into them.
Also, I suspect that a majority of 3rd party titles will be a bunch of rehashed ports. Nobody will design a new exclusive title that is built around the controller for a new console with less hype surrounding it than the PS VITA.