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Wii U Controller Features 6.2" Screen, Motion Control, Video Calls

nintendo press conference

by Dan Ryckert on June 07, 2011 at 12:09 PM

12,510 Views

As expected, Nintendo’s new controller for Wii U features a touchscreen in addition to standard buttons and analog sticks. A sizzle reel at Nintendo’s press conference showed off several previously unknown functions, however.

One scenario shown off in the video was a gamer playing a Mario title on the television when a friend came in requesting to watch a baseball game. The game’s action was then shifted to the Wii U controller’s 6.2” screen, freeing up the television.

When used in conjunction with a television, the Wii U controller has several other functions. It can be used to provide an alternate perspective, as shown with a Wii Sports baseball type of game. The TV showed the batter’s perspective, while the Wii U controller allowed the pitcher an entirely different view. Once the ball was hit into the air, the second player had to track the ball using motion control in order to catch it. In a golf game, the player can look down at the controller on the floor to see the lie of the ball, and the actual follow-through and shot can be seen on the screen.

The controller can also be attached to the Wii Zapper and used as a viewfinder or giant scope. A Hogan’s Alley-esque game demonstrated this. Connecting to the Wii Balance Board is also possible, allowing you to check your weight privately without using the television.

Another scenario didn’t require a television at all. Two players were shown participating in a board game of sorts while the Wii U controller sat on a table.

Outside of the gaming world, the Wii U controller can also be used to make video calls similar to Apple’s Facetime function for iPhones and iPads.

Like with the DS, it'll be interesting to see what developers do with such a radically different method of control. We'd expect some growing pains as studios start to experiment with the Wii U controller, but it should be exciting to see how it pans out.

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Filed under: News, Controller, E32011, nintendo2011, nintendo press conference, wii U

Comments

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by shiny Tuesday, June 07, 2011 at 12:17 PM

Nice... But i wonder how ergonomic the controller is?
by Boyzby Tuesday, June 07, 2011 at 12:20 PM

It's interesting to think about how the controller could be used, including putting it on the floor and seeing a golf ball there. Amazing. I wonder how it feels in your hands though.
by John Tuesday, June 07, 2011 at 12:25 PM

Only Nintendo can constantly make crap that I want that I will only play for a month and then collect dust? Must resist...urge to buy...
by Mike Tuesday, June 07, 2011 at 12:27 PM

I'm really hoping this new direction pans out for Nintendo, but I just can't help but feel concerned about that controller.
by Cornelius Tuesday, June 07, 2011 at 12:32 PM

Ok is it a new system or a new controller???? Can I just buy the controller and play or do I need a Wii system?
by D. Robinson Tuesday, June 07, 2011 at 12:33 PM

The Zelda clip with the menu on the screen and the baseball clip reaffirmed ideas I had as for what devs might do with this controller, so I can't wait to see them come up with stuff I couldn't think of. I don't doubt that there will be creative uses for this after how developers took to the DS' touchscreen, so I can't wait to see what they come up with.

Also: console that works without TV by using screen in controller? Brilliant. I'm always having people interrupt my gaming to watch shows, so that's an awesome feature.
by Cornelius Tuesday, June 07, 2011 at 12:38 PM

That contoller looks expensive!! Just think how much 4 player co-op would cost!!
by Link8576 Tuesday, June 07, 2011 at 12:49 PM

Video calls sound pretty awesome.
by demax51 Tuesday, June 07, 2011 at 01:01 PM

My big concern here is that the new controller looks like it will be unbearably expensive: however I get the feeling that you will really only need ONE of these controllers no matter how many players you have, and that it will be used in conjunction with any number of Wii-motes.

Still - this controller HAS to sell for at least $100 by itself, and any family with small children may be wary of spending that much on something that is very likely to be broken.
by tmc002 Tuesday, June 07, 2011 at 01:03 PM

Will the Wii U have hardcore and 3rd party games? They'll make more money if they do....
by ilikemasseffect Tuesday, June 07, 2011 at 01:07 PM

GOD **BRAAAHHHH** NINTENDO I THOUGHT BETTER OF YOU! SCREW the Wii U's processing power, all you want is another gimmick! Show us some real games, and redesign your controller. the joysticks look like the nunchuk's stick, and that thing was a pain in the ass.
by Sublimegaming Tuesday, June 07, 2011 at 01:12 PM

I have to say the options for this controller sound great and do seem to be very versatile but I do have to agree with Boyzby how would this feel in your hands. I mean come on this just screams that you are going to end up in an awkward position when you are trying to play a game. And would this double as a handheld to? I guess only time will tell
by Colton Tuesday, June 07, 2011 at 01:16 PM

I bet that sucker is going to be expensive.
by Large Italian Mustache Tuesday, June 07, 2011 at 01:23 PM

So its portable adn can be connected to a TV? Nice
by Opfer der Seele Tuesday, June 07, 2011 at 01:24 PM

WEll, it's interesting to say the least. But I'm still not exited for this thing.
by TurdFurgy Tuesday, June 07, 2011 at 01:57 PM

I wounder how many you can use at a time.
by Mipps88 Tuesday, June 07, 2011 at 02:05 PM

This will be cool for local multiplayer.
by Allen Tuesday, June 07, 2011 at 02:07 PM

I think that was the father that wanted to watch baseball with his son, who then proceeded to play Mario. Great kid. Also, I believe they were playing Go, which, I guess, is a "board game of sorts".

As for the controller itself, I'm not sure about it. It seems to have all the features it needs, but it seems a bit big, and it's got an odd placement for analog sticks.
by deckard Tuesday, June 07, 2011 at 02:07 PM

This is all fine and freakin' dandy BUT: As the great Pete Townsend once said: "we don't get fooled again". I personally don't care how "revolutionary" or groundbreaking the controller or system is. This comes down to nothing but the games for Nintendo since they so gloriously blew it with that last system of theirs. What was it...***, let me think...oh yea, the Wii.
by Allen Tuesday, June 07, 2011 at 02:24 PM

Also, guys, come on. It's the controller for the new console. CONTROLLER. You know, that thing you hold when you play games on the CONSOLE? Seriously, get it together. When they say "Here's our controller!", you say, "Can't wait to see the console!", not, "WELL THIS MUST BE THE CONSOLE GUYS. SMALLER THAN I EXPECTED!"