Backwards compatibility
It seems the old junk won't be scrapped just yet
As much as I disliked the Wii’s many peripherals and gadgets, it would be a shame to see them go completely to waste once the console is succeeded. No one likes having to upgrade all their controllers and peripherals for the next console generation, so it’s a good thing that all Wii hardware and software will be compatible with the Wii U. Just make sure you keep those balance boards and nunchucks safe for now. You never know when you might need them.
A HUD-less experience
Good to know my inventory will no longer clutter up the big screen
You know all that annoying (but essential) information you need on screen at all times, like ammo counters and health bars and such? As helpful as it is knowing how many bullets are left in your magazine, there’s no doubt that heads up displays can sometimes get in the way of the on screen action and your investment in it. With the second screen on your controller however, this kind of information can be relegated elsewhere. Now you only need look down to see your equipment selection. This is just one speculation of an absolute multitude of uses the controller’s screen could have when it comes to giving the player information.
New motion controls
New and exciting possibilities
Nintendo have been all about the motion controls as of late. The Wii offered the waggle and wave, and the DS (and now 3DS) offer players the chance to squiggle and swipe along the touch screen. Though the Wii U doesn’t offer any new motion movements, it offers the best of both worlds. The controller possesses the same accelerometer of the Wii remote, but with a touch screen as well. With the best of both worlds, it’s hard not to see the vast possibilities of the Wii U.
Creative freedom
I'll never be able to draw this well, but at least I now have the opportunity to try
If you consider some of the more creative applications of the Wii, they often require a separate peripheral as in the case of THQ’s uDraw and accompanying tablet. By having the tablet built into the controller Nintendo have abolished the need for a separate peripheral, meaning that developers may be more willing to incorporate creative uses of the touch screen into their games. From little things like being able to write information down by hand, to drawing designs and emblems that you can use to customize your gaming experience, you can expect the tablet controllers to offer a wide variety of creative and fun applications.
