Is the Biggest Issue With the Wii U the Controller?

With all the hype surrounding Nintendo's Wii U, there is still plenty of skepticism from every corner of the gaming realm. Some people think the soon-to-be released console is coming much too late to compete with Microsoft and Sony. It's a very big debate that will only be answered with the release of the console. For now, there is perhaps a different issue surrounding the Wii successor. How many controllers will the gaming console support?

While the system sports some nice specifications, the controller might be the most surprising and unique aspect of all. It features a 6.2-inch touchscreen and looks more akin to a tablet PC than a gaming controller. Also, the controller includes a D-pad, ABXY buttons, four triggers, a gyroscope, microphone, camera, accelerometer, and more. Most gamers would feel like they are holding a complete system in their hands.

Unfortunately, the controller poses some issues for Nintendo and gamers alike. Nintendo has offered conflicting and unofficial announcements as to whether the Wii U will support the use of a single controller or two. Basically, consumers are receiving back and forth answers from Nintendo. In reality, the system will probably end up supporting two controllers because Nintendo is very popular among families and casual gamers.

A simple answer on the matter won't quell every question surrounding the Wii U and its controller though. From there, consumers and analysts are wondering how much a second controller would cost. Nintendo isn't answering that question either, but the company is undoubtedly in a bind here. The controller looks exactly like a tablet and probably costs almost as much to manufacture. So then, Nintendo must deal with high costs for its new console if it does make the system compatible with two controllers.

The system will ship with only one controller on its launch date - that much is known. In the end, the Wii U will more than likely support more than one controller. Nintendo must then find a way to convince consumers to spend money on a console that will undoubtedly be expensive and then spend even more on a second controller. Sure, it's a tough issue to deal with, but Nintendo isn't new to the video gaming industry by any means. Look for a two controller Wii U in stores sometime in 2012.

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