What's the point in 1 wii u controller? I've always been somewhat optimistic when it comes to stuff like this, but I'm not feeling it here.
By showcasing the "controller" as the console, the alternate function aside from showing the new experience is to put into the mind that the controller is the console - get the consumer to call the tablet by the system name. Consoles will be ghosts in the future. The tablet is the window into the console's abilities, and how you manipulate the game beyond the game-play. A "god" device. In a networked experience (part of what 3rd parties want to take advantage of and emphasize unique their experiences), each console owner only needs one tablet.
I was bullish on the Wii, but like you - speaking as a gamer - I'm not optimistic here for the near future. The benefit of graphical and computation technologies is that those should make what we already like better. The Wii remotes were a different sort of innovation. They were a fine start, but a lot can be done to make that experience and technology better. If the remotes aren't improved, then all that will be done in the next generation is to start with a new physical technology (tablet) we're not sure how to maximize the potential of, much less target the user's interest with.
*single touch is all you need. If the need arises, multitouch can be introduced in the future a la the Dual Shock controller.
First thought I liked: this tablet should make level editors more enjoyable (Tenchu, etc).
I'm more of a content driven person, but good on Nintendo for playing their (dual) role. For now, a few good games will be made no matter the platform as long as there's a screen and a few buttons. It's up to hardware manufacturers to develop new and interesting ideas as much as it is on game developers to create new and interesting games. They live and die by similar rules.
Will we see Sony and Microsoft, who also manufacture computers, opt to extend their next generation console with tablets already in their R+D department or open up to more popular 3rd party manufacturers with a larger install base? With the right communication, all of this could be done with the prospect of 3rd party app extensions and added revenue streams for tablet manufacturers. Having fun with the idea, I imagine Apple making its move into games years from now after a short friendship and awkward power battle with Sony, a la Sony and Nintendo.
I'm dodging homework.
