Confirmed: Wii U Will Only Support One Tablet Controller

Yesterday we reported on findings that indicated only a single Wii U tablet controller would be usable with Nintendo's upcoming console at any given time. In what seemed to be a slip of the tongue from a Nintendo representative, it was hinted that one player would use the new controller during local multiplayer sessions, while all other gamers would likely rely on Wii Remote and Nunchuk combinations or the Classic Controller. While Nintendo was quick to address the speculation, saying that they didn't have anything planned yet, today we learned valuable information regarding the tablet controller.

"Our basic premise is that you can use one with a system," Shigeru Miyamoto stated in an interview. "If we got to an idea of having multiple (controllers), it might be just more convenient for people to use their Nintendo 3DS and have a way to connect that. That being said, we are doing research about if someone brings their controller to their friend's house and they want to play together on Wii U to whether or not something like that would be possible."

As you might have guessed, this reveal has sparked much frustration among gamers, many of whom are questioning what the big deal of the new controller is if only one person can use it at any time. I'd have to agree with that assessment to an extent. Although at the same time, it can be argued that Nintendo is merely providing a piece of hardware in the Wii U that finally competes with the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 on an HD level, with the tablet controller acting as a mere gimmick to get gamers to invest in another console.

I really hope the tablet controller is eventually used as the Wii U's main input. Nintendo spent a large chunk of their presser convincing us that the new controller would provide gamers with a new way to play, and if it only does so for one player at a time, it's going to be a big disappointment for potential Wii U adopters. Only time will tell which direction Nintendo will take the Wii U. Let's hope more than one tablet controller can be used with the console.