Nintendo seems to be following the policy of "the early bird gets the worm". The company kicked off E3 2012 with early glimpses of the Wii U hardware, presented by its live online-video series, by Nintendo President Satoru Iwata. The biggest revelation in these videos was the device which Iwata referred to as the "Wii U Pro Controller".
The Pro Controller abjures the touchscreen of the previously released Wii U tablet controller we've seen so far, perhaps making it more appropriate for classic titles. It hosts a pair of analog sticks, the typical pack of D-pad and buttons and a few shoulder triggers for fun.
Very similar in design to the Xbox 360 controller, the main difference is that the right analog stick and the face buttons have been reversed on the Pro controller. There are two possible reasons why there is so little difference in design between both. The obvious reason would be to entice Xbox 360 users to migrate towards the Wii U for a supposed extra hardcore experience as well as win back disappointed Wii users. But another reason could possibly be that such an ergonomic design has reached its efficiency limit without bringing anything new in terms of design.
The Wii U Pro controller however, has been revealed in black complete with a corresponding tablet and a core console unit. Originally marketed in white, the tablet controller follows the principle that casual audiences seem to be lured to inexpensive or free games that can be played on smartphones or tablets using swipes on touchscreens.
Will the anticipated launch titles for the Wii U make extensive use of the Pro controller? And will a white option be available? The answer to these questions and more will probably be addressed at the E3 Expo, when Nintendo holds its press conference on Tuesday at 0900 hours PST (Pacific Standard Time).
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Nintendo reveals new Wii U Gamepad