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06/07/2012 10:29 AM

E3 2012: Nintendo reveals new controller’s capabilities

Out at the big E3 video game convention in LA, Nintendo looks to once again appeal to gamers and non-gamers alike with yet another non-traditional video game controller. Our Adam Balkin explains.

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Last year they showed it to us, this year is for showing what it can do. “It” being Nintendo's upcoming Wii U. It’s a system that links a new controller, a mix between a tablet computer and a traditional video game controller, to the Wii console for a new way to play, a new way to interact with content, a new way to do a whole bunch of stuff.

“It changes your gaming, it changes how you interact with your gaming friends, and it changes the way you enjoy your TV,” said Reggie Fils-Aime, Nintendo.

So what does that mean? Well, in a title like “Batman: Arkham City,” the controller is your map and your utility belt. In “Sports Connection,” dial in the perfect pitch, and in “Just Dance 4” if you don't dance just sit on the sidelines and serve as choreographer, call up the moves everyone else in the room has to perform.

And for those who may feel the tablet is too much, too confusing, too intimidating, this is NintendoLand - a whole bunch of games all in one designed to walk you through many of the devices capabilities. Though many developers will tell you Wii U could possibly be more intuitive for non-gamers than the original Wii remote.

“Nowadays everyone is used to having the TV on, having a show running or a sport running at the same time they are playing with a tablet or a PC or smartphone. What the Wii U offers for us game developers is the opportunity to bring that to multiplayer gameplay,” said Francesco Cavallari, Ubisoft.

Nintendo is also showing off some non-gaming features like PanoramaView.

Nintendo also touting what'll be called Miiverse, an in-game social network so that, say, if you and your buddies are all working your way through the New Super Mario Bros. U, also unveiled at E3, you can leave each other messages inside the game.