Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto has been talking to press following the unveiling of the Wii U next-generation console at E3, and has let slip some important details regarding multiplayer.
The surprising admission is the number of Wii U controller the console will be able to use: one.
Apparently if you want to play a four-player game of FIFA one player can use the new controller while the rest will only be able to use the old Wii remote. Which is the stupidest things we've ever heard.
Speaking to News.com.au, Miyamoto explained: “Our basic premise is that you can use [just] one with a system. 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.”
It has become apparent that if the console can only power one controller per console this would be a major oversight. And the thought of one player using the amazing new controller and rest of you friends playing with the crappy Wii remotes seems like a very bad idea.
With many expecting great things from the last of the ‘old guard’ to still be releasing new consoles, the Wii U’s unveiling triggered a mass sell off their stock leaving their share price much lower than it was prior to the Wii U announcement.
While investors are unconvinced, the gaming industry appears cautiously optimistic. Speaking to Official Nintendo Magazine, Irrational Games director Ken Levine who makes Bioshock, said: “When any new tech comes along you have a period of experimentation,” he explained. “I’m certainly excited about it as a gamer”.
When Microsoft and Sony announce their next-gen platforms, Nintendo could risk being left in the dust once again.
The company is clearly betting heavily on the clever controller, but only time will tell if developers are able to integrate the tablet into their creations without it feeling like a gimmick.