Wii U supports one controller per system - E3 2011

The Wii U can only support one touch-screen controller at a time, Nintendo has confirmed at E3 2011.

Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto said that the new console's "basic premise" is to use one controller at a time, while the 3DS could act as a second portable screen.

"Our basic premise is that you can use one with a system," News.com.au quotes him as saying.

"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."

However, Nintendo will be investigating whether using two touch-screen controllers is "possible" for local multiplayer games.

"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, whether or not something like that would be possible," said Miyamoto.

Wii U be compatible with existing Wii remotes and peripherals for local multiplayer gaming.

The Wii U console itself will be a technological leap forward from the original Wii, with Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3-comparable visuals and full high definition output.

Super Smash Bros., Assassin's Creed, Killer Freaks from Outer Space and Pikmin 3 are some of the games confirmed for the device.

More Wii U coverage:
> Wii U price above £150, $250?
> Wii U announced as new Nintendo console
> Wii U pictures: Nintendo's new controller
> Wii U technical specifications released

Watch the Wii U reveal trailer below: