For many in the smartphone and tablet space, Nintendo's Wii U - notably its controller - is an excellent example of the sort of muddled thinking demonstrated by many big console companies.

Talking to Gamasutra, Nintendo CEO Satoru Iwata explained some of the thinking behind what's effectively a tablet that can only be used in conjunction with a console unit.

As early as 2007, Nintendo wanted its Wii successor to have two screens. The debate was where that screen should go.

Originally, it wasn't part of the console's controller.

Dual screen approach

"During the roundtable discussions there were such arguments about should we make it capable of being a standalone system or should we make it work only with the [base console] system?" Iwata is reported as saying.

"We came to the conclusion that this controller is only going to show the images generated and processed by this hardware unit - and sent from the hardware unit wirelessly. That means sharper graphics. A battery couldn't do that."

Of course, these sort of concerns have been vital for Nintendo in the past. It's traditionally been ruthless about ensuring its portable devices have excellent battery life; although something that's not been the case with the 3DS.

Still, as Apple has demonstrated with the iPad, great battery life and sharper graphics are not incompatible with tablet hardware, albeit at a commensurate price point

It will certainly be interested to see if Nintendo's attitude changes at all prior to the Wii U's launch sometime in 2012.

[source: Gamasutra]