The Nintendo press conference exploded into applause when it was announced that the Wii U would support two GamePads. Unfortunately, the Wii U will not have any support via first- or third-party titles at launch.
Reggie Fils-Aime told Gamasutra that "Games need to be built that can take advantage of the two GamePad controllers. It's going to be well after launch for those game experiences to come to life."
So that’s another reason to hold off on buying a Wii U at launch. Nintendo can't seem to get a break.
Reggie continued, saying that developers need to first determine how to utilize a second screen before they try to incorporate a third. The push of asymmetrical gameplay was palpable at the press conference, although actual gameplay integration was sparse.
"Asymmetric gameplay is going to be the next major step forward, just like active play was when we launched the Wii," Reggie said. "We think that's where developers will focus first, then there will be multiple experiences that have two GamePads.”
Via Gamasutra