In early June, Nintendo announced that the game console Wii was slated to have a successor: the Wii U. The sleek, white console body of the Wii U appears similar to the Wii, although the former has curved sides and edges. The biggest difference between the Wii and the Wii U lies in the consoles’ controllers.

The Wii Remote and the Wii U’s controllers are significantly different in shape. The Wii U’s controllers are shaped more similarly to traditional console controllers. The rectangular controllers are also equipped with touch screens; the screens measure 6.2 inches and take up most of the space n the console’s front. Directional buttons, along with other buttons, can also be found on the controller.

Aside from these, the Wii U’s controllers also feature an inward-facing camera, an accelerometer, a microphone, and speakers. Nintendo has said that it’s possible to play games on the controller itself through the touch screen’s display, although it’s not possible to use the Wii U’s controller as a portable gaming device like the Nintendo DS.

Gameplay on the Wii U is said to be similar to gameplay on the Nintendo DS; on the Wii U, the TV screen serves as the top screen while the touch screen on the controller serves as the bottom screen. Because of this, the controller can be used uniquely during gameplay. For instance, when used with a zapper gun attachment, the controller can be used as a sniper rifle scope.

Nintendo is said to be working on games that will best utilize the uniqueness of the Wii U’s controller. Popular games such as the New Super Mario Bros., Assassin’s Creed, Dirt, and Tekken are reportedly included in the list of potential titles for the Wii U. Nintendo has also confirmed the development of LEGO City Stories and a new Super Smash Bros. title. Games that allow for more participation of the player’s Mii are being developed as well.