At the E3 gaming conference , Nintendo took the wraps off a prototype controller called the Wii U–though calling the device a mere “controller” does little to explain the breadth of its capabilities.

The most noteworthy aspect of the Wii U is its ability to function as a traditional controller, an interactive second-screen controller, or a stand-alone gaming unit, depending on the chosen game and user preferences. In other words, imagine firing an in-game missile using the control pad (touchscreen or otherwise) of a PSP and having the ordinance show up in the Playstation universe shown on a TV screen. Alternately, the screen of the Wii U can be turned off and the unit used as a regular game controller with D-pad, dual-analog sticks, four triggers and face buttons, front-facing camera, microphone, and gyroscope and accelerometer motion controls. Finally, for when the TV is not an option, games can be played directly on the Wii U as a portable gaming device.

Pricing is not yet available, though the unit is expected to be available in stores between April and December 2012. The unit has internet connectivity and will be backwards-compatible with Wii software and accessories, and titles for the Wii U will include popular titles like New Super Mario Bros., Smash Bros., Metro, Tekken and Assassin’s Creed.

Read more and check out a demonstration video from E3 at CNN ^[1].