While playing, there's minimal, though noticeable lag between input on the controller and action on the screen.

ENGADGET: PlayCast cloud gaming service is coming to the US in 2013, we go hands-on a bit early

That said, we did see the service in action along with the company's controller app.

ENGADGET: PlayCast cloud gaming service is coming to the US in 2013, we go hands-on a bit early

In "Captain Falcon's Twister Race, " an F-Zero shout out, you hold the GamePad vertically, viewing the action top-down while twisting the controller left or right to guide a racer along a flashing track.

CNN: Nintendo Wii U review: A tale of two screens

He said the touchscreen interface with the Wii U Gamepad controller, combined with the main-screen action on a television, opens up options that have never been possible.

CNN: 'Mario,' 'Zelda' creator says give the Wii U time

In addition to using the Magic Remote to control the onscreen action, players have the option of downloading a convenient remote controller smartphone app specifically designed for The Sims FreePlay.

ENGADGET: LG adding more games to its Cinema 3D Smart TVs in 2013 HD

" Kinect Star Wars" tries to use the power of the Kinect controller for the Xbox 360 to put players into the action, using full-body motions to wield lightsabers, drive podracers and, unfortunately, dance for Jabba the Hutt.

CNN: Review: The Force proves weak in 'Kinect Star Wars'

We have the controller, but the actual console appears to be missing in action, confusing the masses.

FORBES: Nintendo's 2011 E3 Keynote - The Mystery of the WiiU

Holding a controller in each hand, players throw punches into the air to control the on-screen action.

ECONOMIST: Monitor