However, the man who brought to life Nintendo legends like Mario, Link and Donkey Kong is preaching patience with the console, saying the Wii U, with its touchscreen controller that augments big-screen play, is so different that it will take time for people to understand its real value.

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

News that a forthcoming software update will allow the Vita to act as a PS3 controller may help counter the appeal of Nintendo's Wii U touchscreen Gamepad controller and Microsoft's Smartglass service, which pairs the Xbox with a tablet.

BBC: Sony acts to boost PlayStation Vita at Gamescom

The controller touchscreen is six inches wide, and in Standard Definition below 720p.

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Play your MIDI instrument straight into GarageBand or other MIDI-capable apps, or download MIDI Controller apps to use the MIDI out port and your touchscreen in performance, as a MIDI controller.

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We all expected a straight up new console reveal, one that probably was going to have a controller with a touchscreen, but we got something in the middle.

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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