Nintendo's Wii U controller will have special NFC powers

A lot of exciting Nintendo news has been revealed this week, as well as giving us all some of the details about the Nintendo Network online community features, Nintendo President Satoru Iwata confirmed new capabilities were being added to the tablet-like controller of the upcoming Wii U console.

At the top of the list of these new and advanced features is NFC (or Near Field Communication) technology, the kind of standard we’re used to seeing in many new smart phones (like Blackberry) and in London’s Oyster Card transport payment system. Basically, allows the transfer of information just by putting two NFC-enabled devices close to each other, so it’s being used as a way to share information, pay for stuff and enhance entertainment experiences.

Satoru Iwata said:

“By installing this functionality, it will become possible to create cards and figurines that can electronically read and write data via noncontact NFC and to expand the new play format in the video game world.

“Adoption of this functionality will enable various other possibilities such as using it as a means of making micropayments.”

As of yet no date has been placed on the release of the Wii U, Nintendo yesterday revealed that they are on track for a Q4 2012 (October-December) release date, but we’ll keep you posted.