I guess some people don't understand the U.S patent system very well.

gamepad? oh god...

gamepad is usually the term for any videogame control held with both hands

How so?

Exactly. Same with the dual analog set up on the GCN and now Wii U. Did they copy the PS1's dual analog set up? No, they were assimilating an industry standard.

Because it won't be a mobile-esque device.

Please explain.

People think patents are meant for only innovations. In the U.S patents are little more than a list of features of a particular item which make it -in combination - said item. For that reason Nintendo is obligated to list and or patent every feature this platform will have upon patenting it or otherwise they will face lawsuits. We've seen this happen with DS, 3DS, Wii, and Wii U where patent trolls tried to use the power of suits to extort Nintendo.

But all of those had patents filed too, correct? How is this different from prior systems?

Honestly, this is great news. We will have separate in-game chat, seemingly WITH video, which is sweet. I won't use video chat personally unless it is outside a game, because eff using my bandwidth for that, but the in-game chat will be a welcome addition. Not only that, but they are innovating again with the power consumption idea. Nintendo has always aimed at being a low-power consumption console. With the way this patent is worded, they can make themselves, AND their consumers happy by enabling them to choose whether they want to use full-power mode with highest end graphics and every feature available, a middle-of the road power consumption mode where it seems like you will still have network connectivity but maybe fewer features running at the same time, and then a completely offline mode with minimal background features running for people who do not use the internet play. Nintendo is onto something here, and I couldn't be happier for them, I can't wait to see the final product!