I was reading the Wii U Pro Controller news saying it is not compatible with Wii games, and it reminded me of a month old thread with the same subject but regarding the Gamepad. Although WiiU's BC isn't exactly known yet, it's interesting how Nintendo has treated hardware compatibility in present and next generation, exactly the same! But what will happen to its digital content, will it follow the same fate?
When a Nintendo system goes into compatibility-mode all extra hardware is out of its reach, this happens to handhelds and consoles alike. Since all Wii software including digital content are not compatible with the new controllers, same thing will occur with the successor and not support these titles due to these hardware restrictions, meaning that Nintendo digital content could only have a life of two generations.
Let's take the Virtual Console as an example. How will the service evolve in the Wii U? Gamecube support is a given, and it has to support the Gamepad/pro controllers. Do you think Nintendo will update your Wii VC purchases to take advantage of your new WiiU or will they try re-sell their legacy content again in the new WiiU eShop?