Good thought, we haven't heard anything about it but I can't see Nintendo simply dropping the idea altogether, so yeah maybe they managed to incorporate it into the Wii U pad.

Hold a book as if it had moulded grips, see how far your thumbs extend. Then try by holding it by the edges.
When holding the controller from the edge you can reach the touchscreen with your thumbs.

Hum. I hope they have been doing lots of play-testing to find the most comfortable option. But Nintendo is usually pretty good at finding the most ergonomic peripherals.

Hmm... You bring up a good point. I would prefer the sticks being pushed more centered on the controller. It looks like those of us with larger hands will have to bend my thumbs in an awkward position to get the right handle on this controller.

Hopefully it feels better in my hands than it looks like it will.

^Maybe. But now that they have added the grips to the bottom of the controller, the sticks may feel fine being that close to the edge. At least this is my hope.

^I guess your right, unless they move the shoulder buttons further down the back of the controller.

The nunchuck has an analog stick.   Perhaps he was wanting dual analog sticks which the CCP covers (and now the Wii U controller).

This design is definitely a step up, the analog sticks are necessary.

Now if we could just use 4 of those controllers and no Wiimotes...

As long as we can use at least two of those controlers I'll be happy. Or maybe 2 controlers and 2 3DS'?!

A guy from gaf states that is the NFC sensor. No word about the one next to the power button.