Contrary to what we'd heard, it seems as if you and your friends won't be able to enjoy some of that dual GamePad play on Nintendo's upcoming Wii U -- at least not until some time after the novel gaming console launches later "this holiday." During an interview with Gamasutra, Reggie Fils-Aime (Nintendo of America President) said, "Games need to be built that can take advantage of the two GamePad controllers" and that "it's going to be well after launch for those game experiences to come to life." According to Fils-Aine, developers will have to first place all their focus on "asymetric gameplay," before eventually adding support for two GamePads on their titles. Notably, the revelation comes shortly after he himself confirmed the Wii U GamePad won't be featuring any multi-touch capabilities. Not all is lost, however, you'll just have to wait it out a little longer than expected, or make due with one of those Wii remotes you have laying around in the meantime.

http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/13/nintendo-wii-u-dual-gamepad-support-after-launch/

This isn't new... Reggie confirmed this in the E3 presentation.

Still stupid, though. There shouldn't be any reason why multiple GamePads don't work. You don't necessarily have to stream high-quality video to each of them. It depends on the game. Hell at the least, you could leave one of the touchscreens blank and just let them use it like a standard controller.

There is nothing stupid about it. They do work. Everything points to them working. Everything points to it being able to support up to at least 4.

It just isn't implemented. There are no games that need it right now. Nintendo has never been about doing things just because they could. If they use something, they want it to have a good purpose.

Well, let me put it this way: There is no reason why any game that supports the Wii U Pro controller can't have an extra GamePad function in the exact same capacity.  Let's say my friend and I want to play Zombi U's multiplayer, which requires both kinds of controller.  We both have Wii U's, so we both own a GamePad, but neither of us happen to have the Pro Controller.  As it stands, we're boned.  Ignoring the touchscreen, the two controllers have the exact same buttons.  So, there is no reason why you shouldn't be able to substitute an extra GamePad any time that you can use a Pro Controller.

It should be a simple convenience, really.

i hope theres a lot of more wiimote support...about the two gamepads, not very much of an issue for me, im sure when used are going to be awesome
just wait n see

"Classic controller". The Pro versions are just different button layouts.

There is nothing in ZombiU that needs a second Upad or classic controller. The game only has one survivor at any given times. You don't need to manage inventory as a zombie or use panoramic scanning. The Wii Mote and a TV would be the most efficient.

The game would need to be completely redesigned in order to make use of a second Upad.

Not talking about the Classic Controller Pro.  Talking about the Wii U Pro Controller.

And you're still not understanding what I was saying.  They could have the game exactly as it is now, with the player on GamePad number 2 not having anything on the touchscreen at all.  Without the system having to transmit video to it, it would be just like any other controller--the ABXY buttons, four shoulder buttons, and two clickable sticks.

Obviously there are lots of options, such as the Wiimote+Nunchuk which I find superior for FPS games, but there's no reason not to have it there as an option.

2 is more than enough for me, highly doubt they will somehow manage to support 4 without increasing the cost too much

It would not be much different than the Gamecube games that supported 4 GBAs. Exept it would actually be a lot cheaper.

Nintendos strategy is always release a new highly original product near bare bones and from that point go in-crescendo....this is no different