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?

They need to have an account system on the Wii U where all your digital purchases get tied to said account . Think about it, Sony and Microsoft have tons of users from XBL and PSN that have bought a lot of games for those platforms. For this people, upgrading to the PS4 and Xbox 720 is a good investment cause they know they have a library of digital games that they will able to play on those system just by using their accounts. Wii owners will have a more difficult process to use the games that they have bought on Wiiware and the Wii Virtual Console because those games are tied to the hardware. I think the Wii U uses an account system but I think we have not get the information yet on how it works.

They surely would have announced how it works by now. Reassuring people that their previous purchases still have value should be a very high priority for a company.

I agree completely with you. I am not going to buy Mario Bros. every time Nintendo launches a new system. They need to fix that as soon as posible.

They've already stated it uses an account system (you can have up to 12 on one console), and you'll be able to transfer downloaded Wii software to a Wii U via an SD card apparently.  You'll just have to connect online first to verify the transfer of the license.

Digitally is possible, it's control-wise where they have a BC issue. System software is tied to its controls.

Oh ok. I get you now. for the Wii U successor in 2018  to be able to play Skyward sword it would need to support Wiimotes. and to play Rayman Legends it would need to support the Wii U Gamepad. Yes, that is a valid problem. You have a really good point.     

And since Nintendo is doing digital retail releases this eighth gen, there would be value in creating that digital library you mention in your first post. Controls should be less of an issue due to wireless technology and inputs should be easy to re-mapped. But it seems it isn't, the Gamepad is just a CC with clickable sticks and a screen in the middle... and not backwards compatible.