Hear me out. bitches.

Pikmin has always been a solo experience for the main game. However, in Pikmin2 you could swap between olimar and his helper to complete the tasks.

Pikmin3 returns with more than one user controlled character.
Pikmin3 was originally a launch, then launch window, and now Q2 game.
Pikmin3 official listing on Nintendo's site says number of players is "TBD".

WiiU was originally a one gamepad system. Then later it has been confirmed to eventually utilize two gamepads.

I don't think its coincidence that this is happening. I think Pikmin3 was purposefully delayed so it could showcase dual gamepad support.

Pikmin3 has the option for up to three user controlled characters plus all the pikmin they toss around. I think its perfectly reasonable to have 2 or 3 player co-op on WiiU where users can have their individual screens and even wiimote support as even the gamepads have a sensor bar built-in.

Its the perfect opportunity to show off the awesomeness of a off-tv screen as well as its utilization with wiimote and on a large Nintendo IP.

I'm calling it now. Pikmin 3 will have co-op play with two gamepads and all that will release in Q2 2013.

You're probably right, even if double screen gaming is pointless in this game.

That would be cool and all....

I'm just afraid of how much the Gamepad might cost here in the states and Europe...

Interesting thoughts and sounds a good idea. Its a possibility, but not gonna hold my breath.

I'm just glad its nearly here!!

How is it pointless? Have you not played pikmin2?

Different users with their own pikmin can and will need to be doing different things at opposite sides of the map.

But we all know two Gamepads brings down the FPS. (Or something like that.)

Nobody will want to buy a 2nd gamepad for 100$.

Have you heard of split screen? I'd rather do that and use wii motes instead of turning this into a $160 game.

But does it truly matter? I think it won't matter for games like this or Madden, etc. I also dont' think the greater majority of people notice a difference between 30fps and 60fps.

Hmmm, I don't see it honestly. Why can't one player just play on the TV using the Wiimote and the second player use the Wii U tablet?

The reason Pikmin 3 got delayed was likely because it needed more polish overall and more likely because Nintendo realized Q2 for the Wii U was very weak and needed to fill it out with third parties not picking up the slack (no GTAV, no MGS Rising, no BioShock, etc. etc.).