To make more exciting software. When people say "it's all about the software", they mean in contrast with the power wars, which bring more pretty in general, while games can still be just as good with weaker hardware.

With new interfaces though, a whole new dimension can be explored in software. It's like getting a third hand on the end of a tail.

Sure. I don't think people can disagree there. But my feeling is the Wii Remote is a better interface for such an endeavor. And the Gamepad is a step backwards from the Revolution.

It's more added to what's already there. That's like saying that the L & R buttons are a step back from the A and B buttons because the A and B buttons are better buttons.

Also, the gamepad was heavily used on the DS, so I don't see why it's so resented when it comes to the U.

I don't think its like saying that at all. Moreso imagine if after the NES instead of going the SNES route (controller wise) Nintendo copied an Atari 2600 controller for the SNES. I don't see the Gamepad as adding to the Wii Remote in any way, its an abandonment of it in my eyes.

Home console space and Portables aren't lock step. Look at the Vita; Its trying to be a home console on the go and its flopping like a fish outta water. Wii U attempting to be (in your eyes a home console DS) Is also flopping. So..

I see the zelda fan talking ;) I hear ya bro, loved the motion controls and am sad it's getting competition from Gamepad controls. Still doesn't mean that the motion+ is going away or being replaced, it's just going to have to make room.

And you know what, that's not necessarily a bad thing. Think about it, games that should make use of the mote will, and games that shouldn't won't. It's actually a solution to the Wii problem where all games were largely forced to be played with the Wiimote. I think this is a case of the right tool for the job, not replacing the hammer with a drill.

About home consoles and portables, games are games. If the touch controls added value to the DS, I see no legitimate reason that they shouldn't to the U. And the games so far prove the concept. Miiverse is blooming with pictures doodled on the pad, Nintendoland, though "weak" in sales, still sold a good deal, and people have praised it for its fun factor. Vita isn't a valid reason to dismiss all cross-over ideas imho.

The gamepad requires full breaking of focus via head movement, to use, as opposed to the DS screen, which is a quick look up and down, and keep the head focused.  It is not the same thing, but it is connected a bit.  One could, for example, combine the two screens together on the DS set up and play as one.  The Wii U is not the same.

One minor difference that anyone can agree to. But the similarities are also very potent. The touch menu of OoT 3D will be available for Zelda U like it is currently for WWHD. The ability to draw notes on maps like in Spirit Tracks will be there. The touch controls of Trauma Center will be possible and more adequate than the Wiimote's interface. Those kinds of things are all still available in common between the two devices (DS and Wii U).

The theoretical potential is huge, including the ability to redefine the controller keys on the fly.  RTS could work to.  It is just now, the controller isn't showing it for some reason.  The potential there isn't showing.

The IR sensor also plays a big part in the wiimote a very big part its almost as important as the motion control, one should not overlook that.

Exactly this.

To this day I don't know what nintendo was thinking with the wiiU. That is the biggest problem with the wiiU its a slap in the face to people that enjoyed the wii.