With every game console that I can remember, you ALWAYS have to buy new controllers. One of the reasons why additional controllers stopped being bundled with consoles is because console manufacturers make good money selling these controllers. With each new console, they make you buy all new game controllers.
I would not be surprised that when the next Xbox and 360 come out, you will be required to purchase all new controllers.
The Wii U is different though. Nintendo is allowing us to use the controllers we already own for it. And I don’t mean in a retro way like the gamecube ports on the Wii.
And why not? The controllers are wireless. Why not let us use the controllers we already own on the new console? I do wish I could use my NES and SNES controllers on other Nintendo consoles (without buying some accessory).
Balance Board? Wii controllers? Wii nunchuck? All of them can be used with the Wii U. This is a huge deal that everyone should realize. Aside from the U Pad (which comes with the console) and maybe the Pro controller (if you want it), there are no additional controllers to buy.
Let me repeat that for the Hardcore Gamer (they are slow, reader, and sometimes if you type it out multiple times, it tends to sink in). You don’t have to buy additional controllers with the Wii U. Just buy a Wii U and you are already good to go with four player (five player?) games.