The new feature might consume some extra hardware power

Jun 19, 2014 14:01 GMT  ·  By

Shigeru Miyamoto, the leading game developer working at Nintendo, says that the company is still evaluating the possibility of adding support for two GamePads for the Wii U at some point in the future, but that at the moment, its focus is on selling the core system.

The company initially planned to offer the new controller, which features a touch screen, as a standalone package soon after the home console was launched.

But the game maker tells IGN that, “I think we're at a point where we don't feel it's realistic to expect people to purchase two GamePads yet. We're still trying to get as many people as possible to buy the system itself, and that's where our focus is right now. For the time being, two GamePad gameplay is not within our objectives in the short-term.”

When the Wii U gets support for two GamePads, the changes to the system will be made using a simple firmware update.

At the same time, the addition would mean an extra drain on the hardware.

The launch of Mario Kart 8 has boosted sales numbers for the Wii U and Nintendo says that the console will also benefit from the launch of the new Super Smash Bros. and The Legend of Zelda.