New Wii U features

Spotted by the NeoGAF forum, the patent shows the controller will feature an in-built microphone and speaker, as well as flash memory. It's worth noting that the Wii controller also boasted a small amount of flash memory and so it doesn't necessarily mean you'll be able to store a significant amount of data on the Wii U pad.

The patent also suggests the controller will feature a magnetometer, likely similar to that found in the PS Move, which is used for calibration, and it appears to have a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery.

Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto has confirmed that Wii U players will only be able to use one of the new touch-screen controllers per system, although additional Wii Remotes will be supported.

Nintendo president Satoru Iwata said following the console's unveiling in June that the company's attempting to position the Wii U controller as "the TV remote of the future".