However if Nintendo begins to manufacture

The good news is it seems the company is pulling in more support for the hardcore gamer crowd. The inclusion of a GC controller adapter, along with Nintendo backing down from the Smash Bros. Brawl stance of "look, Smash is just as good with a Wii-mote and nunchuck" is definitely a step in the right direction. I mean, it’ll definitely get those who want to play Smash (the right way) to buy more Nintendo controllers--though maybe not enough to get Nintendo profitable again.

However, if Nintendo begins to manufacture GameCube controllers--which, by the looks of that Smash Bros. logo on the press images, could very well be the case--what happens to all the existing Wii U controller models? The Wii U will have four official control options for its system: Wii remote, Gamepad, Pro Controller, and now the GC controller. It's not that options are bad, but having so many controllers might be confusing to Nintendo's family-friendly, casual audience. The Wii U is already a confusing name for those who don't know console generations--and now it'll support a controller from two systems prior. That's a lot to unpack if you're not a core gamer.

If Nintendo doesn't take advantage of the controller support outside of the next Smash Bros.--like introducing a GameCube branch of the Virtual Console shop--it would be a waste of potential. Smash Bros. is a great series, but not every Wii U owner is going to buy a controller and adapter play it. Wii U gamers are going to need at least a few excuses to justify going out and buying four shiny new controllers--and one game alone, no matter how awesome, might not carry enough weight.