Assassin's Creed 3 Wii U controller features detailed

Like the Wii before it, the Wii U has a fancy controller which encourages developers to add unique functionality. Unlike the Wii, though, the Wii U will have enough muscle to run games like Assassin's Creed III. Add that all together, and you have special features for the Wii U touchscreen controller in AC3, which have now been revealed a little more.

Ubisoft's prototyping a number of context-sensitive uses for the touchscreen, creative director Alex Hutchinson explains in the latest issue of Nintendo Gamer magazine (via NintenGen). It could show a map when you're off exploring, but be used to quickly select weapons in combat.

Then there's the in-game encyclopedia detailing notable locations and people, which could use the second screen to dump information when you come across them rather than popping up on the main screen.

The most intriguing idea teased, though perhaps not the most practical, is using the touchscreen for the information-gathering 'Eagle Vision' mode.

Set during the American Revolution, Assassin's Creed III is coming on October 30, though the Wii U edition obviously can't launch until the console does this holiday season, and who knows how long Ubisoft will delay the PC version this time?