Wii U‘s new controller has been compared by many to the iPad and, on a basic level, it’s not that far off: It’s a tablet-like device you hold in your hands. Wii U’s controller has buttons and analog sticks without the guts of a tablet (everything is handled on the console and then streamed to the controller) but, on a superficial level, there are undeniable similarities. The Wii U stands out with its ability to do essentially the console equivalent of what what’s possible on the DS in that you can play a game on the TV screen and have additional content displayed on the screen in your hands. Once Apple releases iOS 5 later this year, the very same thing will be possible with an iPad — and one developer is already showing a game that will offer functionality very similar to that of Wii U.
Firemint has announced that, through the AirPlay Mirroring demoed at WWDC 2011 this week, you’ll be able to play iPad title Real Racing 2 HD on your TV with an iPad 2. The game will still be controlled with the iPad itself, the screen of which will show real-time racing telemetry as pictured above. The caliber of games on iPad might not be able to stack up with the likes of Nintendo’s offerings, and not every iOS game is going to offer dual-screen TV output. (Real Racing 2 HD has already been updated to version 1.10, the primary addition being dual-screen gaming support.) But this is still mimicking the basic concept behind what’s possible with Wii U, and it’s coming a lot sooner — in 1080p, no less.
This functionality is done wirelessly with a connection to an Apple TV, a media receiver that connects to your television. Apple currently sells them for $99 through its website, a price that makes it dramatically cheaper than whatever the Wii U ends up at. (The safe bet right now is that it’ll be no less than $300 at launch.) And while the cost of an iPad ($499 and up) does end up making this the pricier option of the two, those who already own an iPad 2 will be able to take advantage of this functionality by picking up an Apple TV once iOS 5 is made available this fall — making wireless, dual-screen gaming possible as much as a full year ahead of when Wii U will be out.
