Here are the hardware specs for Nintendo's new Wii U system via Nintendo's E3 portal site.

In the below specs, please note two things:

Release

2012

Size

46mm x 172mm x 268mm

New Controller

6.2 inch, 16x9 touch screen. Rechargeable. Includes power button, two slide pads, Home button, d-pad, A/B/X/Y buttons, L/R buttons, ZL/ZR buttons, accelerometer, gyro sensor, rumble feature, camera, mic, speaker, sensor, touch pen.

Other Controllers

Wiimote (or Wiimote plus) -- can have up to four connected simultaneously. Compatible with all Wii controller and input devices, including Balance Wii Board, Classic Controller, Classic Controller Pro and Nunchuck.

Media

Uses 12cm high density optical disc meant for the new hardware. Can also use Wii 12cm optical discs. (Note: there is no mention about the capacity of the new discs.)

Video Output

1080p, 1080i, 720p, 480p, 480i. Compatible with HDMI, component, D, S-video and composite cables.

Audio Output

Can output PCM linear 6ch from AV multi out or HDMI

Capacity

In addition to built-in flash memory, memory can be expanded through SD card and external USB drives

CPU

Multi core processor based off IBM Power series

Other

Includes 4 USB2.0 ports. Backwards compatible with Wii games.