Have just read about the Wii U Nintendo Direct's possible focus on the VC and its potential for off-screen VC gaming. The off-screen aspect actually gets me excited about using the Wii U as a 'repository' as much as a standalone console. I've noticed this with the 3DS too - having a catalogue of VC titles and the power to play them on a beautiful screen on the move is very convenient and a huge draw - almost as much as the system's bespoke software.
I would hope that today they reveal an update to unite Wii and Wii U VC into one entity. The notion of having Super Mario Bros on your console both in the Wii U VC AND the Wii VC seems too strange and untidy for Nintendo. With their untouchable back catalogue, I was wondering how other people feel about this - about new consoles becoming libraries for your game history as much as portals to new experiences. Does fostering your collection in a new convenient way compare with simply wanting new games?

You know what sounds like Nintendo? They'll offer VC for Wii U, but users wlll have to rebuy all of their games.

I suppose 3DS and Wii U VCs would still be separate - unifying those too would be great. On past form, what makes you think they'll force repurchasing?

I'm worried about repurchasing. I guess we might find out in a couple of hours.

To answer your question though, yes, I like being able to play the same games I played 20+ years ago from my console. Frankly I don't have the space, money or inclination to have multiple consoles and gameboxes.

Well, despite the Nintendo Direct announcement it's still possible they might provide a way to migrate your Wii Channels into your Wii U channel space - the Wii U VC could rightly be seen as an upgrade having support for the Gamepad screen, for the Pro Controller, Miiverse integration, control customisation, etc. so I don't see one as cannibalising the other.

It would be nice to be able to launch a Wii disc without having to go through the emulator, at least. It's not the end of the world though and the two forthcoming system updates show that they are at least looking at ways to improve the experience.

Agreed. At the very least I'd really rather not launch Wii mode just to play a Wii disc.

true. but fortunatly all games you prviously purchased on the wii virtual console (once they become available on the wiiu of course) will come at a discount, so you wont need to pay the full price for them

It will cost $1-1.50 to transfer them from your Wii U's Wii Menu to your shiny Gamepad. I'll pay it!

So in the Direct Iwata said that if you transfered your VC titles from your Wii to Wii U then the special price will apply to you. What if I bought VC titles now from the Wii on your Wii U? Do you think it will also apply?

I'd say it should be fine but the recent news about Wii shop purchases on the Wii U not tracking purchases for Club Nintendo makes me hesitate. I'd suggest contacting Nintendo and asking them.

I've read a lot from people complaining about having to pay for the 'upgraded' versions of their VC games. Ideally that wouldn't be the case, but hell, they're a company and they want to make money. The price is low enough, though a blanket 99p to upgrade a game would make a little more sense - Gamepad functionality for the SNES titles didn't soak up more dev resourses than NES ones.
And people still have the Wii VC on the console if they don't want to upgrade. However tedious it is, firing up the Wii Channel is a damnsight easier than hooking up another console! I agree about not having to go into the menu when playing a Wii disc though. They could patch that in the system update - if it detects a Wii disc then it should automatically start it up.