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[H2intensity]

The shape of the controller is great and the battery is amazing but control layout is bad - very dissapointing nintendo chose to do it this way. Let's take wind waker for example, if you compare both the gamecube controller is still so (SO) much better so that is not a good thing... IMO 3d games do not work well on it unless it's super simplified like mario 3d world. All i care right now is that smash will play just as well on the pro as with the gc controller!

3d games not work well? Have you try it? I play monster hunter 3, zombiU, call of duty just fine with it....

 

[leng jai]

Got one for MK8, it's solid I guess. Overrated on here for sure, the button layout is less than ideal and the controller itself feels a little bit cheat. Battery life is god tier though.

 

[Nintendoga]

I only tried it out during my time with Smash Wii-U at Nintendo World. It was a little weird at first, but I remember it being really comfortable and alot nicer to use than the Gamepad.

I could go out and buy one right now, but I don't have too many games that would benefit from using it besides NSMBU and MK8 I think.

 

[blame space]

I hate that the octagonal-gate for the analogue stick is gone.

😑

 

[Dryk]

This just proves my point. I have 2600 mAh rechargeable AA batteries. If the Wii U Pro Controller used 2 AA batteries like the Xbox 360 controller does then it could have 5,200 mAh of capacity instead of a paltry 1,300 mAh. Even two AAA's would be an improvement: I have 1000 mAh rechargeable AAAs. Two of those would blow that 1,300 mAh proprietary battery in the controller away.

Why the hell would anyone want proprietary rechargeable batteries when AAs are so clearly superior?

Actually 2 x 1.5V, 2600mAh batteries can give you 2600mAh at 3V or 5200mAh at 1.5V. Not both.

I know he's banned now but it really bugs me that this never got called out.

 

[TunaLover]

It feels really comfortable, once you get used to the buttons layout you can't go back, it's perfect for VC games because the d-pad is lined up with the face buttons, love it.

 

[Awakened]

This is the one drawback. It bugged me a lot at first although I have yet to run into a game where I couldn't quickly fix any issue I had with it. I'm still hunting for a general-purpose Windows utility that lets you just swap button inputs for an XInput controller though. (Alternately, it'd be nice if Mayflash would release something that would let you choose which mapping you wanted.)

You can actually use x360ce to remap it even in Xinput mode. You just need to setup a controller profile with your remapping and copy xinput1_3.dll, x360ce.gdb and x360ce.ini into the folder of any game that supports Xinput you want to remap. I did this with Trials Gold to get analog acceleration mapped to up on the right analog stick.

Personally, I've gotten used to Mayflash's mapping of the four face buttons. My thumb rests over A and X naturally just like it would on 360 pad, so it just took a bit to get used to reaching down for B and Y instead of up. It can still be a bit weird for games like MGR or Assassin's Creed that use button prompts based on position, but my brain eventually ignores them and associates the correct button to action.

It was totally worth it to me to get over some old muscle memory for a controller that works so well for both analog and digital movement based games.

 

[moolamb]

Or you could just use an USB bluetooth receiver. There are a ton of tutorials around that show you how to use it with one.

OT: I use mine mostly when PC gaming, but every now and again I'll use it with Super Mario 3D Land.

The only thing I want is software that works with the Mayflash adapter that can remap the ABXY buttons. It's possible to do it via another method, but it's still a pain having to drop x360ce files into every game folder, and the Home button doesn't work. I used to use the Pro controller as an everyday controller, but have switched to a Dualshock 3 instead.

I use the Pro Controller on my Macbook Pro Bootcamp flawlessly without any adapters. There's a minor hassle setting up, but once you figure it out it's a real breeze to set up controllers without extra adapters.

You will need:
Toshiba Bluetooth Stack
vJoy
'WiinUPro'

Optional:
x360ce - only for games that require xInput. The rest can be handled through DInput in windows' game controllers control panel app.

These apps allow you to remap the buttons however you like.

Definitely my controller of choice.

 

[InFamousRaiden]

below average controller. xBox 360 controller and DS4 are far superior.

The Shoulder and triggers absolutely suck.... what were they thinking ?

Although it does make Nintendo games much more enjoyable. After using it I could not imagine how much I hate the tablet controller.

 

[C-Sword]

At least, parts of the controller are not falling off like the DS4.

 

[Baleoce]

After a prolonged period of using the Wii U Pro Controller I have to say my opinion on it is largely the same. It's still my favourite controller by some margin. It has somewhat ruined the GamePad for me though. I dislike using the GamePad now, and will usually only resort to it if forced, or if I want to play a game in bed.

Another curious side effect it's had on me is, I now dislike going back to the xbox 360 controller. I much prefer the way the analogue sticks feel on my thumbs with the pro, and I prefer the stick placement. I prefer the feel of the face buttons, I prefer the d-pad (that one's a given). The battery is crazy too.

I love the triggers because they're digital and instant, and I am not concerned about racing sims. I have no need for analogue, and it's very rare you see it used innovatively.

My only real criticism of it is that it's a finger print menace.

 

[HiredN00bs]

Not my favorite, but solid. Wish they had rumble, gyros, and analog triggers, but those would definitely detract from battery life if activated. Not as ergonomic as the DS4 and the XB1 controller, but not uncomfortable. B+

 

[Nintentoast]

It is a pretty nice controller. I still wish they would try to be function parity with it's competitors, but Nintendo sure knows how to make better ergonomics than the others.

Haha that reminded me of a funny article in which it was pointed out that Microsoft made hundreds of 3D-printed prototype controllers for the Xbox One while Nintendo made their first GamePad prototype out of cardboard.

 

[Princess Viola]

Not my favorite, but solid. Wish they had rumble, gyros, and analog triggers, but those would definitely detract from battery life if activated. Not as ergonomic as the DS4 and the XB1 controller, but not uncomfortable. B+

Pretty sure the Pro Controller does have rumble.

 

[Laconic]

Lack of analog triggers is an oversight akin to leaving out a d-pad imo.

Analog triggers are my least favorite part of the DS3. The DS2 is superior. As is the Wii U Pro.

 

[Baleoce]

Pretty sure the Pro Controller does have rumble.

Yeah it does. I think DS3/360 etc have dual motors, and Wii U Pro Controller has a single motor. But honestly, it works and it feels decent in games that use it.

 

[sonto340]

Pretty sure the Pro Controller does have rumble.

Definitely has rumble.
Feel it all the time in Mario Kart 8.

 

[MechDX]

I own 3 of these. Great alternative if you like the offset analog sticks. great battery life, nice texture on the body and can be found pretty damn inexpensive. On Groupon right now for $12

 

[Jaded Alyx]

It sucks not knowing if an expensive controller will work on a game.

Look on the back of the box/check the eShop listing.

 

[LinkToTheFuture]

I love it too. Aside from Xbox One controller wiiu pro controller(as well as gamecube controller) are my favorite of all time =)

 

[LordDisco]

I am in love with the Pro Controller. It's got its flaws, but what controller doesn't? It definitely makes up for the flaws with its unbelievable battery life! It's comfortable, and it's a fantastic alternative to the Gamepad, which is also awesome.

I still think the 360 controller is slightly better, ever so slightly, but I think the Pro Controller is a better feeling controller than both the PS4 and XBone controllers.

 

[Gillian Seed]

I own 3 of these. Great alternative if you like the offset analog sticks. great battery life, nice texture on the body and can be found pretty damn inexpensive. On Groupon right now for $12

That's a steal! The only thing I dislike on this is the sticky buttons, everything else is better than the Official Nintendo Controller. Imo

 

[charlequin]

You can actually use x360ce to remap it even in Xinput mode. You just need to setup a controller profile with your remapping and copy xinput1_3.dll, x360ce.gdb and x360ce.ini into the folder of any game that supports Xinput you want to remap.

Ugh, that's such a pain though. If I'm going to custom-copy dlls for every different game I might as well just remap inside the game.

Also, I thought x360ce remaps Xinput to DirectInput, not back to XInput?

Personally, I've gotten used to Mayflash's mapping of the four face buttons.

My big problem is that it's pretty much ruinous for any game with QTAs/button-press prompts, or any game that relies on the diamond shape to map face buttons to directions.

 

[Angry Guy]

Better than the DS3, but not as good as the 360 in my book. It depends on the game. If a game is heavy on the bumpers I want to use the dualshock but the entire rest of the controller is worse than the other options.

Pro controller feels really good but I'd enjoy some analog triggers and the face button placement takes some getting used to.

 

[HiredN00bs]

Pretty sure the Pro Controller does have rumble.

Really? Played a good amount of Mario Kart 8, didn't notice it. Cool, thanks for the info!

 

[Awakened]

Also, I thought x360ce remaps Xinput to DirectInput, not back to XInput?

That's what I thought. I was worried I'd have to switch the adapter to DInput for my remap to work in Trials, but I just went and tried it in XInput and it worked perfectly.

My big problem is that it's pretty much ruinous for any game with QTAs/button-press prompts, or any game that relies on the diamond shape to map face buttons to directions.

Well, at least the button labels match up for QTE's. And I can't think of many games offhand that use the diamond shape onscreen to indicate buttons outside of the AC series.

 

[tkscz]

I own 3 of these. Great alternative if you like the offset analog sticks. great battery life, nice texture on the body and can be found pretty damn inexpensive. On Groupon right now for $12

Is the button placement wrong on the actual controller too? (B should be before A)

 

[Tripon]

Is the button placement wrong on the actual controller too? (B should be before A)

Its mimicking the 360 controller.

 

[vatstep]

Is the button placement wrong on the actual controller too? (B should be before A)

I've heard that it's correct on the actual controllers. The picture is inaccurate.

 

[Zach]

Got one of these for my son for his birthday. He loves it and it's his main for Mario Kart now. I was pretty impressed, too. Solid controller.

 

[charlequin]

That's what I thought. I was worried I'd have to switch the adapter to DInput for my remap to work in Trials, but I just went and tried it in XInput and it worked perfectly.

Cool. I'll give it a shot, I guess. If I'm going to remap the same way every time I guess I could just configure once and copy it into each directory when I start the game.

Well, at least the button labels match up for QTE's. And I can't think of many games offhand that use the diamond shape onscreen to indicate buttons outside of the AC series.

The problem is that I have both the 360 and PSX button layouts burned into my brain from years of use so i just instinctively go "yellow button -- top!" or whatever.

 

[balladofthewindfish]

😑

Huh? The octagonal gate is necessary for those sections in games where you have to move along a straight-line - it makes things a lot easier and less error-prone. In Zelda, when Link jumps of a high ledge, you can avoid damage when you hit the ground by holding the analogue directly forward. I had a hard time pulling that off in OoT 3DS!

 

[GamerJM]

I like it a lot, but I don't feel like it deserves that much recognition since I think the Gamepad is more ergonomic so there's never been much of a reason to use it.

 

[SmokeMaxX]

I like it a lot, but I don't feel like it deserves that much recognition since I think the Gamepad is more ergonomic so there's never been much of a reason to use it.

One reason: It has like an 80 hour battery life whereas the gamepad's battery life is ~3 hrs.

 

[MechDX]

Is the button placement wrong on the actual controller too? (B should be before A)

Its mimicking the 360 controller.

Just looked at my physical controller and the pic has the buttons reversed for some reason. Weird.

 

[SmokedMeat]

I'm happy Nintendo just aped the 360 controller's shape instead of producing some weird thing, as this is easily the best controller they've ever made.
In terms of button placement, something feels just a tad off, but that battery life is just insane. I can not use my U for weeks and that sucker will still maintain a charge. It's unreal.

 

[balladofthewindfish]

I'm happy Nintendo just aped the 360 controller's shape instead of producing some weird thing, as this is easily the best controller they've ever made.
In terms of button placement, something feels just a tad off, but that battery life is just insane. I can not use my U for weeks and that sucker will still maintain a charge. It's unreal.

What about that big A button? I really miss it. Think of how many uses that button has in Nintendo games. It's logically the biggest one and rest comfortably beneath your thumb. I just cannot imagine playing Metroid Prime, for example, with the conventional diamond layout.

 

[Duxxy3]

Analog triggers are my least favorite part of the DS3. The DS2 is superior. As is the Wii U Pro.

Outside of racing games, I prefer having all digital shoulder buttons. Even with racing games, I'm OK with using the face buttons (or analog sticks even).

 

[SphericalCrusher]

I love it! Bought it day one. It's my go-to controller of choice for every game I play that supports it. I need to get a second one since everyone in my house fights over it for Mario Kart, etc. Haha.

 

[Aarglefarg]

Its mimicking the 360 controller.

Then the X and the Y are in the wrong places in that picture.

 

[345triangle]

i love it. i think i've charged it once in the entire lifespan of the wii u.

really dig the symmetry, too — i think it's the best layout.

 

[charlequin]

OH MY GOD YOU GUYS I THINK I'VE FOUND THE SOLUTION TO THE BUTTON MAPPING

https://code.google.com/p/magical-tools/wiki/Durazno

GOTTA TRY THIS OUT

 

[ElectricKaibutsu]

OH MY GOD YOU GUYS I THINK I'VE FOUND THE SOLUTION TO THE BUTTON MAPPING

https://code.google.com/p/magical-tools/wiki/Durazno

GOTTA TRY THIS OUT

 

[charlequin]

Just tried it out. Quickly configured controller 1 to swap the buttons (the real nice thing is that you configure all the controllers individually, so if you're like me and have one 360 and one Wii U pad you can set things up so each is mapped correctly) and tried it out.

What I discovered (with just a few spot checks) is that it works pretty great (it's based on the same principle as x360ce, so I can't guarantee it'll work for everything) but it needs a tiny bit more effort than the readme makes clear.

Basically: the dll passthrough included in the package is named xinput1_3.dll. However, there are different versions of this file, and you need to wrap the one appropriate to the game. I just made three copies of the dll named xinput1_1, xinput1_2, and xinput9_1_0; I think it should work fine if you drop all four plus the ini into the game directory.

This is maybe slightly more effort than this problem actually deserves, but you'll all thank me when you try to play The Last Remnant on this thing!

 

[majik13]

I don't have a WiiU but have played it (with the pro controller) many times at a friend's house and could've sworn it had rumble. I'm sure others will confirm this shortly ha

apprantly it does. I know turned off the rumble on the gamepad, because it is piss poor. I thought the pro just lacked it. Maybe the setting carried over to the Pro, or the pro is just as bad as the gamepad, so I turned it off. Dont remember.

 

[TheOhrenberger.]

Not as good as the xbone controller, but it is a good controller on it's own merit and it has a wicked long battery life.

 

[Effect]

I'd love to pick up one but the price needs to come down. They go for $50 new!

 

[BolognaSoup]

Just get a refurb on eBay. I got one for $22 and it was good as new.

 

[Cpt Conifer]

Just tried it out. Quickly configured controller 1 to swap the buttons (the real nice thing is that you configure all the controllers individually, so if you're like me and have one 360 and one Wii U pad you can set things up so each is mapped correctly) and tried it out.

What I discovered (with just a few spot checks) is that it works pretty great (it's based on the same principle as x360ce, so I can't guarantee it'll work for everything) but it needs a tiny bit more effort than the readme makes clear.

Basically: the dll passthrough included in the package is named xinput1_3.dll. However, there are different versions of this file, and you need to wrap the one appropriate to the game. I just made three copies of the dll named xinput1_1, xinput1_2, and xinput9_1_0; I think it should work fine if you drop all four plus the ini into the game directory.

This is maybe slightly more effort than this problem actually deserves, but you'll all thank me when you try to play The Last Remnant on this thing!

Confirmed that it works when you simply copy all versions of xinput into the game's exe-containing directory. The only tiny caveat is that you have to relinquish the use of a home button; there's no way to assign one on the program's interface. A small price to pay in the games where it matters the most to be able to assign an alternative layout that directly mirrors the 360. Thanks, this program is awesome!

 

[DJ_Lae]

Been using mine for a month now - my daughter much prefers it for Mario Kart and other WiiU games because it's not as awkward to hold as the gamepad for her.

I like it because it's a more traditional controller.

However, I will complain that my left stick creaks a bit with very slight movements now. It's not incredibly noticeable but enough to drive me nuts. I'm hoping Nintendo is good about replacing it because I paid full price for the damn thing.

And then of course Target blew it out for ~$20 not long after.