-
Hey Guest. Check out your NeoGAF Wrapped 2025 results here!
Would you buy a Wii U Pro Controller only bundle?
- Thread starter oni-link
- Start date
You've got small arms or something cause the thing is light. The stock battery exceeds my DS4s as well.
Davey Cakes
Member
Heavy?
Not comfortable?
No compelling gameplay experiences?
I guess it really just depends on what kinds of games you play and enjoy because I've seen A LOT of opinions completely opposite yours. Many think the Gamepad is surprisingly light and comfortable to hold considering its size. And some of the more unique experiences on Wii U (especially the multiplayer party games) have used the Gamepad in fun and interesting ways.
Nintendo Land alone pretty much sells the Gamepad in terms of potential.
I still don't think the gamepad is the reason for Wii U's failure (lack of compelling software for about the first year and a half is). If Wii had bombed, everyone would have called for a Wiimote-less SKU (some people still did anyway). I hope they have an optional gamepad or solid remote play in the next handheld.
All that's to say I probably wouldn't buy a pro-only SKU, since that's not what the system was designed for.
All that's to say I probably wouldn't buy a pro-only SKU, since that's not what the system was designed for.
So you agree the gamepad was seen as a negative by most gamers?
Which would suggest removing it would be a good thing?
Which would lower the price
So even though you enjoy the gamepad, you can see how gamers as a whole would prefer a pro controller only Wii U that sells for cheaper?
RuneFactoryFanboy
Member
Yep. I think that the dual screen concept is really stupid.
Using a second screen for a games HUD, Inventory, Map, or anything else of that nature is awful. It boils down to having to take your eyes off the main screen where the action is taking place. Maps and HUDs are better placed on the sides/corners of the main screen so that they may visible out of the corner of the eye. Menus almost always require full attention to navigate, so I might as well pause my game while I navigate them.
ItÂ’s bad on the DS, and awful on the Wii U. On the DS, while still dumb, itÂ’s just an eye glance away. On Wii U itÂ’s a full head tilt to see that second screen. When IÂ’m looking at the Gamepad my TV isnÂ’t even in my peripheral vision.
The Gamepad is significantly heavier than the Pro Controller, it has ridiculous bad battery life, the ergonomics just suck compared to the Pro. ItÂ’s expensive and the only one you get, so if it breaks or just wears out over time then there is no running up to Walmart for a fresh one.
So yes, I would have been down for a cheaper, Gamepad-less SKU. Make the Gamepad an accessory for people who want to play the small handful of games that actually utilize it. For everyone else who wants to play Mario 3D, Mario Kart, Smash, ect have a cheaper, more comfortable option.
The Wii doesn't have a tablet though. It has a controller with a screen. No one calls the 3/DS line tablets.
Gucci Messiah
Banned
You think the gamepad is heavy? And why aren't you letting your wrists rest on your lap when playing? I do that with every controller.
ArmsOfSorrow
Neo Member
No.
AlphaTwo00
Member
If it was around $200 you know I might actually bite. Especially around Zelda time and (hopefully) SMTxFE.
Because yes, the UPad is the most ungodly horrible controller since the OG Xbox Duke. Worthless, super expensive, uncomfortable, worst battery life ever. There's nothing good about the damn thing.
So yes, Nintendo, be smart and release a bundle without the bad controller.
Because yes, the UPad is the most ungodly horrible controller since the OG Xbox Duke. Worthless, super expensive, uncomfortable, worst battery life ever. There's nothing good about the damn thing.
So yes, Nintendo, be smart and release a bundle without the bad controller.
I extremely doubt that.
Definitely not, unless the bundle was at least $100 cheaper.
I bought a pro controller for around $30 because I thought I would want it for something like Bayonetta or Smash but I was wrong, I prefer the gamepad. The way the ZL and ZR buttons are placed on an indent make it infinitely more comfortable to hold and play than the pro controller. I've never found its weight to be an issue either because it weighs just as much as any popular tablet on the market but it actually has a frame made for gripping comfortably. The pro controller on the other hand has comparatively awkward shoulder buttons and feels too light. If it was some kind of Gamecube controller styled solution I would consider it but there are also plenty of games built with the pad in mind which I would not want to play even if they magically removed the pad features. Off-TV is also a huge blessing when you live in a busy household where TV time is limited.
I bought a pro controller for around $30 because I thought I would want it for something like Bayonetta or Smash but I was wrong, I prefer the gamepad. The way the ZL and ZR buttons are placed on an indent make it infinitely more comfortable to hold and play than the pro controller. I've never found its weight to be an issue either because it weighs just as much as any popular tablet on the market but it actually has a frame made for gripping comfortably. The pro controller on the other hand has comparatively awkward shoulder buttons and feels too light. If it was some kind of Gamecube controller styled solution I would consider it but there are also plenty of games built with the pad in mind which I would not want to play even if they magically removed the pad features. Off-TV is also a huge blessing when you live in a busy household where TV time is limited.
Yes, I absolutely would have. Would have saved me some money. The Gamepad does very little for me, and I never use it unless I have no choice. Games look much worse on that screen than they do on my TV. Even the 720p games I have that get upscaled look far and away better on the TV. The screen is noticeable low res, and has an irritating warm color temperature.
You are still pausing in these situations though, just in a different way. Not to mention straining your neck depending on your seating arrangement. I'm glad you understand its your opinion because I 100% agree with that other poster that dual screen gaming is just another failed gimmick.
strain your neck????! maybe if you have a severe issue or trauma that causes you pain when you either move your neck a half inch or look down with your eyes
Looking forward and then quickly turning to look downwards (where most people keep the upad since its heavy) and then quickly back up is a neck strain yes.
GustyGardens
Banned
A bundle with a Wii U Pro Controller as the main control scheme would force you to miss quite a few fun games that require the Gamepad. ZombiU, Lego City Undercover, Super Mario 3D World & Captain Toad to name a few.
Nintendo might be able to to patch their own games to be used without a Gamepad, but I highly doubt that 3rd parties will patch their older games. Talk about dividing the user base.
Nintendo might be able to to patch their own games to be used without a Gamepad, but I highly doubt that 3rd parties will patch their older games. Talk about dividing the user base.
CanUKlehead
Member
Feels like I'd be buying a 20 GB PS3 or Core 360 or even
, hell, the 8 GB Wii U, but...a worse deal. If I'm going to be spending x-amount of money for a pad-less Wii U, I'll just wait til I can afford a 'complete' console.
Then again, I'm the guy who bought an X1 and bought a used Kinect for ÂŁ20.
, hell, the 8 GB Wii U, but...a worse deal. If I'm going to be spending x-amount of money for a pad-less Wii U, I'll just wait til I can afford a 'complete' console.Then again, I'm the guy who bought an X1 and bought a used Kinect for ÂŁ20.
Yes (already have one though), and they really need to release a patch that allows the system to function 100% without the Gamepad. It's bullshit that you can't access system settings with a Pro controller.
My Gamepad has been sitting dead for weeks because I don't use it and haven't charged it. The battery ran out just from being on while I played games with the Pro controller.
My Gamepad has been sitting dead for weeks because I don't use it and haven't charged it. The battery ran out just from being on while I played games with the Pro controller.
Kevin Shields
Member
No, Gamepad is only reason I have a wii u. I love off tv play. BArely even use my tv...
OverBlood 3
Banned
The sooner people realise that the gamepad isn't an optional accessory the better, it's built as part of the console experience.
Gucci Messiah
Banned
You're really reaching here.
Which is exactly why it's hurting the console experience
Mithos
Member
Will not happen, unless Nintendo would sell the console without a controller at all.
Wii U w/ Pro Controller SKU ~$249 at best.
No, it's not heavy.
It weighs 491 grams which is less than an iPad (~660g) and slightly more than an iPad Air(~440g). Unless you have some very restrictive seating arrangements then neck movement is minimal or none at all and there should be no strain.
But if OP can hypothetically assume that games requiring the pad will magically be reworked, I can hypothetically assume it would sell for a low, low price, right? =P
Definitely hurt my neck, had me reaching... For some icy hot.
I still do not understand why they are not doing this. $199 and their margins would spike dramatically. Then both the 3ds and home console would be at the same price point, which actually makes good sense.
There are very few games that make good use of the gamepad. The only real incentive is off TV play, which not everyone cares about. The gamepad battery life is also atrocious, vs insanely good for the pro controller.
There are very few games that make good use of the gamepad. The only real incentive is off TV play, which not everyone cares about. The gamepad battery life is also atrocious, vs insanely good for the pro controller.
Its 249 with the gamepad. It would be $199 with a pro controller. They were selling repackaged new Wii u as refurbs for $200.
No, msrp on the Wii U is 300...
Sorcerer
Member
But isn't Nintendo dividing the user base by coming out with a 3DS with exclusive games?
If Nintendo can fuck you over one way why not the other way as well?
In an ideal world the tablet would have been scrapped in the concept phase of planning and it would have come out with a pro controller with no games built around the gamepad, then the gamepad would have been sold separately for those who like/want off screen play
The fact they would be able to sell it cheaper and the fact most gamers don't seem to care about the gamepad (as reflected in sales) they'd probably have sold more consoles than they have currently
Or even have a system with comparable specs to the other two so it doesn't miss out on pretty much all multiplat titles.
thechristoph
Sir!
Heavy was an extremely poor choice of words. It's not heavy.. it's unwieldy, awkward, unfamiliar. I'm not used to having my hands that far apart when using a game controller. Even when playing with a Wiimote and Nunchuck, I'd have my hands close together as if they were gripping a traditional controller.
The best use case I've had for it yet was in Wind Waker HD. It was great to have the map on the GamePad. Other than that, I haven't played a game that really needed it or brought something impressive to the table.
Yeah, you're right. Seems like it's pretty consistently on sale though. Damn though, with an Xbox at $350 they really need to do an official price drop to $250.
Regardless though, they could and should do $200 with pro controller. If they were selling "refurbs" for $200 to move stock, they could pull the gamepad and do $200.
Yeah, $300 is way out of line with the value it brings to the table. $200 is much better I think.
That wouldn't have helped them, other ecosystems are better, still no 3rd party support, and would drive the console price and the cost of development sky high, and the Wii U with its meager specs still produces good looking games
Pejo
Gold Member
Lots of gamepad hate still on GAF. It took me a bit to come around, but after a hundred plus hours on MonHun3U with the gamepad, I really like the feel. I've always been a fan of interactive controllers since the days of Dreamcast and the VMUs though.
My only complaint, which is semi-big though, is that poor poor battery life. I've got a tethered situation figured out now, but damn it was inconvenient for a while. Still would rather be able to put in longer sessions without that cable though.
My only complaint, which is semi-big though, is that poor poor battery life. I've got a tethered situation figured out now, but damn it was inconvenient for a while. Still would rather be able to put in longer sessions without that cable though.
razgriz417
Member
got my wii u at the beginning of the year and I try to avoid using the game pad whenever the pro controller is a viable control option. Only upside of the game pad imo is off screen play, and for entering text in the eshop, I'm really not a fan of glancing down and away from the screen while playing. That being said, off screen play is an awesome feature, the game pad isn't really uncomfortable or anything, its just lower rez than I'd like
Buy the extended battery from nintendo? Bought that wtih gaf's recommendation and its increased battery life by about 2x
Buy the extended battery from nintendo? Bought that wtih gaf's recommendation and its increased battery life by about 2x
Similar threads
- Poll