Topic: Does the Kinect-less Xbox One mean anything for the Wii U?

I think it's pretty obvious that Nintendo is set on the gamepad for the duration of the Wii U's lifespan, the recent NFC announcements pretty much confirmed that, but I can't help reckon that a gamepad-less Wii U, priced 75/100 dollars less, and bundled with a single pro controller, would put the Wii U in a better position than it's currently in...........let's face facts here, the gamepad is a unique, well made piece of kit, but the majority of the gaming public as a whole (not just Nintendo fanboys) are more or less uninterested in it's perceived value. Hell, I gotta admit, I'm a fan of the pro controller myself.

I think with the Wii U already being the cheapest console, lowering the price isn't going to help build a stronger User Base

I think this would help sell it, but I don't think Ninty would do this until they can sell gamepads by themselves in retail.

Dropping the GamePad would be the single stupidest thing Nintendo could do. Without it, it's just an underpowered, under-supported PS4/XB1

@Action51 thinks you are a mythological person!

Doesn't really mean anything to the Wii U, Microsoft was always going to do a Kinectless Xbox One it was just a matter of when (which turned out to be sooner then later).
This sums up their planning perfectly:

Nintendo won't flip flop on the gamepad and will stick with it because that is how they handle things if Microsoft can afford cutting something consumers don't want they will cut it.

I see your point to a degree, but I think a 200 to 225 dollar system would probably be pretty enticing, especially considering the disparity with the PS4 and Xbone. Given the widening gap in third party support, it wouldn't feel like such a sacrifice anymore. Also, many people just don't want to deal with a large gamepad, it's pretty much true, a lot of people just mock it, as wrong as they may be..........but the same goes for the Xbone, many people did not buy the console just for the fact that they did not give 2 cents for the Kinect, or even dealing with it.

But it is something different, without it, it is nothing.
The difference may be unpopular or underused, but it still appeals to some, and we have to hope Nintendo can encourage developers to use it more, if they use it right. Games like Pikmin and WW use it so well that I don't want to go back to not having one. The issue with the Wii U isn't the GamePad.

yay another one of these..
I posted this message using my Wii U gamepad, lately I do most of my web surfing with it as well, in fact when it comes to most internet things I find myself using my Wii U gamepad more often than my computer. To those who don't like a controller with a touchscreen you might as well get used to it because considering that both N's console and handhelds now use touchscrren interfacing extensively I doubt it's going anywhere, and I for one think that's a very good thing because ever since embracing this technological wonder I find regular controllers and single screen systems kinda boring.

It pretty much taken over every game site on web at this point.

I think this can only have a negative impact on the Wii U. A lower cost X-box may shake some people's faith in the brand, but it means a less costly competitor to the console that is currently cheapest of the big three.

It's a shame because it will probably have less effect on Sony PS4 sales, and that's what Microsoft game consoles more or less exist for.

No, because Nintendo plans on actually using it's gimmick more. Pay attention kids.

Addiing a Pro Controller to the bundles would make a lot more sense. If they dropped the Gamepad, the install base will be broken into two and no developer would ever use the Gamepad features again.

Being that the Wii U is already a year and a half old, I don't see the gamepad ever becoming the main selling point for the system, maybe if they release a new variation of the gamepad that improves upon the original in every way, but still, at the end of the day, the gamepad is not a selling point that works. You could focus on the pro controller while still supporting the gamepad as a sold separately piece of kit, advertise the off-screen play, and of course, for the original batch of Wii U games, the gamepad would still be viable..........all at that same time, drastically cutting the base price for the Wii U.

Also, Kinect-less Xbox is being done specifically because Xbox One is actively trying to compete with the Ps4 in every possible and Nintendo is doing the complete opposite.

Even ignoring that the Gamepad shouldn't be used as a scapegoat for the Wii U's actual problems with selling to a large audience, this would directly go against their own plans, which is just stupid. It kinda no longer matters what you think, that's just a terrible business idea.

@MK_II
Exactly. They want your $300, even if they have to bundle more things. It happens all the time.

'Kids' is the key word, as the NFC toys and figurines they intend to implement appeal to nobody but them.

Who's going to buy it?
Half the people who bought Wiis did it for Wii Sports, they are not going to be interested in a conventional controller even from Nintendo, they don't have brand loyalty like most gamers.
XB1 fanboys? Why would they?
PS4 fanboys? Same thing
Nintendo fanboys? Ok so a few may bite at a lower price, but I reckon most already have one, or are waiting for the games they like (Zelda, Smash etc) to come out before getting one.
The GamePad serves as a temptation to the fans of other systems. non-gamers and children yet to have loyalty. Without it, its just a rubbish version of what they already have/the other options.

Agree that it's bad news for Nintendo, as the Xbone will become a more attractive option, and indirectly eat into Nintendo's poss future costumer base, at least in Canada and the US.

I don't think it will lessen people's faith in the Xbone, given that the Kinect was generally disliked / ignored, at least after 2010 and 2011.

First of all, can you really say that considering the amount of adults that like Pokemon?

Second of all, Disney Infinity and Skylanders are 2 of the most popular games nowadays, it's hard to get mad at them for appealing towards an audience that has proven to make mega successful titles.