Over the past weekend we saw some chatter around a potential 'new' GamePad in a Mario Kart 8 commercial posted on the Japanese YouTube account; we clicked on over and were disappointed. The focus was on a GamePad shot that showed a controller that appeared thinner but blurry, but we realised this was actually a retread of a commercial released in Europe in May.
We ignored it for that reason, but as it's been picked up by mainstream sites and we've had understandably excited readers get in touch, clarification is needed. This is an old commercial that's been in the public domain for over six months, surely reducing the likelihood of it hiding some kind of GamePad controller reveal.
We actually posted the original back in May from the Nintendo UK account; as you can see below, they're the same.
In fact, there was a second commercial released in Europe in May showing a similar effect.
In conclusion, we suspect this is just mediocre effects work. As the idea is to portray speed as the players literally zoom around the room, the perspective of the GamePad is warped; it's not done particularly well, but that's likely the aim. When you look at all the other shots in these commercials it's a normal GamePad in the player's hands.
So, it's a seven month old advert. We doubt a new GamePad was teased in a European commercial way back in May.
Comments 35
Surprised? No.
It is not the same gamepad we have at our homes - seriously - it doesn't take a genius to see that it isn't "wonky effects" - it is a different gamepad. We may not be able to buy this one - but it is different than the one sold with the systems.
@vitalemrecords: It doesn't take a genius to look at the back of the gamepad to figure out its size and realize that yes, the effects are bad and the gamepad is not different
Matter of fact, look at the still shot on the bottom video. That gamepad looks pretty normal to me
@vitalemrecords It is the same GamePad, the screen wasn't recorded in real time and was edited later on over the GamePad. It wasn't done accurately and the screen appears larger than it should be. Actually, it even overlaps the Y button and part of the d-pad. It isn't a different GamePad, just a regular one that was badly edited.
Exactly what I was trying to say! This commercial is old. Even if it was the contrary, the effects must have distorted the front of the GamePad...
Wii 3 confirmed.
@Stu13
"New Wii U"
I'm sorry to disappoint you - I'm a cameraman and I can tell you this from experience - the 'new' gamepad is actually a trick of the camera lens caused by the distant focus and a long lens. The light from the gamepad diffuses, or 'blooms', and makes the rest of the bevel seem small by comparison
You can try this at home if you have a camera - point the lens at your christmas tree and change the focus, the lights will seem massive
It's the same old gamepad. Sorry.
Commercial may not show a new Gamepad but that doesnt mean Nintendo doesnt need 1. Its a 2 year old tablet design. Go back and look at the difference in tablets this year and in 2012. Why not upgrade it, smaller, lighter, better battery life? And much wider connection distance. Id like to use it as a tablet but it only works in the basement room w/ the Wii U. Ecpand the range or just throw in a cheap WiFi chip to the Wii U for Miiverse, eShop, web browsing and Netflix.
And w/ Splatoon and Starfox both coming out next year its time for dual pad support. And think how much better Kirby would be w/ 2 Gamepads as you draw on the screen?
Maybe we could even get Madden if you could pick offense and defense secretly on your Gamepads. Everything from chess to SSBU and MK8 would be better w/ dual Gamepads. They shouldnt have botheted making Wii U if it cant handle 2.
@rjejr You do know it can handle 2 right, it's just no game has utilized this feature yet and sadly probably never will. I don't know anyone else with a Wii U though and I'm not shelling out over 100$ for a second one anyways. Plus the draw back for a second controller in use was 30fps max.
It looks like the size of a vita, clearly it's a different gamepad. Weather it's a newer one Ninty are planning to release, we shall see.
Judging from the pictures, the Gamepad is still the same size as the normal gamepad (Thumb to palm as present in both videos). The only exception is that the screen is larger, which most of us wanted in the first place. I hope Nintendo release this version in the exact same form factor (width, height and depth) as as the current one. Support for two gampads simultaneously isn't a must, but would be happily appreciated (with supporting games).
yea I figured that the rest of the shoots were of the normal gamepad. and the fact that the screen covered half of a button!
@rjejr
I agree with what you have written but i think from a technical point of view it might push the current hardware limitations a bit far. For what the wii u does, I think it is exceptional (as the 1st party games produced have shown thus far). I don't want Nintendo to abandon the Wii U (im not suggesting you said that..), but maybe the middle ground is to build an XL (or LL) version of the Wii U in a similar practice to the new 3ds XL. Build in the features that are now cost effective at the current price point to allow the system to continue to evolve. From this stand point, Nintendo can assess what the hardware requirements of an Wii U XL console should be and then only target the areas that benefits the console. Feel free if any one wants to add any practical ideas below.
Where I would like to to see improves, will fall in line with the system design philosophy, as in more functionality within the same size volume.
If we are going to get dual gamepad support simultaneously then Nintendo will have to look at improving the CPU/GPU with target benchmark of performing 60fps per device (TV and 2 gamepads) at 1080p (TV) and 480p (each gamepad). Then they could work backwards, working out 3d gaming performance vs cpu/gpu performance hits (boost or upgrading the components to compensate). They could also look at CPU/GPU taxation for supporting dual gamepads wirelessly, whilst delivering an upgraded wireless chip for covering greater strength, performance, speed and distance. In closing, I think Nintendo built the most innovative console for this generation and it would be a shame for them to move on from it in 4 years time, when right now is a great time to build a new business model that can reshape the games industry.
Just because the video is old, doesn't mean Nintendo isn't, or hasn't been toying with redesigning the gamepad. The gamepad in the video IS different, is smaller and looks like a bigger Vita. Now its clear that Nintendo wanted to obscure this image with blur effects and literally 1/4 of a second on screen, but this isn't simply a prop, why would Nintendo choose to use anything but the actual gamepad? No one knows why Nintendo does what they do, but its fun to speculate. Has anyone bothered to ask Nintendo about this directly?
@Spoony_Tech - "You do know it can handle 2 right, it's just no game has utilized this feature yet "
I have wings on my back and I can fly, I just choose not to.
I don't believe that $100 price. Amazon's 6" tablet (close in size) goes for $99. It has a quad core processor, 8GB storage, 1GB RAM, front and rear camera, 8 hour battery life, HD resolution multi touch screen. The Gamepad is a $40 chinese knockoff at best - no processor, no RAM, no storage, low res 1 touch screen, bulky 3 hour battery. If they sell it for $79.99 that's $20 more than a Wii Pro or X1 or PS4 controller w/ a screen. They sold the Wii Balance board for $80 and that only worked w/ 1 game at launch. Release a couple of games like Splatoon and Starfox and tack on SSBU support - any 2 player game w/ amiibo support should support dual Gamepads just to use the amiibo - and announce it as a new dawn of Wii U gaming. Anybody planning on couch co-op who was going to spend $50 for a Pro could spend $80 for a Game pad instead. Even if the screens just mirror, like many games the Gamepad just mirrors the tv anyway. I really don't see money as the deal breaker if they could market an $80 Balance Board for 1 game.
@RoomB31 I understand what you're saying, but in all the other shots the actors are clearly holding standard GamePads. As multiple people have said, this is a camera effect.
Of course it's possible Nintendo is working on lots of things, the point is that this 'new' commercial from the Japanese channel is anything but, so it'd help if it wasn't reported as such.
OK so what about the icon in the eShop which shows the 'new' smaller WiiU gamepad? [ http://is.gd/BpxL2U ]
I'd like to congratulate the staff at NL for their very trained eye and their good memory. Despite being in the US (I believe), they remembered the Ad was European. Not like a Spanish (as in Europe's Spain) website that fell for the rumor completely: http://www.gamespek.com/2014/12/14/wii-u-podria-tener-un-rediseno-en-breve/
@Kit That's an interesting picture but unfortunately doesn't look like what people are thinking is the smaller version.
I still don't really see a need for this unless the resolution is hd unless the cost is greatly reduced and they're offering it in a new 250$ pro system model.
@megamanlink - I wonder if they could upgrade the Wii U simply by building a better Gamepad? While Wii U doesn't have any 2 Gamepad games, it does allow use of the 3DS as a controller if the 3DS has a copy of the game. And it works - my kids each have a 3DS and their own copy of the game. Maybe they could build something into the Gamepad that could offload some of the processing from the Wii U itself? Several consoles have had this - the Dreamcast controller had a slot for the VMU, N64 had a rumble pack, Wiimote has the + attachment.
Maybe even attach it to the current Gamepad? Has anybody seen anything yet that attaches to that unknown type connection port on the bottom of the Gmaepad? Why is that thing even there? Since you have tech in your name maybe you know @Spoony_Tech
And adding analog shoulder buttons for Gamepad VC would be nice.
@rjejr The only thing I've ever seen plugged in there was at demo stations online.
Well I'm 100% certain that I'm not sure
Think camera tricks/effects are to blame here as it would be stupid to have a new product in a mainstream advertising campaign that wasn't available never mind not even announced!! HOWEVER.....take the spread of this rumor as a clear sign of demand Nintendo!! The gamepad could do with an upgrade, I like the size and weight but that tacky screen should have modern touch tech and the design is dated now overall. Also, get on with 2 gamepad support already, Sooooo many possibilities with 2 separate screens and one shared!!
@Kit Even if that's a thing, our point is that people are picking up on a video that's months old and pretending it's new, which is silly.
We're not saying there's no chance of a smaller GamePad, we're saying it's bizarre people are drawing conclusions that are a) likely inaccurate due to effects work and b) from a video released in May.
so they faked the screen like everyone else?
@Kit It's still likely Nintendo will release a GamePad redesign, and this picture is intriguing. There is no new GamePad in these adverts though.
@BensonUii
Wii U Too
@rjejr
Whew! I thought you had forgotten about the dual gamepad since you hadn't mentioned it for a long time now.
I doubt we will see that unless Nintendo finds a Wii U selling idea for them. If selling Wii U with one Gamepad seems hard enough, imagine two of them.
And there you go.
@sinalefa - "If selling Wii U with one Gamepad seems hard enough, imagine two of them."
I think it would be easier to sell them w/ 2 Gamepads. I've thought that since Day 1. Not 2 in the box, but separatly. Think about it, how many consoles have you owned in your life when you only owned 1 controller for it? Most people these days buying any Sony or MS console probably buy a 2nd controller right near launch, at $60 each. How many people paid $60 - $40 for Wiimote and $20 for nunchuck - when they bought their Wii? How many people bought 2 or even 3 extra Wiimotes at $40 each? It's why I don't buy the price argument that people won't spend X amount of $ for a 2nd Gmaepad. People have ALWAYS spent X on a 2nd controller - no system comes w/ 2 but everybody wants more than 1.
People don't understand "asynchonous", probably never will until they experience it, it's very hard to explain. 2 players flying ships in Starfox FP view while the tv shows a wider view, or 2 people in FPS playing Splatoon while the new shows the entire battlefield, people would get that. I honestly think it's an easier sell.
Of course the problem - as someone else recently mentioned - which I do believe to be true - is the tech. Wii U simply can't handle it. That's the real problem, not explaining to people they need 2 controllers - people needed 1 Gamecube and 4 GBA to play FF:CC how did they explain that? - not the price of the 2nd controller - Balance Board for Wii Fit cost $80 - just the Wii U hardware limitations.
@rjejr
I think your right about the gamepad. I think there could be a proposition for a thin accessory module. That can be fixed on to the battery area (with a connection to the expansion slot at the bottom of the gamepad) that contains a mobile processor, ram, storage (flash mem or sd card), sim card slot, wifi and radio signal. This would allow the gamepad to inherit smart phone functionality and combine it with its own on-board functionality to create a stand-a-lone or combine system. This module could then serve many purposes in Nintendo's technology roadmap.
Example:
1) Adding new mobile gaming to the current pad as a separate platform.
2) The Gamepad can be upgraded independently.
3) The module could be upgraded in line with mobile technology.
4) multi-touch can then be a natural migration, as it doesn't have to be supported by the wii U.
This would allow the gamepad to be separated from the wii u and still function as a game system, becoming Nintendo's 3rd pillar (or 4th depending on QOL platform).
But I still think the starting point should be the wii u. Building an XL version that supports 2 controllers (without compromising on performance, resolution or frame-rate) could be the niche that they need. True 3 player gaming like the current Wii U's true 2 player gaming.
Let me just add that i have a specification in mind that would support this idea and if Nintendo was to build it (it is with in cost) i would spend the up to the same amount as the PS4 for it.
Even if it's not real it seems like it would be a good idea if the new design made the controller cheaper.
Well done nintendolife - for not blindly jumping the hypedoodlyduuh-train..
@megamanlink - " multi-touch can then be a natural migration"
I'm by no means an expert, but I'm fairly certain single touch is built into the Gamepad's resistive screen, you can't update it to function like a capacitive multitouch screen via software.
If you are talking about an updated Gamepad then yes they could replace the screen in the new one, but they can't change the screens functionality just by adding a "processor pack" on the back. I do like the idea though, truly turn the Gamepad into a tablet by screwing tablet innards - wi-fi, RAM, processor - on the back. Considering they already make a 2DS, 3DS and 3DS XL those innards would probably only cost them a few bucks. And all those holes and connectors on the Gamepads back and bottom could finally be used for something.
@rjejr
Sorry i did mean a technical upgrade (as in a different gamepad like in the pic above) to clear up any confusion. Nintendo could easily trial run this adapter module with VC and GC games as digital downloads only. Allowing for interchange data management via the wii U to a usb hard drive, when the SD cards are full. This would also kick start the 2 gamepad support as the the game pad could now store your account details and allow for seamless friend code exchange via close location spot pass when you connect to a friends system. Funny enough that should have already been happening when friends bring there 3DS to some ones house who already has a wii U since the accounts have now been combined.
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