Tag: Gamepad
News Teased Wii U Mod Switches Things Up by Outputting TV View on GamePad
Splatoon is the obvious candidate
Nintendo hardware is often targeted for homebrew, hacks and exploits, and we've seen a fair amount of them with 3DS and Wii U - attempts are also being made with the Switch. It's a relatively niche area of course, especially as Nintendo often forces modders offline by closing exploits through firmware updates. Now...
Editorial An Ode To The Wii U GamePad, Nintendo's Mad But Brilliant Controller
Big, unwieldy, but occasionally innovative and exciting
Hindsight is a wonderful thing. In hindsight the GamePad has been a problem for the Wii U, a system that has stumbled as a result of multiple issues. It contributed to a higher-than-ideal launch price for the hardware, and has been largely underutilised for most of this generation. The Wii U,...
Poll The Wii U GamePad - Where Do You Stand on Nintendo's Hefty Controller?
Star Fox aims to show what it can do
In the coming week both Star Fox Zero and Star Fox Guard will arrive, both titles that'll not only aim to revive a franchise but also - in a manner of speaking - its controller. The Wii U GamePad has been one of Nintendo's most controversial controllers, in part because it's the pricey and mandatory inclusion...
Talking Point The Great Star Fox Zero Controls Debate Highlights Important Lessons
Simplicity and instinct matter when playing games
Star Fox Zero isn't far away, yet rather than unquestionable hype about the first series entry for over a generation, much of the talk is over its control scheme. As the Wii U heads towards its retirement it seems like an apt conflict - innovation vs familiarity, instinctive play versus unfamiliar...
News You Can Now Buy A Replacement Wii U GamePad On Its Own
In Japan, at least
Eagle eyed Pokémon Master and Nintendo Life contributor Joe Merrick has spotted that Nintendo are now selling a solo GamePad for the first time in Japan. While we've come to accept that the Wii U will probably never support two GamePads at the same time in future games, it's nice at least to have the option to replace your...
News Wii U Offers "The Best Realisation Of The Second Screen Experience", Says Watchup CEO
Unique newscasting app now available on Wii U eShop
Earlier this week, news app Watchup appeared on the Wii U eShop without warning or fanfare, and has strangely been missed off this week's download update. Even so, Watchup CEO and Founder Adriano Farano is keen to make some noise about the Nintendo version of the download, which - in its Android...
"That's our real secret sauce"
The Wii U may not have gained the same commercial success as the original Wii, but it terms of innovation it arguably does more than its next-gen rivals, thanks largely to the potential of its GamePad controller. That's certainly the opinion of Nintendo of America's Executive VP of Sales Scott Moffitt, who has been...
News Miyamoto Talks Up Star Fox Wii U's "Fun And Unique" Dual-Screen Control Mechanics
"The story might not be too different from past Star Fox games"
Star Fox will be blasting its way to the Wii U next year, offering fans of the series another chance to hop into the iconic Arwing and perform barrel rolls aplenty. However, those expecting the game to feature a radically different storyline to what has gone before may be a little...
News Sorry to Disappoint, But That 'New' GamePad Mario Kart 8 Commercial is Pretty Old
Just wonky effects, we'd wager
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...
Video How Does Watch Dogs Use The Wii U GamePad?
Every dog has its day
When Ubisoft said that the Wii U version of open-world action title Watch Dogs was being delayed, it insisted that the additional time would be used to make sure the potential of the Wii U GamePad was fully realised. Fast forward a few months and the game is finally here — but
News You Can Use The Wii U GamePad For Voice Chat, Stage Building And More In Super Smash Bros.
Padding it out
While some developers are certainly guilty of underusing the Wii U GamePad, that criticism can't be laid at the feet of the team behind Super Smash Bros. for Wii U. The forthcoming fighter will make robust use of the unique controller, not only during battle but in-between brawls as well. During normal play it will be possible to use...
"Unique software can always be realized with unique hardware"
The Wii U's commercial struggles and the massive rise in popularity of smart devices has seen many within the industry predict that Nintendo will go multi-platform sooner rather than later, but Shigeru Miyamoto has poured a large bucket of cold water all over such prophecies in a recent...
Talking Point Should Nintendo Be Promoting The Wii U GamePad As A Tablet Killer?
Kids love tablets, so why isn't Nintendo shouting about the GamePad?
When Nintendo first lifted the lid on the Wii U and its unique GamePad controller, many within the industry murmured their cautious approval. It all seemed to make so much sense — Apple's iPad had already kickstarted a tablet revolution and second-screen gaming promised big...
News Shigeru Miyamoto Confirms That Dual GamePad Support is Still Possible, But Not Soon
"Two GamePad gameplay is not within our objectives in the short-term"
Prior to the Wii U's launch the company made positive noises about introducing support for two GamePad controllers in future titles, explaining that they'd eventually go on sale as optional extra controllers. It seemed like an exciting idea, despite the likelihood of a high price...
News Shigeru Miyamoto Outlines His Work Routine and Highlights Splatoon Development Team
Also says Virtual Reality gives him "quite a bit of pause"
Shigeru Miyamoto's role at Nintendo has changed a great deal in recent years, with the legendary game designer now one of the most senior managers in the company and responsible for far more than developing a game or two a year. Rumours of retirement a couple of years ago transpired to be a...
News Off-TV Play Coming to 1001 Spikes on Wii U
The fun of Spikes! In your hands!
Tough-as-nails platformer 1001 Spikes has earned its share of die-hard (and often) fans. However, a seemingly consistent criticism of the Wii U version among players, and also mentioned in our review, is the lack of off-TV play. But publisher Nicalis has been listening, and have tweeted that a free update in the...
Talking Point Nintendo's GamePad Bet Could Pay Off
It's all about Amiibo and Nintendo's unique charm
The Wii U, through its troubles in its first 18 months-or-so, has been the subject of a lot of analysis and opinion around its GamePad controller. Its presence with the system adds to its cost and, as the hardware has struggled to grab the public's attention in the same manner as its predecessor,...
E3 2014 Reggie Fils-Aime Reaffirms Nintendo's Commitment to the GamePad
"We believe that the GamePad is an integral part of Wii U"
A vital part of Nintendo's messaging at E3, so far, is that the GamePad is to become increasingly integral to the Wii U in the coming months and years. Shigeru Miyamoto has been focused on it exclusively, with Splatoon also being given a lot of time on the Treehouse broadcast. Speaking to...
E3 2014 Quickfire Shigeru Miyamoto Video Focuses On His Three GamePad Projects
Watch a player's face as they play Star Fox...
Nintendo is slowly waking up for day two of E3, and has released a snappy video featuring Shigeru Miyamoto that's focused on his GamePad-centric projects. It was formally stated to investors in January that the Director and lead designer would be tasked with developing experiences to accentuate the...
E3 2014 Project Giant Robot Revealed as Experimental Wii U Project
Tilt the torso on the GamePad, punch and grab with sticks
As part of what appears to have been an accidental leak by Time, Shigeru Miyamoto has revealed Star Fox for Wii U along with two Wii U concepts; one of these is Project Giant Robot. This appears to be more a 'tech demo' than an established game, to be clear, but serves as a demonstration of...
News Handle Stand Adds Steering Wheelosity to Your Wii U GamePad
Hands at 10 and 2
When Mario Kart Wii introduced motion-controlled steering, an accessory in which to slap one's Wii Remote was a natural addition. Now that Mario Kart 8 allows the same type of control with the much bulkier, rectangular GamePad, at least one company has taken it upon themselves to reinvent the wheel. The Handle Stand for Wii U,...
Talking Point For Better Or For Worse, The Wii U GamePad Is Here To Stay
Don't expect a Microsoft-style U-turn from Nintendo
The brief lifespan of Microsoft's Xbox One has been overshadowed by a series of embarrassing turnarounds. First, the company was forced to bow to popular opinion and alter its policy on having an "always on" internet connection, then it quickly changed its stance on indie self-publishing. More...
News Nintendo Involved In Patent Dispute Over Wii U's Dual Screen Capabilities
It's that time again
Nintendo is no stranger to patent cases, and it has been revealed that the company is involved in yet another — this time relating to the Wii U's selling point: its ability to display two screens at once. Nintendo Co. Ltd., Nintendo of America, Inc. and several other companies — including retailers who sell the system in...
Poll Have Your Say On The GamePad's Role With The Wii U Virtual Console
Perfect for enjoying retro classics?
Since the Wii U's launch there's been much talk about the role of the GamePad with the system, and we're sure most would agree that — to date — it's failed to have the same impact on how we play games as the Wii Remote in the last generation. The thinking behind the controller is clear, as Nintendo saw the...
News Nicalis Boss Tyrone Rodriguez Thinks The Wii U GamePad Is "A Waste Of Time And Resources"
"I'd sure regret wasting $100+ on a second-screen that no one uses"
Anyone who has played Nintendo Land will know how much fun the concept of asymmetrical gaming can be, but it's fair to say that too few games have really exploited the potential of the Wii U GamePad's second screen. Clearly, coming up with unique concepts and new ideas takes time...
Talking Point NFC And The GamePad Can Succeed If Nintendo Gives Players Control
Lessons to be learned from successes such as Minecraft and Disney Infinity
This year is vitally important for Nintendo, just like 2013 and 2012, admittedly. 2013 was a strange year in that notable successes and triumphs were overshadowed by missed targets and Nintendo's own disappointment. It was a year of contradictions — 3DS was the top-selling...
"We first need to create a strong foundation in areas Nintendo excels at"
With the Wii U currently enduring a tough run in the marketplace, finding answers to the conundrum of enticing consumers is becoming increasingly challenging. The system is struggling for third-party support, yet that becomes less likely with each poor set of sales results,...
Talking Point Is There A Future For The Wii U Without The GamePad?
Could sacrificing the console's main selling point be the way to success?
When the Wii U was first announced, the confirmation of the GamePad controller — complete with a second-screen bursting with tantalizing asymmetrical gameplay possibilities — caused quite a stir. The reaction from the industry and general public was mainly positive, and...
News GamePad High Capacity Battery Now Available in North America
From the Nintendo Store
Earlier this year Nintendo finally released an official high capacity Wii U GamePad battery, which promises to boost a typical charge from around 3-5 hours of playtime to roughly eight hours. Aside from the case of the most dedicated marathon gamers, the battery can potentially make the blinking red light of doom a thing of...
Talking Point The GamePad and its Role Defining the Wii U
Strong concept or pricey issue?
We're stepping into a vital period on the market for the Wii U. It's certainly far too early to say it's the definitive moment for the system, as releases such as Mario Kart 8 and Super Smash Bros. will also be maximised by Nintendo to achieve notable sales and momentum. With that in mind, it should still be...
News Wii U GamePad Teardown Reveals Upgradeable Firmware, Dual GamePad Support As Standard
Hackers successfully emulate the controller on a PC
The developers responsible for the Dolphin emulator have successfully reverse-engineered the Wii U GamePad, shedding light on exactly how the piece of tech works. The hackers found that Nintendo is using custom protocols to beam information from the pad to the console (and back), which discounts...
Feature The GamePad - From Waggling Remotes To Dual Sticks and a Touchscreen
Is the Wii U's controller a revolution or evolution for gaming?
For a number of Wii U early adopters here on Nintendo Life, there have now been plenty of opportunities to try out a variety of games, incorporating various styles and genres while giving us a good glimpse of what the system's GamePad controller is capable of doing. After the Wii Remote...
News Nintendo Spells Out Why You Should Pick Wii U In Promotional Flyer
Desperate times call for desperate measures?
We've all been there. At some point over the past few months we've all had one person (or perhaps several) ask "What's the difference between the Wii U and the Wii, and why on earth should I get one?" Many seem to think it's associated with the original Wii, instead of an entirely new console altogether...
News Miyamoto: Harnessing NFC On Wii U Is Our Priority Right Now
Nintendo's Senior Managing Director also talks dual GamePad support
Super Mario creator and Nintendo Senior Managing Director Shigeru Miyamoto has revealed a little more about his company's plans for the Wii U console, and NFC features quite heavily. Speaking with Polygon, Miyamoto stressed that NFC is going to happen in a big way on the Wii U:...
News Does The JXD GamePad 2 Remind You Of Anything?
Certainly rings a bell
Last year we were graced with the Droid X360, a Chinese-made clone of the PS Vita which runs Google's Android operating system. This year, we've got another copycat device which shares more than a few similarities with the Wii U GamePad - it even has the same name. The JXD S7300 GamePad 2 has a 7-inch capacitive screen, a...
News Ubisoft Still Undecided On How To Use The Wii U GamePad In Watch_Dogs
Just put a map on it?
We reported over the weekend that those who purchase Watch_Dogs for the Wii U would get the same experience as copies of the game sold on other platforms, and now developer Ubisoft is thinking on how to implement the games features on the GamePad. Speaking with
News No Off-Screen Play For Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate On Wii U
It's vital to maintain the two-screen experience, says Capcom
Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate producer Ryozo Tsujimoto has revealed that the Wii U version of the game will not support off-TV play. Speaking to Joystiq, Tsujimoto explained that the reasoning behind the move was to maintain the all-important two-screen experience: We don't have that...
News You Can Now Control Your PC With Your Wii U GamePad
UPDATE: Actually, it's the Pro Controller, not the GamePad
Update: As several helpful readers have pointed out, this hack is actually for the Wii U Pro Controller and not the GamePad — although someone is working on it. Apologies for any misunderstanding or disappointment caused. Those bedroom coders. Is there anything they can't do? Take the Wii...
News False Alarm! Wii U GamePads Not Going Solo Just Yet
UK retailer blames listing error
A few outlets were reporting earlier this morning that UK catalogue store Very.co.uk had become the first retailer in the world to begin selling the Wii U GamePad as a standalone item - which was surprising news given that there's nothing to use two GamePads for right now, unless you like really expensive bookends...
News Sick Of The Wii U GamePad's Weak Battery Life? Nyko Is Your Friend
Giving gamers a boost
The Wii U GamePad is a wonderful piece of kit that allows the user to do some amazing things. The problem with that is that you’re going to want to use it a heck of a lot, meaning that you're going to have to get used to seeing that flashing red battery warning light. Thankfully peripheral maker Nyko has already set about...
Talking Point Selling the Wii U Concept - The GamePad and eShop
All part of a big package
So the Wii U system is now well and truly out in the wild, with Japan being the last major territory to join in. It may seem peculiar that Nintendo should satisfy its home country last, but judging from the area's consistently daunting sales of 3DS it's not likely to be a tough market to crack. North America and Europe —...
News Your Wii U GamePad May Be More Responsive Than Your HDTV
Latency tests show that Nintendo's streaming tech is rock solid
One of the first things many people will question when picking up the Wii U GamePad for the first time is the quality of the streaming. With no wired connection between the console and controller, many make the assumption that the delay must be greater than when playing on a standard...
News Nintendo's Recommended Range For GamePad Use Is Conservative
Playing it safe
Ever since the GamePad was revealed people have wondered just how far away from your TV you can go with it. Can you get to the next room? The kitchen? The bathroom? The garden shed? So far Nintendo have only confirmed that you can definitely play it within the same room and the official Wii U specs declare a maximum range of up to 26...
News Rest Easy, You Can Replace The Wii U GamePad Battery Yourself
Thank The Maker
Anyone who has owned an Apple product will know that the company doesn't believe in user-serviceable power cells. Apple's reasoning is that by the time your iPod or iPhone's battery stops holding a charge, you'll be considering an replacement, or will have made the upgrade already. If you do insist on getting a new battery, you have...
News Pitchford: Wii U GamePad is Nintendo's "Best Controller" for Hardcore Games
GamePad link is "direct, fast and immediate"
Aliens: Colonial Marines, from Gearbox Software, is a high-profile multi-platform title on the list of those making their way to Wii U, with confirmation that it's due in the "launch window" — up to 31st March — which means that it may hit Nintendo's console around the same time as its February...
News Wii U GamePad Wireless Range is "Fine Within The Same Space"
If your walls are thin, the bathroom may be an option
The Wii U GamePad is Nintendo's next big home console innovation and the main selling point of the system. A big part of that appeal is the fact that it wirelessly streams the game, whether it's a match for the TV images or alternative features, from the console to the controller. We all know...
News Two Tribes: Old Wii U GamePad Design "Was Like a Toy"
Developer is pleased with revised model
As with any consumer product, the Wii U has gone through revisions since it leapt off the drawing boards at Nintendo's Kyoto HQ. One of the features that has undergone the most change is the GamePad itself; as you will no doubt recall, the first publicly-announced model had slider pads like the one seen on...
News Reggie Fils-Aime Plays it Cool Over Wii U GamePad Battery
Does share good news on Miiverse moderation
As those who follow the company know, Nintendo doesn't enthusiastically reveal the detailed technical specifications of its consoles and handhelds, beyond basics. One issue on that front that came out of E3 was the Wii U GamePad's battery life — a feature that dominated the early days of 3DS — and in...
News Peter Molyneux 'Not Really Decided' on Wii U GamePad
One screen too many, perhaps
There have been plenty of opinions about Wii U since E3 attendees have had a chance to try it on the show floor, and one participant who's unsure about the console and its GamePad controller is well-known game designer Peter Molyneux. Much debate around Wii U has focused on the games lineup or technical specifications,...
News Ubisoft Manager Says Wii U Only Supports One GamePad
Hopes take a knock
We're all hoping Nintendo will confirm Wii U supports two GamePads during its E3 conference, but don't get your expectations up too high — Ubisoft France manager Xavier Poix has told VentureBeat the machine only supports one GamePad. GamesBeat: How many players can you get on the Wii U at once? Is it four or is it two…?...