Topic: How do I stop outputting game display to gamepad?

I want to only use the tv as the display and the gamepad as a controller, I find having the game outputting to my gamepad distracting.
In the initial startup I was asked if I wanted games displayed out to gamepad and tv or just tv and I chose tv and gamepad but I now want to turn it off and just use the gamepad as a controller, I can turn the display off but I don't want to do that I just don't want the game sent to the display except for using it with maps and inventories but HOW do I turn it off?
I'm completely stumped lol.

Thanks in advance.

It depends on the game what is displayed on the gamepad. I know some games you can use the pro controller to play the game and the gamepad to display a map Assassin's Creed III does that.

Oh no, I hope I'm not forced to have all the games duplicated to the gamepad, that would be a console-killer for me :-/
Surely, there must be some way to turn off games being sent to the controller?

I thought the display was for interaction with the main tv screen, bringing up maps, inventory manipulation etc.

Depending on the game, you might be able to turn off the gamepad display in the options menus of those particular games.

Also, how is it distracting? If you turn off gamepad volume and keep the controller on your lap, I doubt it would ever be a problem...

Ah, okay I'll check the game menu, thanks!
I really don't want to send the console back as I'm loving running around in my cat onesie.

As far as I know, if you're using the GamePad, the screen has to be on.

If you neeeeeed the pad, it must be on.

But there's an option to turn it off in the home menu.

ok, how about this....If I buy one can I use the Wii U pro controller on its own?

Depends on the game, but all the games I own have a Pro Controller option.

every game has its own settings. there is no global way to do what you are asking.