Topic: Headset?

Hi, I'm new to the wii u, can a headset be connected to talk to friends on your friends list playing the game with you?

Yes have a look at the Turtle Beach N11 or the Turtle Beach NLA or the Tritton Kunaii. All decent stereo headsets with microphone and all are pretty cheap.

I use a cheapo $5 set that are officially licensed by Nintendo, because I don't really need sound other than the voice chat from the headphones.

Yes, however, the headset needs to be connectd to the Gamepad.

i bought one of the officially licensed ones by Turtle Beach (which are really cheap, likely due to the fact that they aren't selling very well). I don't use it very often, however, it's perfect for off-TV play.