Topic: Playing Wii games/ downloads on Wii U

I want to start playing some virtual console games originally downloaded on my Wii that were transferred to Wii U. I remember the gamepad turns on when I turn on Wii U then it shuts off after I select Wii menu. Is there a way to turn on the Wii U and go to Wii menu without having the gamepad turn on at all? It’s annoying having the gamepad turn on for a few seconds then turn off if I turn on the Wii U just to play Wii games and downloads. I would appreciate any feedback.

@Don I haven't found away. I think Wii U pad turning on is just part of the start up so you know it's ready to go for Wii U games. The only thing I can think of is if it's that annoying just stick with an original Wii.

@Tasuki
Thank you for the feedback. I guess I will just play some Wii U games first then go to Wii menu to prevent the gamepad from turning on then off so quickly. It’s a shame Nintendo didn’t have an account based system back then and required all downloads to be transferred over completely to play the downloaded games on the new console and to get the virtual console upgrade discount.

It's quite easy to just unplug the gamepad battery, 2 screws and the battery i just there ready to get connected/disconnected.

In fact I always has it disconnected when I'm not using the Wii U for a while.
Since the gamepad is always listening for the system to turn on, it's constantly draining the battery slowly.
Quite bad for the battery in the long run to constantly get drained.

(Should always be unplugged when stored in my opinion)

@TrogdorTheBurninator
My Wii U tablet’s battery drains pretty fast (Always keep it plugged to outlet when using it). Guess I will try and see if I can access the Wii menu without it but from Tasuki’s response it seems it’s required to be on.