Minecraft: Wii U Edition Will Support the Wii U Pro Controller, Voice Chat, and USB Keyboards

(Ah, insomnia, the wonderful condition that allows me to type in comments on gaming websites at 5:15AM local time... )

I'm kind of more interested in the limits of this port, as in the world size and the framerates in 2 and 4 player split screen. X360 port, for example, had relatively tiny worlds but kept the framerate locked to 60 as far as I know regardless of the amount of splits. I will probably not get this port, because I already have the PC version (and the Windows 10 edition, which is a bit different but kind of nice still), but it's all interesting none the less.

Of course they would put voice chat in this when so many other games need it.

The only thing that appealed to me about Minecraft coming to the WiiU was the potential for inventory management on the gamepad. It's exclusion just feels wrong. This other news for supports does not interest me in the slightest. Doesn't matter because tomorrow we get Fast Racing Neo and Steamworld Heist !!!

I hope it supports classic controller pro later on

My question is how does the voice chat work? Can we just use the Gamepad mic, because that would make multiplayer SO much easier.
Also, USB keyboard? Do they mean like the same one I can use for my computer? (Sorry, not really sure what that means.)

This is pretty nice. If I didn't already have it on Xbox, PC, and phone I would probably get it.

Cool.

i'm not looking forward to using dual thumbsticks. i abhor the traditional FPS control scheme, and seem to only feel at home with either a mouse or Splatoon's motion assisted controls.

..and yet, they miss the most a really obvious inclusion.
The gamepad for inventory and crafting
Oh well, still nice to see these additions

Great news! I guess nobody doubted the support of the Pro Controller (well, neither did anybody regarding inventory management via touchscreen) but it's good to know you can communicate ingame while playing online.

Wouldn't it be awesome though, if they had motion assisted "aiming" like in splatoon?

Another prove that this is a lazy port!
Not only they didn't add the features expected on Wii U, but they didn't even remove those features that are usually absent from Wii U games XP

Good. Aside from the whole gamepad thing, this sounds like a too notch version.

I already own it on PS4 and Vita, but I'll pick it up on Wii U all the same. Probably wait for the physical edition though.

This is good news of course but the lack of inventory management does seem lazy — can't escape that, sorry.

I have yet to buy a Minecraft game (been playing Terraria this whole time) but I actually would buy Minecraft for Wii U knowing the eventual inclusion of Nintendo things with its pixel nature. I really hope it goes on sale though because $30 is definitely steep in my opinion.
I'm actually very excited for this to be honest - it seems at home on Wii U (and PC) more than the other consoles.
Hope everyone is happy with their purchase tomorrow!

@TerrapinJess A week from tomorrow.

Seems like the keyboard would be a waste of time if it didn't support mice, too.

@day
Same. Gyro controls or gtfo.

Voice chat is welcome, surprised how many games don't offer this.

for those criticizing the critics, keep in mind we've been spoiled... and appropriately so if i do say so myself.

in nintendo we have a company that cares about developing the finest product they can muster, and it's that baseline of quality which they've deliberately instilled in us.

face it... microsoft gave nintendo a courtousy port, not for esprit d'game.

and y'know what, we have a right to be proud. sue us if we prefer our games crafted, not mined. hate it and judge it sure, but at least respect that we don't take pandering lightly and we know quality and care when we see it.

It's a bummer that TRU gamepad support ain't there (heres hopin 4 a patch) but its nice to have chatting features.

that having been said, if microsoft can nurture the port sincerely and show us they care about the experience--perhaps hand in hand with nintendo or at least meeting the standards of their competition--then i can show then how much i truly respect redemption...

@Splatburst @Captain_Toad here here

I bet Nintendo was totally against the Voice Chat Option..
Somehow Microsoft might have convinced Nintendo to let them put it in the game.

Drop it to £15, I might bite.

Hopefully you can just type using the gamepad but I'm not feeliing it.

I read on ntower.de that it will even support USB-mouse. That would be great because it's much more precise. But let's wait and see - and read some reviews which will come soon, hopefully.

By the way: Will Nintendolife bring a Terraria (3DS) review today?

Everyone keeps whining about Gamepad Inventories but when the Gamepas IS used for in inventory you guys are like "Oh thr gamepad wasn't used for anything unique, it was just deligated to an inventory display".

Make up your minds, people. Do you want the gamepad used for inventory or not.

I didn't even realise Minecraft was multi-player, so I never even thought about it having voice chat support. What I did expect it to have was proper GamePad support however. And stuff like the Pro Controller and keyboard support (no one is going to get a keyboard for this) really wouldn't be necessary if the GamePad was used properly.

What the hell is VC necessary for in Minecraft? And why did they decide to waste resources on that instead of using the WiiU's features to expand the gameplay? But the biggest joke is that the brand alone makes it all good, apparently. Nevermind the fact that Cube Life: Island Survival already exists on the WiiU, and for a much more tolerable price tag than this.

@TheRedCap30 sooo ps move and kincket/ hololens aren't gimmicky things for the consoles or even ps vr?

@TeeJay Hmm I think it has more to do with the type of game and if you've played Minecraft before you'd know how much it would benefit from a gamepad inventory and crafting system compared to say a game like Bayonetta.

@Kaze_Memaryu Believe it or not, Minecraft fanbase has a fairly large overlap with furries. And furries have a fairly large overlap with ERPers. And ERPers need voice chat to...

EDIT: Before you get mad at me, I personally witnessed furry RPers using Miiverse to, well, RP.

@Platina On the other hand, we get confirmation for a Japanese release! I want to see Nintendo pull the strings to accomplish a good retail release before the New Year, at least.

@day I'm looking at amiibo festival and Ultra Smash (though the latter is indeed just a good game lacking on content), and I'm going to say that we should put our foot down and demand we get our money's worth.

That, and their appalling treatment of Fatal Frame 5. And their slightly less appalling treatment of Xenoblade X localization.

@day How do you know for sure, Microsoft allowed this game to come to Nintendo? Just like with Sony, this is a deal that could have been done before Microsoft bought the company. Keeping to that contract could be a LOT cheaper, then breaking it, and then having to pay Nintendo what could be, a huge amount of money.

Yes, Nintendo did spoil us, especially with the Game Pad, and off-TV play. However, does that mean that EVERY game has to use those features? Of course it does not. I, and most other users, don`t know why Minecraft is not using the Game Pad in the way it could/should be. However, if there is enough backlash, I am pretty sure it would not be too hard to implement such a feature. Or maybe they tried, and for some reason it just did not work.

Like someone has already said, a lot of people will be glad this title is finally coming to Wii U. It is not my kind of game, but it does have a massive following. Also, this could bode well for NX. If there is a deal in place for a NX exclusive version, that alone could sell a lot of units.

So basically they are selling this game at full price which is actually rather old now and anyone who was bothered has already played it. Not to mention there is no real reason as to why it hasn't launched sooner, especially when they haven't even done what everybody here saw as the obvious reason to bring it to Wii U. If the gamepad was utilised correctly I can see the point and it would be the best console version but using the current console controls it's a bit of a waste of time.

@TeeJay
It's not whining, it's a very legitimate complaint. You also seem to confuse everyone else on the site as one person as I have never complained about a game using the gamepad for inventory but will gladly point out the wasted opportunity this was.

Still disappointed it don't use the gamepad functions in unique ways.

@JaxonH Being a multiple owner yourself perhaps you can shed some light on what seemshe to be a complete lack of interest in VC in this version. My kid plays with his friend on PC and he uses the telephone on speaker. And on PS3 we just yell really loudly - he's in the basement, I'm on the 2nd floor. Do these versions have voice chat I'm missing? Do PS4 and Vita? Not only would VC get me to buy this version, I would recommend it to my nephew. Maybe even my other nephew he doesn't even own a Wii U yet.

@Kaze_Memaryu Yes. Yes it is.

It's good to know a 6 year old game supports basic functionality. /s

I have two PC sign ons, have it for PS3, Vita, Kindle Fire, Fire TV, Ipad, Xbox 360, Xbox One and Windows 10. Do I really need it for Wii U? If it had Gamepad inventory management I might of considered. $30 is a little steep, since it is so late to the party it should be no more than $14.99.

@Yoshi ah crap-- whoops sorry-- I was thinking of Terraria.

Thanks

Wait is this the first non PC Minecraft port that supports a keyboard that's pretty rad! Well I'm happy it includes voice chat don't know anyone who's gonna be getting this so I'll be sure to play with some fellow Nintendolifers and people on internet I doubt the Wii U Minecraft playerbase is gonna by full of people who aren't friendly so that'll be nice and the fact I can talk to people on a Wii U game that's shocking!

@Kaze_Memaryu
You and others don't seem understand Minecraft very much. It's as much a multiplayer game as any. A huge amount of the fun comes from playing with others. Of course voice chat is important to it. Cube Life is a nice and cute Minecraft Lite and I appreciate what has been done with it, but Minecraft is a phenomenon in comparison.

I also see people talking about it as an "old" game. Again, just a failure to understand. It is an enduring game that has undergone consistent evolution since its early days and fans have gone along for the ride and taken ownership by developing complex mods and had their own adventures and stories of discovery and make youtube videos about every little change or interesting new mod. It shows no signs of stopping, really.

Anyway, I have to side with those that say it should be a little cheaper but I understand the compromise of trying to make due with a small user base by selling the version bundled with all the extras at the same price. Still, reminds me of the Wii U console strategy itself, no offering of a lower priced option, just bundle more value with it. I think it's a long term mistake.

Also, the lack of GamePad screen inventory and crafting is just a huge missed opportunity to make it something special for the platform. It's a good idea to be heard about this as Nintendo and Minecraft fans. We like our platform, we want it to be taken advantage of. Nothing wrong with that.

Maybe with enough rational demand for it and big sales, it could happen. Minecraft is always changing.

I have to concede that it's more likely to have specialized features for an NX release.

That said, this could get some users to up their hours of use of the Wii U by 100x. It's just a great development no matter what.

Everyone who says the game is overpriced just wait, when it comes out retail I promise you stores will sell it cheap as anyone who really wanted it would've gotten it on the eshop by then and thus stores are gonna have a hard time trying to sell this game for 30 bucks so I promise you, you will be able to find it cheap! I live in the UK and most games are cheap on wii U anyway !

People are so mad just because it doesn't have gamepad inventory lol. Anyways I probaly won't pick this up since the PC version of Minecraft is the only good one. BTW, Minecraft is more than a survival game.

can someone tell me how i'm supposed to conveniently use a keyboard and mouse on the couch?

and as for voice chat, i'm with nintendo on this one.

I am indifferent because I played my share and got bored of Minecraft long ago on the PC port. The Wii U version is just too little too late for me to care.

@TheWPCTraveler I wouldn't know a thing about that, but I see what you mean. Oh well, to each his own.

@aaronsullivan That's very much possible, as my understanding for Minecraft's appeal amounts to "the comfort of repetition". I don't get why this dull toolbox is so popular, and I don't understand why the WiiU version has any anticipation whatsoever. But that's most likely because I don't see anything interesting in games that have no definite end to them. Minecraft, to me, represents some of the worst phenomenon the internet has on offer: terrible Let's Plays, terrible LP communities, loss of sense of reality at young age (something I suffered from, as well), and oversaturation in all directions.
Mind you, however, that this isn't really fair towards the game, and I have no intention of being fair towards Minecraft, anyway, so you can easily dismiss my negativity as me being an annoying person. ^_^

I just wonder if I'll need to buy a microphone or if I can use the one on the Wii U gamepad.

Pretty surprised that people are so hung up on the Gamepad inventory thing. I 100% agree that it would/will? be a sweet feature, but if everyone boycotts because of an honestly minor issue, it will never happen.

I only own Minecraft on PC, and I purchased it like 5+ years ago when it was still in Alpha and only starting to get popular. I've really enjoyed it over the years, although I don't play it much these days. The game is essentially the total opposite of a "dull toolbox." I know a LOT of people don't find it fun, and that is totally cool. But you can find something not enjoyable and still accept that it is a quality game.

Anyways... I may or may not buy this. First up, Splatoon for Christmas. Second, Xenoblade for sure. After that, I may re-purchase Smash for Cloud/Mewtwo or buy this. I wouldn't write this version off, though... it is very likely to expand and gain some of these missing features, especially if it sells well enough.

@Kaze_Memaryu
In the interest of clarity, Minecraft has an end. Not that you ever have to stop playing, but there are credits and everything.

It is, however, a game where you can also ignore the end and naturally create your own goals or just treat it as a toolbox for creative endeavors. I bore of the creative mode quickly as I like the threats in survival and the way your story of play leaves a permanent mark in worlds. There's also the very tried and true attraction of discovery and not just in-game. One reason it has been a social phenomenon is that there are no instructions or guides in-game or an official manual really. Early on that was a huge part of the attraction because it reintroduced productive playground discussions (instead of the usual this-is-better-than-that drivel).

Anyway, I'm not just talking about your comment here, but it's worthwhile to note that the complaining and negativity is coming from some percentage of people that know little to nothing about the game and aren't even directly effected by what features are included.

Leave it to Microsoft to come into Nintendo's house and demonstrate how voice chat works and why it is an important feature in multiplayer games. Now if they want to really throw shade around, give the thing Xbox Achievements by letting players log into their Microsoft Account.

@abbyhitter Not much to get mad at in Minecraft. But Splatoon! You've never cursed your squad? The more I play the game (still fun), the more I understand why no voice chat.

You know, on Wii U are obvious options for better, more comfortable, and easier controls available. To not use them is ignorant and/or lazy.

If WiiU-Minecraft had GamePad motion controls for aiming/targeting (huge example: Splatoon) and GamePad touchscreen inventory controls (like Cube Life: Island Survival) then it would be the best version of Minecraft ever!

Keep it real. Microsoft can't do that! We get online, voice chat, keyboard support. It's Minecraft - Xbox Edition for Wii U and not Minecraft: Wii U Edition.

@day Lol. What? If you look at the recent Mario Tennis, Animal Crossing Amiibo games you will see Nintendo aren't impervious to a Smash and grab. Please remove your head from Nintendo's buttocks.

@ChromXsome is that why AC:CF and a few other nintendo released Wii games had voice chat?

@akaDv8R @akaDv8R The deal is more recent. On purchase Microsoft stated they wanted to keep Minecraft on all platforms and expand the franchise further than before - it is of no benefit to Microsoft to retreat the franchise to MS only - that would be a massive loss in revenue. Added for over two years Microsoft have stated a desire to work with Nintendo.

Now, the reason it took so long was due to Miyamoto's refusal to allow Mojang to develop for Wii U. He was naturally jealous of a western Indie cultural phenomenon that usurped Nintendo at its own game - it has everything he desired to make but couldn't as Nintendo simply didn't have the technical know how to do so. Minecraft simply has the magic Nintendo has and is based on the kind of ingenuity and creativity Miyamoto aspired to. Miyamoto stated numerous times that he saw no benefit to having Minecraft on Nintendo platforms or asking Mojang to link up - which further hints at the level of jealousy held in regard.

Since new management took the reigns and Miyamoto has been redirected to 'theme parks' and away from gaming and hardware development I find it of no coincidence that Minecraft has finally popped onto the scene.

I love Miyamoto and his legacy on the gaming industry and design will not be repeated. But he is from a bygone era of totalitarian control by Yamuchi, which has been damaging the company since the N64, and destroying it in this modern era - he no longer develops but impedes development. The last of Nintendo's archaic dinosaurs is finally losing his control and we will finally see Nintendo become the company they should be. We will soon see the return of 3rd party support, new, closer industry ties, massive creativity burst and the kind of world wide leading success Nintendo deserve.

@abbyhitter I think voice chat is needed for this game more than others, like Splatoon.

Hopefully inventory management for single player will be a thing in the future. But I'm not holding out much hope for that as this is Microsoft and they wouldn't want the Wii U version to outshine their own version, even if they are collecting royalties.

@amiiboacid Voice chat in Splatoon would be cool, BUT only with friends. With strangers I prefer the current setup to cursing and profanities from 13 year olds.

It will sell well...

@liveswired I think you're jumping to some massive conclusions in your criticism of Miyamoto. The only time he has ever put a foot wrong was when he ordered for Paper Mario Sticker Star to be different to the previous games, yet somehow that one single mistake in over 30 years of games development has bizzarely earnt him a reputation with some people of being a 'meddler'. Every other contribution he has ever made to a game has made it better so I don't understand why all this negativity towards him has come about. There's also no reason to think he is losing control at Nintendo, he's Shigeru blimmin' Miyamoto for goodness sake, he will surely always have an input in what Nintendo do even when he's retired.

Also no offence, but I think it's utterly ridiculous to suggest that Nintendo don't have the technical expertise to make Minecraft.

It would be good if gamepad can use touch screen for inventory and crafting.
It would be good if it has best of touchscreen and controller versions.

@Nico07 I'm not saying Splatoon doesn't need voicechat, it just doesn't need it like Minecraft does. How would you know to make alliances with other players? How would you know where other players are in a colossal world?

@TheWPCTraveler
I don't see it doing well honestly..
It has been released for basically every other platform beforehand, and it is quite expensive.. Wonder if the Nintendo content is just skins and more NPCs/mobs because those can easily be modded or added in with texture packs :/

Mojang has always been slow when it comes to adding features that people want but I think people are missing the silver lining. Microsoft is pushing cross platform amongst their devices with the Windows 10 Edition and they are trying to get everyone playing off the same game (based of Pocket Edition). While Sony systems haven't been included yet, people assume that Microsoft want to make crossplatform exclusive to them but finally releasing it for Wii U and keeping it as a generic port may hint that maybe crossplay between non Microsoft is a possibility. Maybe the touchscreen inventory might be too much of an advantage compared to the other platforms (though this could be remedied by smartphone appstore)

Because the Sony versions of Minecraft were already released, Microsoft knows that cutting support to keep it an exclusive would cause a huge backlash but could have continued ignoring a Nintendo version since they had no obligation to make and/or support but they are doing it anyway.

It's wishful thinking but crossplatform Minecraft would be so awesome. I'm sure Microsoft could also make a killing by including Realms in this system because from what I hear, the main guy who does Pocketmine (third party and only dedicated server software for the Pocket Edition) has been working with Mojang.

If I haven't stressed it enough, I want cross platform

@BinaryFragger I think it's safe to say that most people who wanted Minecraft have already bought it on literally any other system. The Wii U version doesn't distinguish itself from all of the other versions, so why would someone who already owns a copy on one or two different platforms want to buy this copy if it offers nothing new or unique? I can't claim to speak for everyone or even the majority; I can only claim to speak for myself, but that's why I won't be buying this.

@enderboy221 Yes. it uses the USB Keyboard that you use on the computer; just hook it up to the Wii U. The Voice Chat is very likely it will be for the gamepad since it has a mic.

@aaronsullivan If you're talking about the "End", I suppose you're right. But I hate how the entire thing has no buildup at all, or even some sort of context. You just kill the Ender Dragon, and then we get a very dissatisfying attempt at breaking the fourth wall - but never in the game are you ever given a reason to pursue anything. That's why I tend to forget it serves as the final challenge.

What's the USB keyboard for? I've never heard of the other console versions using one and I can't see any benefit to it , unless it's just for text chat? But even then it would be just as good with a keyboard on the gamepad.

If they had bothered adding gamepad support then there wouldn't have been a need to include USB keyboard support!

The Voice Chat and USB Keyboards support is great news!
Ironically, I'm pretty sure it won't have the option to use a keyboard on the GamePad screen for the text chat.

No Wii remote + nunchuck support, really? That with the small maps from PS3/360 make this a simple port with a hefty price tag.

@Squashy one mistake? Miyamoto has been known as a meddler for years. He's responsible for the bodged Wii U hardware as well hence why he has been shifted onto Theme Parks. I won't deny his talent, but he is a relic from a bygone era that hasn't moved on from Yamuchi's archaic and gangsta style approach to business.

Yes. Miyamoto is squarely to blame for no Minecraft. Mojang always stated a desire to work on Nintendo platforms, Miyamoto stated a desire for them not to.

And yes, they don't have the technical expertise to make Minecraft. Nintendo openly admitted they struggled making even HD graphics, their online infrastructure was aided by EA. Come to think of it Miyamoto was the reason why Nintendo did not do online and 16:9 widescreen for so long after they became industry standard. He was openly dead set against both and high definition gaming.

Miyamoto has been at the root of many of Nintendo's problems for too long.