Video: A Good Look at Why the Nintendo Switch Isn't Comparable to the Wii U GamePad

I've actually been really pleasantly surprised with the premium look and the slickness of the Switch. Nintendo doesn't usually go for the stylistic choices that sell smartphones and tablets, going instead for durability and approachability. This is the first Nintendo device I've seen since the Game Boy Micro that will make people look over your shoulder and say "what is that you're playing?"

Size difference is quite evident, wow...

After trying my best to hold out till Mario comes out later in the year I finally caved in today and placed a pre order

I didn't want to take a chance on facing a nes mini situation and not being able to find one anywhere

Yeah, it looks far better, but isn't near as comfortable.

It's crazy how much wasted space there is on the GamePad.

It's even crazier that the entire Switch console WITH controllers is smaller and weighs less than just the GamePad.

Nintendo Switch really is a marvel of modern technology.

I prefer the black colour of the dev kit rather than the retail models.

Wow that's a lot more...hi tech than I thought. I mean it looks like a premium piece of tech. And the size it's so much smaller than I first thought. This should be a lot more comfortable to game with than some here have griped.

This bodes well for portability. It might not be in your front pocket( neither was my 3ds) but I usually have my backpack between school and work, so no problem at all.

No slight intended, but that gamepad looks a huge mess. They could have streamlined that and made it smaller by a third.

@JaxonH As always, we're men ahead of our time.

Know what that pic and vid needs? A PS Vita, it's a lot more similar than a Wii U Gamepad. Only a 5" screen but it looks similar. A SwtchBoy/Go/Lite will probably look a lot like a Vita.

The Wii U had many problems, but I haven't had as much love for a Nintendo device since the n64. And now the Switch seems to make the Wii U/gamepad look like child's play. I'm excited.

The switch is just beautiful. Man cant wait to get my console.

@earthboundlink game boy micro? You mean Donkey Kong Game & Watch surely..

Definitely looks a lot better than the Switch in terms of design and screen resolution

I just think that the 2nd analogue stick being right below the ABXY would be a bit weird and could accidentally bump into it. I like how it's placed on top for the Wii U

@Platina I can see why you'd be concerned about that but having held one it does not get in the way at all

A comparison of them is kind of irrelevant. The Wii U Gamepad gets used with the console, the Switch stays in its dock as a console and is never used.

It would be more relevant to compare the Switch screen with the 3DS.

That is my whole issue with this console and why I won't be buying it. I have no need for a mobile device and no desire to spend so much money on a bunch of technology that would literally never get used. At least with the Wii U the second screen got used.

Nintendo Switch: The Tri-Force Console of Gaming - Home, Portable and Tabletop.

Surprised they didn't include a d-pad. Don't really want to haul around pro controller when portable.

I'm very happy that you said you don't need pro controler as the joycon grip is good enough to play games like Zelda.My personal view nintendo will bring out a joycon with a Dpad,for VC games like Gamecube.It's shame you have to buy pro controler for that.You need won for on the go.

Just been looking online and best buy r taking new orders for the switch. Grey and neon ones. Looks like Ninty have been hard at work ramping up production

Weird. I was under the impression that the Switch wouldn't fit in your pocket. But if it's just a few centimeters smaller than the Gamepad, I guess I don't need to worry after all. The Gamepad can just about fit in my pocket, so the Switch definitely will. Awesome!

28 days to go!

@ThomasBW84 Since this is the best Nintendo community online I figured I'd share this.
As of Feb 3, 2017, Best Buy is taking Switch preorders in the US! http://www.bestbuy.com/site/video-games/nintendo-switch/pcmcat1476977522176.c?id=pcmcat1476977522176&pageType=REDIRECT&issolr=1&searchRedirect=nintendo+switch#

Act quickly!

To me, the Switch and Wii U are like brothers.

Because they are.

Rest in peace.

We'll see..

@iGen says the Nintendo hater....

I never really associated "sleek" with Nintendo before.

I'm really looking forward to seeing how successful the Switch is.

@iGen LOL

@6:25

"2D games suck with the JoyCon"

(I predicted this already.)

How on earth can anyone say the Swith's shell is better than that of the Wii U GamePad?
Good luck with hand cramps, folks!

Seems like there is space where they could have put d-pads.

I found the Wii U Gamepad to be the most comfortable Controller I've ever used. I have large hands and find the 3DS to be the most uncomfortable design. Which is Switch closer to?

@AlternateButtons

MC Hammer is apparently a Nintendo fan.

Ya, super thin, super sleek, crazy sexy console. The entire console unit is half the size of the Wii U controller lol.

And, I refuse to listen to GameXplain about the Dpad. I may be wrong, time will tell, but after play testing with upside down controllers and practicing shyrukins and left right movements, I'm convinced it's practically going to be a non-issue. I think a lot of people are going to be surprised about that too. I mean, maybe it won't be quite as good, but I'm guessing 90% based my experience testing those upside down controllers (certainly not unusable or to where you'd rather use the analog).

Back in stock by the way, just went live 10 minutes ago at BestBuy

Nintendo Switch 32gb Grey Console
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/nintendo-nintendo-switch-32gb-console-gray-joy-con/5670003.p?skuId=5670003

Here's another size comparison: https://i.redd.it/zyjfijnq7ntx.png

I think with both Joy-Cons separated, you could fit it in to a pocket. It's basically like a longer PSP game box case, in terms of size.

@Alshain01 "A comparison of them is kind of irrelevant. The Wii U Gamepad gets used with the console, the Switch stays in its dock as a console and is never used.
It would be more relevant to compare the Switch screen with the 3DS.

That is my whole issue with this console and why I won't be buying it. I have no need for a mobile device and no desire to spend so much money on a bunch of technology that would literally never get used. At least with the Wii U the second screen got used."

Dude, you're totally twisting this. 😏

Those aspects of the Switch that you don't plan on putting to use will be put to use by a lot of other gamers. In other words, the flexibility of the Switch is a good thing. Because it gives the device optimum market potential. Despite the fact that you can't say the same thing about the competition's universally underused features, they seem to be doing well because of software momentum brought on by good hardware numbers. So think of it like this, you're not buying into a console with features that you'll never use, you're buying into a console with the right features to amass good hardware numbers, which will lead to a lot of great games for you to play.

And you know what? The Switch won't be just any mobile device. You may just get an itch to put those mobile perks to good use. 😉

@AlternateButtons he wears JNCOs

@Slim1999

What the hell do you mean? I love Nintendo. I was comparing the systems themselves, not the company's atrocious business decisions for the Wii U. Because like it or not, the GamePad and the Switch are incredibly similar, which is what I was getting at.

You're the Nintendo hater here. You're negatively focusing on their previous business choices and strategies for Wii U, and you didn't even pick up that that was a reference to Iwata, who said that the NX and Wii U should be "like brothers". Sailed right over your head.

@WOLF1313 they should release a dpad left joycon. But without all the tech inside and make it 15 bucks lol

@jaymacx I'd go for that .
It's crazy all the extra stuff you need to buy. The system doesn't come with a controller that suits 2D games smh

I was prepared for some of you Wiiu owners to struggle with seeing the value in the switch, seeing as how it's not going to be another 4K powerhouse that tethers to your television and makes PlayStation and Xbox fans jealous.

So, here's a little message of encouragement for worrisome Wiiu owners:

You are being so well rewarded for your loyalty, when it comes to what the Switch offers. You're getting a nice leap in graphics performance, enhanced input functionality, a better year one line up, and an affordable premium online service, all on a sleek and compact device that can be enjoyed on your TV set or in the palm of your hands. Not to mention that your getting more bang for your buck this time around. It's miraculous, and I can't say the same for PS4 Pro and Scorpio hopefuls. So don't be afraid to take the plunge, you'll land Softly. 😉

@CircuitWrangler3 I'm not saying it won't be used by other gamers, but comparing it to the Wii U is still a mistake, because those other gamers use 3DS as a mobile platform and will use Switch as a mobile platform. I didn't say the screen wouldn't ever get used, I said it wouldn't ever get used AS A CONSOLE. Nobody uses the Wii U as a mobile platform because it doesn't have that ability, and the Switch screen does not have the ability to be used as a console like the Wii U. So the comparison of the Wii U Gamepad vs the Switch mobile screen is faulty, what I said is correct. They have two different target audiences, I just happen to be in the Wii U audience which is why I won't be buying a mobile device like the Switch... make no mistake, the Switch is not a console, it is a mobile. It is pretty powerful for a mobile, and has a neat ability to attach to a TV, but it's still a mobile. It's the natural progression of the 3DS, but not the Wii U. If anything it has less abilities than the Wii U (features, not power).

@Alshain01 Oh, okay. I think I see where you are coming from. You're a fan of the Wiiu's dual-screen functionality. And for you, it's going to be a bit of a bummer that that aspect was left out of the Switch's design. We'll, there may still be hope. Perhaps there is the possibility of a peripheral workaround in the future.

@CircuitWrangler3 Well I like the dual screen feature, but I don't need it. But the problem with the Switch is I am paying for the extra harware and still not getting it. With the Wii U I paid for the hardware and got to use it. I pay for a battery, I pay for a second screen, I pay for that technology when buying the Switch, and that is why it is $400 without a game. For me, it will never leave the dock. So why would I pay that for something I will never use?

If they made two offerings, same internal hardware, using the same software and same carts, one with a screen and battery, one without (and probably just packaged with a Pro controller instead of JoyCons) and required to be tethered to the TV but cheaper, then they could please both markets.

However Nintendo is too short sighted for that, so instead they shun loyal customers and chase them away. They may eventually choose to do this option several years from now, but I don't want to buy a console half way through its life span either so by neglecting it now, they pretty much ensured that I won't ever own one even if they do.

The copyright info in Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove says 2014-2016.

I get the 2014 part but they already finished the game before 2017?

@rjejr Oh god the first thing that came to mind was Link trying to sell the Switch, opening up with "Well, excuse me princess!"

People don't think its an add on for Wii, nuff said.

@iGen "the GamePad and the Switch are incredibly similar."

Yeah, the Switch was inspired by every console Nintendo has made before it including the Wii U. Its mobile mode far outclasses the Gamepad nonetheless.

It's looks kind of awesome and surprisingly slick

@Alshain01 said: "Well I like the dual screen feature, but I don't need it. But the problem with the Switch is I am paying for the extra harware and still not getting it. With the Wii U I paid for the hardware and got to use it. I pay for a battery, I pay for a second screen, I pay for that technology when buying the Switch, and that is why it is $400 without a game. For me, it will never leave the dock. So why would I pay that for something I will never use?"

Most of your argument holds no water. Saying you won't but a Switch because it has the ability to be a mobile device that you claim you will never use is your choice. Let me ask, do you own a smart phone? Do you use every function and feature it comes with? Not likely, but at least they are available should the situation ever arise. See my point?

@Alshain01
I really want to play Switch anywhere. I don't hesitate to take out my Switch on the go, playing in public area, peoples will getting know about Switch eventually. If you afraid of battery life, don't worry. Always bring your usb c charger so you still can continue playing while your Switch is being charged and for a while you can't go anywhere. And usually, I don't play video games for very long time (2 - 3 hours) because sometimes, even playing for straightly 2 hours makes me sleepy / boring and irritating my eyes.

@Ernest_The_Crab " "Well, excuse me princess!"

But it's Link so, more like this ".... ...... ... ........."

@Anti-Matter I'm not afraid of battery life, I wouldn't be using the battery at all. You didn't read my posts before replying. I'm not in the mobile market.

@Hordak No, I don't. I have a Straight Talk flip phone. It serves me well. What I'm saying is I won't buy a Switch because it is too expensive, and it wouldn't be too expensive if it were a console.

@Alshain01 I've solved your issue then. I will buy two Switch units for my family, that way you don't have to buy one.

Playing Shovel Knight with the "d-buttons" looks a bit awkward... x)
I hope they'll release a version of the left Joy-Con that has a real d-pad. But most games can be played with a stick.

@Alshain01
$300 for Switch (both console and handheld) = worthy.
$300 Wii U = no portability.
What are you concerning for being portable ?

I'm surprised people aren't complaining about the weight of the switch, it's only ~100 grams lighter than the gamepad.

@Anti-Matter
$300 for Switch with no second screen functionality = not worthy
$300 for Wii U with second functionality = worthy

$150 for Switch with no second screen functionality = worthy.

It's all a matter of perspective. I don't give a flying flip that thing can go mobile.

Switch's ability to go mobile = no value for me

And i guess they will keep silent about Wii U VC and retail games returning on new services until after the actual Switch release?

@Alshain01
I get what you mean. But maybe you could see it that way: If you buy it you'll maybe never use its features. But you get a Wii U successor with many great games. Games you will miss when staying with the Wii U.

@Tisteg80 I haven't seen a game I'm interested in yet, except BotW, which I can play on my Wii U. Plus it has no backward compatibility. So at launch it has less games than the Wii U did.

I don't expect everyone to have the same views as I do, but I do expect Nintendo to understand there are different audiences and they are abandoning a big one full of loyal customers.

(I am curious about Mario Odyssey but it remains to be seen whether I will actually be interested. 3D Mario games tend to be hit or miss for me.)

@Marios-love-child

Welcome future Switch owner, welcome to the family.
😁

@Alshain01
Playing portable games will not make your pride as a console gamer loss. I play both console and portable with so many titles (appropriate AAA & non AAA games). I don't play smartphone games despite having 2 titles inside my smartphone but keep playing 3DS, Wii or Wii U sometimes. There is nothing wrong to play your games on the go. What are you afraid of ? Playing games on the go will make you cheap or doesn't make you feel like a real gamer ?

@Alshain01 is entitled to his/her opinion on the value of features. To each their own. To me, dual screen gaming has no value. In some cases it is practical, but the Wii U essentially proved that it was unnecessary since most releases didn't find a practical use for it.

"there is no comparison" uhh, yea there is, Switch just looks like a slicker, more improved Wii U gamepad that is actually portable. Even though the Switch is portable, just looking at the size of it in the picture and video sure makes me think that it's one huge portable! Personally, I don't have a good reason to need a portable game system when I'm out doing stuff, but I can see this being a big hit with kids on road trips and that.

@Anti-Matter Ok, you seem to be either intentionally or unintentionally throwing up straw man arguments that I am not interested in pursuing. Please stop putting words in my mouth.

@Hordak Like I said, it doesn't need to have the dual screen play, but it shouldn't cost the same as one that does. The Switch is too expensive for a console, it's a good price for an extremely powerful mobile if you want a mobile.

Well, yeah, the Wii U was trying to do something novel. Switch is just a tablet with video out.

@Alshain01 yet the Switch is better in nearly every aspect as far as hardware is concerned, and the software will be there in time. No system, home or mobile, has ever released with a full slate of AAA blockbuster games. It is more powerful, it is more ergonomic, it is more versatile, it comes packaged with two controllers, it draws less power, it has a better/multi-touch screen, it can be played anywhere in the house or outside of the house, it is capable of being a VR unit, it can be linked with 4 other Switch systems inside or outside of your home, it doesn't have that awful glossy, plasticy, Fisher Price feel.

Like I said before, you're entitled to buy what you want and not buy what you don't. In my opinion, the Switch is already better than the Wii U in every single way. The cost of R&D and Hardware dictates price. If you want something cheaper, by all means, buy something cheaper. I have 43 Wii U games and thoroughly enjoyed all of them (except that terrible Animal Cross board game). I am, however, aware that removing one feature (second screen) while adding newer, better hardware in many, many other ways justifies the $299 price point. Let's not forget that the Wii U was $349, while Switch is more for $50 less. I saved money for the Switch, and I'm 100% sure I'll be enjoying it as much or more than I ever enjoyed the Wii U on March 3rd.

@Hordak I'm not arguing that it isn't stronger than the Wii U. Only that it is too expensive for what it does if you don't count its ability to go mobile. It's still weaker than a PS4 and that is cheaper.

All I'm saying is if you don't want a mobile device, this thing isn't worth $300. The Wii U on the other hand was worth every penny because it had something unique that the PS4 didn't have that I cared about.

Until this video and his comment on 2D games, I didn't catch the lack of a d-pad. Now i need a pro-controller.

@Alshain01
Okay, then....
Have fun with your Wii U.
But you will never able to play Super Mario Odyssey, Xenoblade 2, etc because those titles are for Switch, NOT for Wii U.

@DiscoGentleman
Hahahaha.... :lol:
MC Hammer jeans...
Btw, I would rather put my Switch inside handbag than inside my jeans pocket.
Too risky.

@Alshain01 ok I'm just gonna go ahead and call bs on every one who says that they will only use the switch as a console. That is a load of crap! There is no way you get a switch and never use it as a portable. Are you telling me that once you dock it it's never coming out? You will never play it in your bed, on the toilet, or at a friend's or relatives house? Seriously? NO FREAKING WAY! So people stop saying you would rather pay a little less than have the ability to play zelda on the clapper rather than those awful phone games. I don't even understand why you want that option, and to create two different skus that need different production lines and marketing just so 10 ppl in the world can save a couple bucks. Just a horrible idea. I suggest you buy a used Wii u or ps4 and quit trolling

lmao at those jeans... it's a denim tent...

@Alshain01 don't know why all the hate, i'm with you... no need for a portable... never anywhere I don't want to be with hours to kill... why would you game on that when you can game on a big screen?

@Abem Exactly. I live in a small apartment, I could take my Wii U to my bed but I don't. I never even used the off TV function. I have a 50" HDTV, why the hell would I play exclusively on an 8" screen?

I own a 3DS, but when I played it I was sitting in front of my TV in my recliner, which is why I know I don't want another mobile. I consider the 3DS a waste of my money and I can honestly say I regret buying it. It never leaves my apartment.

Just because you don't understand the market doesn't mean it isn't there. I can guarantee you it is more than 10 people, so just stop trolling.

@CliveWinston I have no idea. I mean I wasn't saying the current option should go away, just that there should be both options available. I mean there is a 3DS and a 2DS because of different markets. Some people just can't understand that everyone's needs aren't exactly like their own.

Well something I just noticed for the first time - I don't know why I never noticed before - is that the Switch (with both Joycons attached) doesn't have a d-pad!
Nintendo ditched the D-pad and replaced with four buttons like the Playstation controllers. Why?!
D-pads were something Nintendo was still #1 in, now they got rid of them.
But having four buttons instead is just awful, it always bugged me when I played on any kind of PS, I don't get how so many people can play with these.
Guess this is one more reason to buy a Switch Pro Controller, but they're so expensive!

@Abem That's nonsense!
I for example don't want or need the Switch to be portable. I would only use it at home in the dock, because taking it with me for short trips in the subway isn't worth it (and it's uncomfortable to play on the go anyway).
I do use m Wii U Gamepad everywhere in the appartment, but I surely wouldn't do that with the Switch because I would constantly have to go the dock. I would rather just leave it in there.
I really dislike the whole concept of the Switch (except for the HD rumble, which sounds promising) and would've preferred a real console over a tablet with an HDMI-dock, but there are a few games (so far Splatoon 2 and ARMS) that will probably make me buy the Switch sooner or later.
But still, I wouldn't take the Switch out of the dock, it's just not worth the trouble. It should've been a two-screen device like the Wii U - and it is, the Switch has the TV and a touchscreen. But instead of using that capacitive touchscreen, it's just sitting in the dock and picking up dust. That's really an unnecessary waste of potential.
I'll definitely keep my Wii U, it's still my favourite Nintendo console and apparently the last of its kind, because Nintendo only produces handhelds and tablets now.

I think he got a bit confused about the D-Pad. If they make a Joy-Con L with a D-Pad, holding it sideways to play a 2D game still won't be great because it's the joystick that is used for movement. The direction buttons separated to serve as ABXY of course. I'm interested to try the separated buttons for something like Sonic Mania where I'm so used to rolling my thumb around to change direction quickly. But separated direction buttons aren't new. PlayStation have always used them but no one seems to complain about playing 2D games on those. I'd love them to make a Joy-Con L with a D-Pad either replacing the direction buttons or taking away the joystick so it suits NES and SNES games as a sideways controller a lot better.

@shani

Because having directional buttons on the left Joy-Con is easier to replicate ABXY when being held sideways. It also makes it match with the right one.

@Hordak "I found the Wii U Gamepad to be the most comfortable Controller I've ever used. I have large hands and find the 3DS to be the most uncomfortable design. Which is Switch closer to?"

I'm reserving judgement on the comfort of the Switch until I can hold one in my hands. I agree with you that the Wii U Gamepad is very comfortable and well contoured whereas the 3DS, at least the N3DSXL that I own, is very uncomfortable and makes my hands cramp. Especially in games like Mario Kart 7. I hope the Switch is closer to the Wii U Gamepad in comfort than the 3DS.

Either way I still want a Switch eventually because of Nintendo games. Whereas Xbox and Playstation mostly come out with the same types of games over and over, whether shooter or racing game that is largely the same as the version on their last console, Nintendo always seems to innovate and bring out new ideas that look fun. The Wii U is still one of my favorite consoles as it basically brought the DS concept to the living room and so far I like the concept behind the Switch as well. Plus that hardware looks very slick and very well built much like the New 3DS. As much as I joked with coworkers about the sillyness of 1-2 Switch and the milking game, secretly I kind of want to get it. I always have a good time with Nintendo games whereas Xbox and Playstation can be a good time playing with friends online, which they both do very well, it's always the same types of games. It seems like to me the real innovation in gaming these days is still on Nintendo consoles and PC gaming with indie titles. I hope the Switch isn't Nintendo's last console and that they keep cranking them out even into my old age.

Painful to see how much screen space on Switch is just black glossy frame. Its just too wide. And Im not sure about buttons and sticks beeing very close to each other. Looks like it might be uncomfy.

@iGen Yeah I know, that's probably the reason why I didn't notice it at first. Strange though that it never occured to me before.
@3MonthBeef I think I was just too 'distracted' by the Joycon functionality. But yeah, it makes sense for what they're going for.

The Nintendo Switch looks like it would be comfortable to use... I mean I have small hands but the Switch seems just right to me. I love how much clearer the screen is compared to the Wii U. It shows an evolution between the two systems.

It's so cute and small! I need a time machine.

@Biffclaven

OH NO! The N3DS doesn't fix the Mario Kart 7 cramp issue?! I was so banking on that!

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.....

@Alshain01 I'm 100% with you on this. No love for portability at all so all I see is a weak launch line up (worse than Wii u's) and overpriced accessory options I would need out of the box just for a d pad. I'll buy when they release a bundle that includes what I need to play Nintendo games on the hardware. Oh , and when there's actually some games 😉

@Alshain01 This is how I feel about the Switch as well, I'm not interested in the portable aspect at all so the tablet and detachable controls are basically tech that I wouldn't use but would have to pay for.
If you compare the vita and pstv prices it's safe to assume a switch box with no tablet would be easily $150 cheaper.

I think the WiiU Game Pad gets more hate then it deserves. I feel it is quite comfortable to hold, (even more then a 3DS or tablet IMO) and the Switch's lack of handles, and such kinda turn me off honestly. It's too flat, and looks a bit easier to drop & break like other modern devices.

@Masurao Actually the way capitalism works is they want to sell... what sells. Time will tell but I don't think this system is going to do that any better than the Wii U because it is just too expensive. A game system less powerful that the PS4 but costs more. It's just not logical to believe this will work. Sure, Nintendo die-hards will buy it, but it won't draw a crowd. The problem is, most people on this website are Nintendo die-hards, so gauging by responses here isn't a good measure.

@Masurao No, being expensive is not a problem, being perceived as less valuable than the price you are selling for is. That is what I meant. Unless you think you are going to use the mobile function, and use it a lot, the switch's price is going to far outweigh the Switch's perceived value. It was the same way with the Wii U, even though I found the second screen gaming worth added value, not enough people did and so it didn't sell. By the time they lowered the price to match expectations, the system had been abandoned by all the 3rd party developers. I don't predict that the Switch will have a high perceived value just because it can go mobile.

It just seems like Nintendo didn't learn from their mistakes with the Wii U at all, they are repeating them all over again.