Is the Wii U controller as bad as it looks?

[+Ransom]

It seems like such a huge step backward, like they forgot everything we've learned about ergonomics in the last 30 years.

 

[GrizzLee]

It seems like such a huge step backward, like they forgot everything we've learned about ergonomics in the last 30 years.

 

 

Yeah, stay away. Nothing like the TI-99, 5200, 7800 and Colecovision controllers. Those are the best eva :-D

 

Certainly there must be some Wii U's on display in any one of the numerous stores in your area If so, you can always check it out for yourself. Come back and comment.

 

FWIW. The Wii U controller is just fine for me. It works very well and not really needed for many of the games. Adding a screen protector rendered the touch screen useless for me (and confirmed by Nintendo support when I called). However, I am one of the few that actually like the Jaguar controller... so don't take my word on it. Your mileage may vary.

 

Super Mario World 3D.. Game of the year IMHO.

[cimerians]

Which one the gamepad or the pro controller?

 

I dont mind the gamepad but if I can use the pro controller for a game I will use that instead. The only problem I have with the gamepad is that it can get a little heavy after long periods of game time, it doesn't hold a charge for long and it's not very good (for me) when playing action games like Ninja Gaiden. I prefer a traditional controller like the pro controller.

 

Otherwise it's pretty cool especially for games that will actually use it (the display) properly.

Edited January 6, 2014 by cimerians

[GrizzLee]

Yes, the Pro controller is pretty darn good and my weapon of choice on the Wii U. The Wii U should have came with one.

[+Ransom]

 

Yeah, stay away. Nothing like the TI-99, 5200, 7800 and Colecovision controllers. Those are the best eva :-D

 

Certainly there must be some Wii U's on display in any one of the numerous stores in your area If so, you can always check it out for yourself. Come back and comment.

I could, but this is something my wife wants more than I do. And I'd like to get it for her upcoming birthday. But I know she hates all those classic controllers you mention (I had to buy or build alternative controllers for all the classic systems for her), and doesn't even particularly care for the Atari Lynx's ergonomics. She does think the Jaguar controller is comfortable. She thinks the Playstation controllers are the bees knees, though.

 

So I'm trying to figure out if the Wii U is going to be a $300 paperweight, or if it's not as bad as it looks.

[+Ransom]

Yes, the Pro controller is pretty darn good and my weapon of choice on the Wii U. The Wii U should have came with one.

I've read they're only usable on a few games. Is that true?

[cimerians]

I could, but this is something my wife wants more than I do.

So I'm trying to figure out if the Wii U is going to be a $300 paperweight, or if it's not as bad as it looks.

 

It depends have them try it out at a kiosk at a store to see if they like the gamepad. She may hate the weight of it after a while (at least my daughter and wife do) and they don't like it being charged all the time but if they are used to holding a giant 3DS or tablet then I don't see a problem.

 

I would wait for more games to come out but that's just my opinion. My family is waiting for Mario Kart, Mario Party and Animal Crossing on Wii U. Hopefully those come out within the next year.

[GrizzLee]

I've read they're only usable on a few games. Is that true?

Everything I have played, I use the pro controller ( I have only played Wind Waker, Super Mario World 3D, Super Luigi Bros). However, there are times when I need the screen on the Wii U controller (single player or in multiplayer). In those cases, I use the screen. However, I have not played Nintendo Land, which I believe showcases the controller.

 

On the plus side, We have played multi-player Super Mario World 3D extensively and I always use the Wii U pad. A couple of challenges require the use of the pad... but aren't necessary to complete the game as far as I can tell. We are on the last two levels. I actually use the screen to play while everyone else watches the TV monitor. I actually prefer the screen in this scenario. The regular Wii motes work really well for the Mario games and of course the Wii games. However, I will state, I use the Pro Controller whenever I can, even on the Wii games. It is an ergo improvement over the older Wii controller all the way around... Playing Geometry Wars is much better for me now.

 

The pad controller isn't bad. The battery life is addressed by Nintendo last I heard as well. I can see that it would be a bit "weighty" for extended gaming sessions. I prefer the hard wired Xbox 360 controllers because of this. Ounces can make a different over a period of hours of gaming.

 

Have her give it a try at Target or Gamestop.

[+Ransom]

 

It depends have them try it out at a kiosk at a store to see if they like the gamepad. She may hate the weight of it after a while (at least my daughter and wife do) and they don't like it being charged all the time but if they are used to holding a giant 3DS or tablet then I don't see a problem.

 

I would wait for more games to come out but that's just my opinion. My family is waiting for Mario Kart, Mario Party and Animal Crossing on Wii U. Hopefully those come out within the next year.

Yeah, you're right there's probably no way around having her try it out somewhere. I wanted to avoid any possibility of tipping my hand to her about her present, but it would probably be a disservice not to let her at least try it out first. I'll just have to try to keep it casual and hope she doesn't catch on.

[Atariboy]

I like it a lot. It's nice and comfortable and I largely like the controls although the analog sticks aren't quite positioned how I'd prefer.

 

And I love off screen play on this. I've spent a lot of time the past couple of weeks with my new Wii U with tv shows playing on the tv that I'm listening to as I play New Super Mario Brothers U.

 

I've read they're only usable on a few games. Is that true?

A lot of Wii U software supports it including several notable released and upcoming 1st party retail releases.

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Wii_U_games_that_use_the_Wii_U_Pro_Controller

 

However, I will state, I use the Pro Controller whenever I can, even on the Wii games. It is an ergo improvement over the older Wii controller all the way around... Playing Geometry Wars is much better for me now.

Wrong controller.

 

The Wii U Pro Controller which is being discussed isn't even usable with Wii mode. You must be talking about the Classic Controller Pro for the original Wii (Which works for Classic Controller supported Wii content via backwards compatibility along with approximately half of all Wii U software that supports the Wii U Pro Controller and of course the Wii U's Virtual Console).

Edited January 6, 2014 by Atariboy

[GrizzLee]

Wrong controller.

 

The Wii U Pro Controller which is being discussed isn't even usable with Wii mode. You must be talking about the Classic Controller Pro for the original Wii (Which works for Classic Controller supported Wii content via backwards compatibility along with approximately half of all Wii U software that supports the Wii U Pro Controller and of course the Wii U's Virtual Console).

 

oops you are correct. Me bad. I have the black Wii Pro controller in my arsenal as well. Better than the sorry excuse they originally had released (basically a SNES pad looking thing with analog sticks). That was hard to use.

 

I also picked up an afterglow Wii U Pro controller (new in the box) at the local Goodwill for $5 ($4.99). Not sure how it ended up there for so cheap. It works every bit as well as the Wii U pro controller... so far

Edited January 6, 2014 by GrizzLee

[Atariboy]

How so? Because of the analog sticks?

 

I agree that it was less than perfect there. But before I acquired one of those Club Nintendo Super Nintendo styled Classic Controllers, it was perfect fit for things like SuperNes downloads on the Virtual Console.

 

I still use it occasionally in some games like those and Data East Arcade Classics. Anything that takes advantage of the Classic Controller but relies on the d-pad instead of the analog sticks is usually a nice fit unless it's something such as a NES download that works better with a sideways Wiimote than trying to use A & B to do something like run & jump in SMB3 (The Wii VC doesn't offer button remap options unlike the Wii U VC).

Edited January 6, 2014 by Atariboy

[Austin]

I find the Wii U controller to be very comfortable. It's a little weighty, but other than that it's perfectly ergonomic. Both sets of shoulder triggers feel good to press, and the face buttons feel good as well. Both analog sticks feel fine. Neither of my hands or fingers get cramped when using the controller. I unfortunately can't say the same for Nintendo's handheld systems of late, but fortunately the Wii U game pad doesn't have these issues.

[Jinks]

Its light. Looks heavier than it is. Its a step in the future of gaming. Wii had ds add on and gamecube had advance for added features to games. Wii u needs nothing all in one. I have a pro controller charged it last march still works on same charge.. they say 80h of gaming on a charge..

I mainly use the gamepad.. its comfortable. The tv off gaming can continue when someone wants to watch a movie. The gamepad has dual analogs. The best d pad in the business.(nes design duh??) Touch screen, mic, stereo speakers, headphone jack, spotpass connectivity, gyros and whatnot do dads.. it is mind blowing people think its crap.. they would rather use the ps1 controller.. now THATS a huge step backwards...

[Atariboy]

I like it a lot but it has its issues. First and foremost is the poor battery life with the included battery.

 

I'd also prefer slightly lower placed analog sticks (And do they click for a L3 & R3 function? If they don't, that surely will hinder some developer someday if it hasn't already although personally I say good riddance), I'm afraid in the dark of hitting the power button instead of the handy tv remote function, and strong controller vibrations make too much noise,

 

And I think digital instead of analog triggers was a slightly puzzling decision that's going to be harmful to something like the upcoming Project Cars. But they probably didn't figure on too many racing simcades coming their way and I don't see how analog triggers bring much to other games like first person shooters and pinball games.

 

Probably my least favorite thing though is the fact that it can't serve as a Classic Controller in Wii mode. I'd love to stream things like Super Mario All-Stars to the gamepad screen and actually be able to play them on the same controller.

Edited January 7, 2014 by Atariboy

[DaytonaUSA]

Didn't personally enjoy the gamepad. Wasn't bad in the sense that it was heavy or uncomfortable. It was just a bunch of quibbles that grouped together made me not like it very much.

 

For one the joysticks are a step backwards from the gamecube's. The one outer ring isn't enough to keep your finger secured to the stick and whatever the sticks are made of, make the rubber get slick during play unlike other joysticks. The non analog triggers were also a huge step back especially given Nintendo gave us the ones on the cube.

 

My biggest issues though weren't based with the controls, but its features. The screen is very low resolution, and the colors are noticeable in how dull they are compared to what's going on on your tv. The worst part though was the notification system. Unlike ps or xbox who have notifications of party chat or messages on screen where you can see them, the gamepad simply blinks blue on its home button a couple times. No gamepad screen notification. No tv notification.

 

What's worse is that it blinks from everything from someone wanting to camera chat to someone going offline. So even if you happen to look down during gameplay and see it blink, you often ignore it as it does it all the time.

 

Can't tell you how backwards that felt. What could have been an ingenious use of the gamepads screen was completely missing.

 

I've owned two wii us. Launch deluxe and a zelda ww edition. I keep trying to like the controller and the system, but keep leaving completely underwhelmed. The games are good. That's about the nicest thing I have I say ATM.

 

If you can wait, I would.

[Atariboy]

I thought that the triggers on the Cube stunk.

 

The only real advantage in most instances to analog triggers are in semi realistic racing games since it allows precision manipulation of the brake and throttle (Or at least as precise as you can get in a throw of less than an inch).

 

But on the Cube, they went with a bizarre two stage design. You could easily get it to the 50% mark but then the pressure increased dramatically. Depressing it further to go past the 50% mark took enough force where you were all but guaranteed of going immediately from half throttle or brake to essentially full rather than a smooth progressive transition to 100%.

 

My biggest issues though weren't based with the controls, but its features. The screen is very low resolution, and the colors are noticeable in how dull they are compared to what's going on on your tv.

My experience couldn't be any more different. The colors pop and if I didn't know that the Wii U was downscaling things to 480p from the gamepad, I'd easily believe that I was seeing at least a 720p stream.

 

Happily, it looks beautiful to me.

 

I've owned two wii us. Launch deluxe and a zelda ww edition. I keep trying to like the controller and the system, but keep leaving completely underwhelmed. The games are good. That's about the nicest thing I have I say ATM.

Have you tried the Pro Controller?

 

The majority of the best offerings on the Wii U provide secondary control options and support that alternative. Quite a few even include various Wii options. It certainly doesn't resolve your gamepad complaints, but at least there's an avenue here to largely bypass it and still enjoy the games.

Edited January 7, 2014 by Atariboy

[Jinks]

The best thing is short load times.. I play 360 and ps3 and spend way too much time on load screens it absolutely kills the experience. At least you get to spend more time gaming when the machine is on. Also the off tv play makes the system as well. Many times there is 5 more minutes of play till a savepoint and tv has to go off for kids homework or phone call and need silence hit tv off on the controller and switch to gaming on the pad.. its amazing how they got so little lag between the system and gamepad.. if we got 1080 on the pad and so on the cost would be much more.. its a steal at the price they are selling now for. Oh and the anologs click when you press them down fyi.

[DaytonaUSA]

@atariboy

 

First off, hey man long time no see.

 

Regarding the pro controller, no I never did buy one. Call me silly, but the way I see it is that would kinda defeat the point of the Wii U. I mean, if you're playing with a pro controller, you're essentially just playing a $300 (plus the cost of the pro cont) 360 with games that have features stripped out.

 

Let's face it, the system is much less powerful than it should be, making the star attraction the gamepad. But for me, the gamepad is VERY underutilized right now, not just in games but with (like mentioned in my last post) UI of the main home screen and it's functions.

 

And frankly, when the gamepad feels underwhelming, ... that's it. The console's power won't keep me entertained, nor will it's shockingly lackluster streaming media apps. For now, I'm waiting for Nintendo to update the OS at the very least to make it work like it should. Until then, it's back to waiting months at a time for 1st party releases to show up and hoping the gamepad is used in a better way than it has been. Which sadly often feels like an afterthought.

 

Suffice it to say, kinda regret my purchases atm. At least we have 3DS...

Edited January 8, 2014 by DaytonaUSA

[Bill Loguidice]

I find the Gamepad clumsy in comparison to the Pro Controller, or the controllers on the Xbox One or PS4, but it's not a deal breaker. You can definitely deal with it, if that's your concern.

[iswitt]

I'll throw in my two cents. I really like the Wii U gamepad. I sit on my couch near an outlet though, so I can't relate as well to the battery complaints. I think it's quite comfortable to hold and it actually helps for many games. For example, I have been playing Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag lately and the gamepad screen displays a world map that is very useful. I don't have to rely on the tiny little map in the corner of the TV screen or jump back and forth between the pause menu map and the game. Pikmin 3 also benefits from this map. I do have a pro controller, but I almost never use it. My wife uses it sometimes. I also love the off-screen play you can do with the gamepad. When my wife is watching a movie or something I can still play Wii U.

[+wood_jl]

The standard big-bastard screen-controller-thingy is BIG. It LOOKS heavy. It's much less-heavy than I'd imagined. I shit-talked it, before I ever played it. Would I CHOOSE it? NO! Does it work pretty well? YES. Was I wrong? YES AND NO. I'd rather have a "classic controller" type-thing, but the big thing was lighter, more comfortable, and more ergonomic than I'd imagined, based on pictures.

[Algus]

The standard big-bastard screen-controller-thingy is BIG. It LOOKS heavy. It's much less-heavy than I'd imagined. I shit-talked it, before I ever played it. Would I CHOOSE it? NO! Does it work pretty well? YES. Was I wrong? YES AND NO. I'd rather have a "classic controller" type-thing, but the big thing was lighter, more comfortable, and more ergonomic than I'd imagined, based on pictures.

 

Great summary of the Wii U controller I think. I would also prefer a regular controller to a gimmick but for me its a give and take. I think that the Wii U controller might be able to be utilized very well but then I felt the same way about the Wii's motion controllers and the first game (Wii Sports) was also the best one, alas. I've played more than my share of Wii games where all I could think was "I'd love this if I didn't have to use these gimmicky controls." Fortunately, I have big hands so the gamepad is by no means to large for me but if a really solid RPG ever hits the Wii U and I find myself sinking hours at a time onto the thing, my mind might change.

 

I still really like the potential it has for bringing some of the DS/3DS games I like to the big screen. That hasn't really happened yet, but I definitely think the DS was a big influence on their decision to go with this controller. It basically is a console DS.

[BydoEmpire]

The standard big-bastard screen-controller-thingy is BIG. It LOOKS heavy. It's much less-heavy than I'd imagined. I shit-talked it, before I ever played it. Would I CHOOSE it? NO! Does it work pretty well? YES. Was I wrong? YES AND NO. I'd rather have a "classic controller" type-thing, but the big thing was lighter, more comfortable, and more ergonomic than I'd imagined, based on pictures.

I agree - I was surprised how light it was, and fairly comfortable.

[Jinks]

I agree - I was surprised how light it was, and fairly comfortable.

It very comfortable. I and my 5 year old easily hold it for hours at a time.

And for those that have vid game addictions there's the new battery that helps out with your wife's decision on leaving you to play with your neighbour and serving your smelly drooling still in the same week old underwear self the divorce petetion that you had to have.

 

But then its game on.. bleep bing bleep. HARDCORE GAMER!!