The gamepad lacks analogue triggers so in that way is inferior to other controllers.
I've been saying for a long time that Nintendo need to change the gamepad but only by shrinking the screen size to perhaps 2/3rds of its current size so the gamepad can be more comfortable, stylish and with longer battery life.
I'm also tempted to believe they should re-introduce analogue triggers to the new design. which frankly should never have been omitted. This obviously creates the problem that the early gamepad doesn't have analogue triggers but this can be worked around with multiple controller configurations for each game. Those that have the original wii u still benefit from the larger screen but I think most especially small children will prefer the smaller version.
If they can make a gamepad with the sculptured shape of a normal controller but still offer a reasonable screen in the middle that will be the ideal design for it.
