CES: How it feels to hold the Wii U controller

2 hour ago - 12:00 PM on 01.12.2012   |   Conrad Zimmerman

45 comments

I wasn't deemed worthy to see the Wii U at E3, so I made damn sure that I got to put my hands on one here at CES. Nintendo's tablet/controller hybrid is an intriguing move that has the potential to offer some very unique game experiences but only if it feels comfortable to use and, when the device was first revealed, I had some reservations about that.

No longer. What Nintendo has designed here is a thing of beauty.

The first thing that has to be pointed out is how deceptively lightweight the controller is. Even with its internal battery, it remains light as a feather. Any concerns I had when it comes to games which will use the device's embedded screen and gyroscope as a form of viewfinder have been pretty much eliminated. 

Great care has also gone into the placement of the controller's more traditional inputs. The position of the analog sticks in the upper third of the device works great and all of the buttons have a satisfying level of tension to them.  

In an odd sort of way, the Wii U controller reminds me more of holding an open book in my hands than a gaming accessory. The extra depth allows the meat of the palm to rest at the base with no tension, thumbs aimed upward. In fact, this larger form factor may actually wind up being more appropriate for lengthy play sessions than the standard controller designs we've become so accustomed to wrapping our hands around.

So, kudos to Nintendo. They've done a top-notch job on the physical design here. Assuming that this is the final design (something Big N would not confirm in our meeting), color me thoroughly impressed.

source

This is for those who are worried about it not being comfortable

Edit:

Video interview

I actually want to try it out pretty badly. Honestly wish E3 wasn't so far, so we could get a look at some games.

I just read this article no that long ago. First I must say that that Wii U Tablet looks very comfortable. So this must mean it will be probable the most comfortable controller once I get to hold it. Also, this might just be the best controller in the history of gaming.

I wasn't afraid that the controller itself wouldn't feel nice in your hand but I am afraid that those small left and right sticks won't feel good.

Looks good, but I have a feeling a final/different form will be showcased at E3.

Good to know, but I'm still not sure about those analogue sticks

To date the x360 controller has been my favorite, but here's to hoping this will even raise the bar.

Good to hear it's comfortable, and it looks great. It's the added price and the awful psp-like analogs that I'm not loving.

You liked this spastic monstrosity? 

good controller, but the joystick was horribly uncomfortable. gamecube is better.