Not really sure why people care so much about this when the AC adapter already lets you charge without even having to leave your system on, but hey, the more options the better I guess...

I have a power socket behind the couch so I really don't need this but it's nice to have options.

Welp. Just found this image and a handful of negative reviews on Best Buy.

http://bestbuy.ugc.bazaarvoice.com/3545w/125521/photo.jpg

Sounds good... except it'll probably take way more time to charge than directly into the outlet.

The cradle is by far the best way, imo.

I'll be buying. I want the option to charge my Wii U control pad by using the cradle AND by using an outlet but Nintendo only gave us one adapter (which makes sense). As a result, you can only use one option at a time. I want to be able to sit my pad beside the console and use the permanently plugged in cradle and I want the option to plug and play if the need ever arises. I wasn't able to find a second official Nintendo adapter so this will do nicely.

I'll probably use the USB on my TV or PC or something instead of the Wii U, though.

OOH! I KNOW WHAT I'M GOING TO DO!!

I'm going to use the Nyko cable on my cradle and plug it into my TV's USB (doing the same thing with a 3rd party adapter and my 3DS as we speak) and I'll use the Nintendo Adapater that came with my Wii U if I ever need to play while plugged up.

I'm way too excited about this. It's just that I couldn't find a second adapter on Amazon.com or Gamestop.com and I really like having the option for a cradle or a plug without having to swap things around. It's really convenient for my 3DS-having two different adapters.

Is the Gamepad power socket the same as the 3DS?

No.  Wii U's is wider.  It also has its own little baby power brick.

For me this is more useful

Nyko preparing GamePad battery extender, doubles play time

November 29th, 2012 Posted in News, Posted by Valay, Wii U | No Comments »

Nyko is working on an accessory for the Wii U GamePad – known as “U Boost” – which promises to extend the battery life of the controller. Supposedly, the new rechargeable lithium polymer battery doubles the GamePad’s play time.

Amazon UK lists a November 30 release date for U Boost. You’ll be able to use the existing Wii U GamePad AC adaptor with the new battery.

VicViper said: For me this is more useful   Nyko preparing GamePad battery extender, doubles play time November 29th, 2012 Posted in News, Posted by Valay, Wii U | No Comments » Nyko is working on an accessory for the Wii U GamePad – known as “U Boost” – which promises to extend the battery life of the controller. Supposedly, the new rechargeable lithium polymer battery doubles the GamePad’s play time. Amazon UK lists a November 30 release date for U Boost. You’ll be able to use the existing Wii U GamePad AC adaptor with the new battery.

That looks heavy and hideous.