All of these posts regarding the hate for the gamepad really irk me.
Its a very good controller that matches any other configuration, very comfortable, and provides an excellent feature with off-tv play. In fact, most people I know or read about here and GAF don't even use the TV anymore unless required (rare). Its simply a better way to play.
Only problem the gamepad ever really caused was its costs in materials to the overall console. But even that is a bad argument. Had WiiU not contained a gamepad and instead had beefier specs, it would still have cost about the same.
Meaning, we'd still have a $300 console that is being sold at a loss with no 3rd party support or sales. It still wouldn't appeal to the MSony crowd that only see Nintendo as a kid company and it wouldn't be in the price range or feature/game aspect to hit the casual group again like Wii.
Its sad so many people ignored the Wii U and its superior controller options. Its great system with many great games. I sincerely hope the next Nintendo console is some sort of portable/home hybrid where the portable controller option is a touch screen off-tv capable device. Its just a better option.