By using this site, you agree to our Privacy Policy and our Terms of Use. Close
JWeinCom on 30 March 2013
Edit Thread
Jay520 said:
JWeinCom said:
Jay520 said:

The problem I see is Nintendo making the gamepad worthwhile. Firstly, I can't even imagine any person using the Gamepad for any substantial period of time due to the sheer size of the thing. And secondly, I can't imagine any impressive gameplay advantages that the Gamepad can provide, aside from menus or something like that. For those reasons I think the Gamepad is a huge mistake on Nintendo's front. One things for sure, the Gamepad will never be as appealing as motion controls were. So I think a more powerful Wii with a stronger emphasis on motion controls would be a much better strategy.

Gamepad weight 1.1 pounds.  Newest iPad weight 1.44.  iPad seems to be doing alright, and the Gamepad is more ergonomically designed.  By comparison, a 360 controller weighs 10.6 ounces.  Just over 5/6 of a lb.  Personally, the weight of the Wii U gamepad has not prevented me in any way shape or form from long play sessions.  Does it bother you from personal experience or is this just a random assumption?

That's too bad that you can't imagine anything useful being done with the Gamepad, but we've already seen some creative stuff.  Check out some stuff from Game and Wario, Nintendo Land, and even some of the brief snippets of Wii U Party.  Check out the multiplayer mode of zombi u.  Off TV play is a lifesaver when grinding for speed points in most wanted. And the radar on Zombi U is essential to the experience.  A lot of people didn't see the potential in the DS or the Wii either.  I'd say by the end of the year we'll have a better idea of what the Gamepad is worth one way or another.

You're a Sony fan, right?  If the Wii U was as powerful as the PS4, would you buy it?  Even if you did buy it, which system would you buy your multiplatforms for?  Nintendo is not going to win fans by going the same route as their competitors.   How does a more powerful console really make financial sense for Nintendo?

In regards to motion controls, I think they've done about what could be done.  I'd love a nunchuck that had better motion capabilities, but other than that, all Nintendo could really do is go the Kinect route, which I don't think would work out for them.


Not talking about weight. I'm talking about size. I'm sure I wouldn't mind it. But for the mainstream, I can't imagine the tablet being well received by a large pool of casuals. Unlike the Wiimote, it doesnt appear as nearly as accessible. Perhaps it will take off, but I doubt it. I can't imagine families across the world in their living rooms using tablets to play games on TV.

You've listed some interesting uses that can enhance gameplay. But they just enhance the experience already presented. I don't see anything that creates new experiences. I don't see anything that has the appeal to bring in large pools of gamers. All those things seem great for people who already own those games, but nothing that has the ability to attract new gamers.

When I said more powerful, I didn't mean more powerful than the Wii U. I meant a console essentially the same as the Wii, but more powerful.


The mainstream is pretty used to using relatively large tablets.  People use tablets for lost of things, including gameplay, so I'm not sure why you find this particular use unappealing.

As for new expereinces, I would say that Mario Chase is certainly a new experience that is really worthwhile.  Legend of Zelda battle quest as well.  Maybe not system selling experiences, but definitely experiences well worth playing through.  The multiplayer capabilities are especially cool.  This is just 4 months in.  Personally, I think Nintendo has some ideas in mind for the Gamepad which will surprise me as they did for the Wiimote and DS.

Isn't the Wii U a more powerful Wii?  If you take away the tablet, the Wii U is just that.  Still could use the motion controls for it and everything.