Would Nintendo make a Wii U SKU WITHOUT the gamepad

[attaboy]

errorpwns said:

Alby_da_Wolf said:

If they do it, the tablet will become almost totally useless, because 3rd party devs won't support it anymore on new games, as they wouldn't run on the tabletless version. Yep, they could make tablet support optional, but most of the times they won't bother, and 1st party support will still be there, but it will become half-baked most of the times, because otherwise 1st party games would be gimped on the tabletless console, and Ninty can't afford tarnishing its biggest franchises.

If the game supports off TV play then it already could support gameplay without the gamepad. 

This is true but it's also the biggest argument for the Gamepad.  I own games like Arkham Asylum and City, Lego City (This game is so goddam funny!), Ninja Gaiden, etc. and I've played them all offscreen for one reason or another.  Every single time, those Wii U controller features were sorely missed.  The experience is on par with PS3/360 versions of games--well, maybe not Lego City for obvious reasons, but the contributions of the new controller becime instantly evident.  It's not easy going back once you've gotten used to the Wii U.

I know it's a personal choice.  That's why they make a Wii U pro controller for those that don't care about the Gamepad features.  I own one too.  Think is, I NEVER use it.  I'm nearing my one year Wii U anniversary and I only remember charging the thing once.