I can't believe I read all of that until the thread broke.

What I learned today:
If it's got a d-pad and 4 face buttons, it's a Nintendo rip-off.

Ive learned lessons from it in life, its now time I passed the torch. :)

Mostly. There were many other designs and concepts like the sega 3 and 6 buttons controller. Though most modern gamepads are based off of the original SNES controller at their heart.

The entire industry is riding on Nintendo's success right now. Well, either Nintendo or Sega. There were many designs but those 2 made the best.

What you should have learned from this is that you can't copy yourself. If you originally made it then it's legitmately yours.

Its not Nintendos. :)

See what you guys did...Arguing over controllers.

Derailed topic anyone?

I can't be bothered to read further: does the posts start to relate to the topic again?!

And regarding Kyliedogs comment about that Darksider2 isn't worth the wait for the WiiU version: you're wrong! First off; you got more content. Second off; all the bugs will be fixed. Thirdly; I'm very excited to see what the GamePad will be able to offer!

And regarding your comment on ZombiU; I think it'll be the GamePad that makes the game! You'll have a totally new interaction with the game that isn't possible on any other system. Sure, it might take some time getting used to, but once you're familiar with the whole gameplay mechanic it'll offer an experience you won't be able to get anywhere else!

Come again?

Formfactor:

It's a good thing then, that we don't have to rely on your assessment.

http://www.giga.de/konsolen/wii-u/news/wii-u-hands-on-wir-haben-nintendos-line-up-angespielt/

http://reviews.cnet.com/nintendo-wii-u/

http://www.chip.de/news/Nintendo-Wii-U-Next-Gen-Konsole-im-Hands-On-Test_57686927.html

[...]The new controller in the center

The heart of the Wii U is not the console itself, but the special controller with touchscreen. This is very comfortable and easy to hold, because the housing for the most part is made of plastic, which brings with it little weight. Nevertheless, the quality of workmanship in order - the controller can also withstand a fall from a realistic height notwithstanding, as we found out accidentally. The 6.2 inch touch-screen responds quickly and reliably, and also offers a very attractive picture. The display resolution is probably 848 x 480 pixels - a precise statement does not currently Nintendo. Purely subjective, the picture is crisp and sharp. The colors will be bright and clear. Up close, the quality of the TV image is not far behind, and the size of the image is perfect. This is how the controller is a very good overall figure: weight, size, and processing facilities are very positive, the motion control system is working properly and the display stands for quality and touch screen."[...]

http://www.destructoid.com/e3-hands-on-with-the-wii-u-gamepad-228867.phtml

http://uk.ign.com/articles/2012/01/13/ces-a-first-timers-impression-of-the-wii-u

All gaming and hardware sites report unanimously that the gamepad is fine. This includes button layout, weight, ergonomics. I'll provide google translation for the german sites soon, so as to not put a personal spin if I translate it myself. [done]

Seeing someone like you, with your 92 platinum trophies and your post history, being pretty much the only one trashing the controller, I can totally not see how you would be biased in the slightest way. We should all trust your word on this and disregard buying the Wii U. Ahem, sorry, I watched the new South Park episode yesterday, I think my brain is infected with sarcasm. I'll go see a doctor right away.

Can the x360 controller be a variant of the original xbox controller, you know, the one released 3 days prior to the gcn here in North America, or is that too anti-nintendo?