The Wii U GamePad is a part of the entire console's UI. Unless Nintendo decides to rewrite it, I don't see that changing.

Comparing this situation to the 2DS & 3DS is silly because the 3D was never central to using the 3DS in the first place, it was always an "extra" feature to use when you wanted. Nintendo pushes for asymmetric gameplay with the Wii U, and I don't see them foolishly splitting their userbase unless they are extremely desperate to reduce costs.

Not really sure. Would they really want to though?I mean the price would prob drop to $200-250, but doesn't the gamepad differentiate itself from the competition hardware wise? The wii u wouldn't really be comparable to next gen like the ps4/xbox one spec wise. They wouldn't be able to out compete the current gen consoles either since they have stronger libraries. The gamepad seems to be love/hate to some users of the wii u, but it does offer certain benefits to the console that the other two lack without additional purchase. It's convenient at the very least. The price of the wii u is already $300 which is cheaper then the other two.

why do people insist on this ridiculous question? how many topics has it been already? the answer will never change, its NO.

Hopefully not, since the Gamepad is Wii U's main diferentiating feature.

Splitting the userbase is never a good idea. You can argue ad nauseum about whether there was or is any games that absolutely require the Gamepad but splitting the userbase would guarantee that there never will be.

If 300 dollars is too much for you right now then the Wii U just isn't the console for you. Dropping the price by 50-100 dollars (sans Gamepad) might convince some of the more stubborn amongst us to purchase but must-have software, whether it utilises the Gamepad or not, will convince alot more people.

I don't use the Gamepad for every game but it definitely adds to the overall experience and differentiates the console from the competition. If you don't agree that it adds enough to the overall experience, I will say again, the console isn't for you.

It's not a question of which feature is "more unique," but "what seperates the Wii U from its competitors?". The answer to that is the Gamepad. Take that away, and what does the Wii U hardware do that the others can't do better?

Also, Nintendo would have to completely redo the OS and possibly go back and patch a bunch of games to account for all the folks that don't have a Gamepad. Would all of that work and bad PR be worth it?

Nope.

Comparing dropping the Gamepad to dropping the 3D visual effect for the 2DS is folly.

Some people (like me) like the Gamepad and some don't, but WiiU is what it is, for better or worse.

there not out competing the current gen consoles NOW, quite the opposite in fact. But i didnt know it was so integral to the OS of the system, guess that would be hard to do

Six months ago, I would have said no, but... maybe. It would require significant changes to the console, not the least of which would be a serious change to the firmware. The way the GamePad running out the battery turns off the console, and that you can't turn it off without turning off the console, even if you're using a different controller. It's just so bizarre.... I really have to say, as big a Nintendo fan as I am, I really, really don't understand why the GamePad has to be turned on when I'm using a remote or Pro controller. Turning off the display works, but then a slight bump of any of the buttons, or if something grazes the screen, it turns back on. Obnoxious...unnecessary... you name it. All synonyms are applicable here.

Also, the quality of the GamePad screen is lacking. It's got these weird lines in it. The resolution seems adequate enough, but the quality of the panel they used is just unforgivable. If they really couldn't bundle a high-quality GamePad and keep the console under $400, then they should have gone another way in the next generation.

All we're left with is a console on par with the PS3, visually, and a clunky, enormous controller that can't be turned off. With the exception of there not being pressure-sensitive triggers, I do very much like the Pro controller. It's not bad.

Prediction: Smash bros bundle with Wii U without a gamepad controller but two Wii U pro controller and modified Wii U OS instead
OR one Wii U pro controller and a gimped Gamepad only for UI purposes for cheaper value.

JK - thought I threw it out there to see if anyone wants this to happen.