I'd say that pretty much confirms NX will be Gamepad-compatible. Why else still release this as a stand-alone accessoiry? I doubt there's still going to be that big dual-Gamepad game on WiiU after all this time... Unless Star Fox supports co-op and now magically is able to stream unique action to three screens (or four, counting split-screen on the tv as two) at once lol.

Preparing for their use as an NX accessory I see ;)

A redesign is due aswell

With NX's power it will ^_^

Ill be quite happy if my gamepad works with nx. Let's face it, there is no point for this to be released now other than too prepare for nx

Now people who broke their gamepads can buy a new one without having to buy the console as well. Gaming can be frustrating at times xD

Sadly adding more mAh's of power to the battery pack would only add to the weight of it, by quite a large amount too.

Also there is newer battery tech which could lower the weight and increase the life... but would also massively add to the price.

Can't have it all.

True :(

I hope that at least it comes with a digital WiiU game, even if it is Nintendoland. A controller for 100$ is a lot, they might need to persuade costumers somehow.

Uh, cool.

At least this means I don't have to go through customer service in the event my gamepad breaks on me, I suppose.

This is offcourse NOT becourse of NX.. It would make no sense not just to wait until NX comes..
(it would hurt wiiu sales, and start the NX comes soon talk again)

There are to posibilitys.. (imo)

1. Nintendo will make a game/dlc that can use second gamepad

2. This is just to replace broken ones.. to the ones not having garantee anymore

One of the things I was hoping for when I first heard about the Wii U prior to its release was local multiplayer with 2 tablet controllers running.
Imagine Madden 16 local co op with a private screen so that you could choose your plays in secret yeow!
It's too little too late with this for me...