Wii U Pro Controller announced - X360pad design, no screen, "for multiplatform games"
- Thread starter chubigans
- Start date
shaowebb
Member
Nintendo Direct Conference just happened
It details the Wii U tablet, mentions the pro controller and most importantly demonstrates social networking, forum functionality, screenshotting, leaving messages in peoples games sorta like Dark souls,mobile device connectivity and a lot of other features. If this isn't a thread already feel free to make a new thread because this video was answering a LOT of stuff about Nintendo Wii U and Nintendo Network.
I can't wait to see if I can interact with guys playing games from a mobile device like they said and send them messages or (hopefully) watch people game via livestream using Wii U. They already promise video conferencing and if you can window within window sometimes I'd love to run a local tourney for a fighting game and live stream both the match feed and room via my system.
It details the Wii U tablet, mentions the pro controller and most importantly demonstrates social networking, forum functionality, screenshotting, leaving messages in peoples games sorta like Dark souls,mobile device connectivity and a lot of other features. If this isn't a thread already feel free to make a new thread because this video was answering a LOT of stuff about Nintendo Wii U and Nintendo Network.
I can't wait to see if I can interact with guys playing games from a mobile device like they said and send them messages or (hopefully) watch people game via livestream using Wii U. They already promise video conferencing and if you can window within window sometimes I'd love to run a local tourney for a fighting game and live stream both the match feed and room via my system.
So many controllers. Developers are going to have to support a Wiimote + Nunchuk control scheme, a Wii U Gamepad control scheme, and a Wii U Pro control scheme for their games.. Only one of which has proper motion controls, and only one of which has the touch screen and NFC capabilities.. Game cases are going to be a disaster with all the required and/or supported control options listed.
The only shortcoming they're addressing is that a touchscreen in the middle means you can't game for 8 hours straight on the Gamepad like some people do and the need for traditional controls in multiplayer scenarios. Anything else is a scenario that came from the aether, as impressions from last E3 told us that the controller was perfectly comfortable.
They aren't going to actively try to keep the Wiimote as a valid option in my opinion. It's simply there to support existing Wii software and they're pimping its compatibility to show value to early adopters. It's to tell the Wii owner that the U is worth owning because all of their stuff can be used with it. They need to try to retain their audience. But in reality, few Wii U games will bother using it... Maybe moreso than Wii games used the Gamecube controller, but it will turn out the same way.
Wii U Pro will become a necessity for in-home multiplayer, at least for typical non-Nintendo made games. Trying to support a game used for the tablet to also use the Wiimote / nunchuck just gets complicated to even think about. Though people who own a classic already would likely be fine if they want to go that route and save some $.
As for people complaining about the analog placement, I'm pretty sure the decision (in addition to being different) is to mirror the tablet precisely. It will work fine. At least, I think my brain will appreciate the symmetry.
Vane_MagicCity
Banned
LoftyTheMetroid
Member
Addressing the role of the Pro relative to the GamePad:
I understand that it's thought the Wii U will only support, at most, two GamePad controllers due to the technical hurdle of having to stream multiple screen images, thus necessitating the need for the Pro controller for local multiplayer.
However, what's to stop the Wii U from supporting four GamePads, but with the screens deactivated? Beyond the screen, aren't the two controllers identical in terms of buttons/layout?
But if four GamePads were the requirement for local multiplayer, I'd imagine it would get real expensive real fast. So, my guess is the role of the Pro is simply a "cheap multiplayer" version of the GamePad since owning multiple GamePads isn't going to be feasible for most families. It's not necessarily the only "multiplatform" controller, since the GamePad can also fill that role. As such, I'm guessing it won't be bundled with the console, since it'd be a little redundant.
This is all assuming/hoping that Nintendo will allow GamePads with deactivated screens in lieu of Pros. Friends with Wii U's can bring their GamePads to local get-togethers, saving costs on extra Pro controllers. That would be nice...
I understand that it's thought the Wii U will only support, at most, two GamePad controllers due to the technical hurdle of having to stream multiple screen images, thus necessitating the need for the Pro controller for local multiplayer.
However, what's to stop the Wii U from supporting four GamePads, but with the screens deactivated? Beyond the screen, aren't the two controllers identical in terms of buttons/layout?
But if four GamePads were the requirement for local multiplayer, I'd imagine it would get real expensive real fast. So, my guess is the role of the Pro is simply a "cheap multiplayer" version of the GamePad since owning multiple GamePads isn't going to be feasible for most families. It's not necessarily the only "multiplatform" controller, since the GamePad can also fill that role. As such, I'm guessing it won't be bundled with the console, since it'd be a little redundant.
This is all assuming/hoping that Nintendo will allow GamePads with deactivated screens in lieu of Pros. Friends with Wii U's can bring their GamePads to local get-togethers, saving costs on extra Pro controllers. That would be nice...
I thought this also at first but if its not packed in then it won't really be used. Its just classic controller 2.0. Unless they come out with a sku just with this controller. Which I would like f it cut $50-$100 off the price of the system.
BruiserBear
Banned
No rumble. No batteries allowed, so you were forced to always be tethered to a Wiimote. Bizarre cable that came from the bottom of the controller, ala the Dreamcast pad. Please don't bother telling me how all of that made perfect sense.
You're seriously going to compare that stuff? lol
Also, Nintendo directly suggested this alternative controller was "lighter" and more suitable for longer play times. Kind of stating this alternative controller fixes a problem.
So we're of the opinion that of the 100 million+ Wiimotes in the wild don't belong to the majority of the same people who will be buying the WiiU?
I'm not saying a Wiimote pack-in won't happen, but to say it's a necessity is a bit of a stretch with so many of them in the wild and this gen being the first time we can have backwards-compatible accessories. It's untrodden road we're on now.
megarockexe
Member
There were rumblings on a Wiimote redesign. I imagine the old remotes to be phased out and WiiU-styled motion controller with all the previous features just to push the mutli-play options direction
jts
...hate me...
I don't know. Will they not include a sensor bar with the console?
If they do, will they be telling the costumers to set it up but sorry, it isn't good for anything until you buy some extra stuff?
Or will they start selling it separately?
I say a uPad and a Wiimote will be there in the box.
That the industry shit on the Wiimote and Move pointers for FPS/TPS games for the most part is one of the biggest travesties of the generation. IR on the Wiimote (not Wiimote+' gyro pointer) was particularly accurate and made playing shooters on consoles worthwhile.
mclaren777
Member
No more so than the 360's awkward controller.
EmCeeGramr
Member
No, they only "have to" support the Gamepad.
Sgt.Pepper
Banned
Tathanen
Get Inside Her!
Man what do you think this thread is even about!!!!!!!
Vane_MagicCity
Banned
I said the NEW CCP, the Pro or whatever it's called. A Upad and a Pro controller. They won't be packing-in last gen controllers. Nintendo has never done that and they won't this gen either. They have a new controller they want to promote, in fact, the WiiU is designed around this controller and there is no way in hell that they are going to pack in a Wiimote.
Think about it, why didn't they pack a Gamecube controller in with the Wii? I can think of two first party Wii games that allowed use of the Gamecube controller, Smash Bros and Mario Kart. Nintendo is absolutely not going to pack in a Wiimote as that would raise the cost for very little benefit. In fact, it would cause confusion.
EmCeeGramr
Member
Only questions I have regarding Wiimote support are:
1) Will it support ALL Wiimotes, or will they cut it off at Motion Plus/Remote Plus level so developers have a certain fidelity level confirmed?
2) Will they eventually release new Wii U branded Wiimotes (possibly with upgraded motion tech) a few years down the line?
1) Will it support ALL Wiimotes, or will they cut it off at Motion Plus/Remote Plus level so developers have a certain fidelity level confirmed?
2) Will they eventually release new Wii U branded Wiimotes (possibly with upgraded motion tech) a few years down the line?
grandjedi6
Master of the Google Search
Richard Dawson!
Vane_MagicCity
Banned
No, if the Upad doesn't need a sensor bar then it won't be in the box. Imagine how confusing it would be for people to buy a WiiU and then get a Upad and a Wiimote and not really know which they should use. They look nothing alike and they aren't interchangeable.
I guess I just can't understand why people think that Nintendo is going to suddenly begin packing in last gen controllers. This isn't something Nintendo has ever done and they haven't given any indication that they plan to.
gamergirly
Member
The way we have 40% of ppl liking the Pro controller best, 50% liking the Gamepad best, and 10% not caring either way lets Nintendo know they made the right decision
My hope is that a Wiimote Plus will be included with the console. Because that's the only way third party games will ever use it.
I hate that they are copying the analog placement for the left analog on a 360 controller. I hated it on Dreamcast, I hated it on Gamecube, I hated it on the OG Xbox, I hated it on 360, and I'm going to hate it now. Freaking uncomfortable. I'm still not used to the placement after all these years of different controllers with them.
Probably those with classic controller capabilities.
The sensor bar is a good question, but I doubt there will be a Wii remote packed in. Unless we see otherwise on Tuesday, I'm gonna guess that Wii remote support is primarily there for backwards compatibility with Wii games. That would make it a similar situation to Gamecube controllers on the Wii. The system supported them, and a select few Wii games actually used them (Smash Bros), but they were never included with the system itself.
Kai Dracon
Writing a dinosaur space opera symphony
Are people assuming that developers are going to be forced to support every input device in every game?
They didn't have to on Wii. The only device that required support was the basic Wiimote by itself. Past that it was up to the dev what they wanted to incorporate.
Just a week ago people were saying that 3rd parties would just cheap out on Wii U ports and throw a placeholder screen or a map or something onto the Wii U pad's screen and be done with it.
So I would guess that the only requirement from Nintendo will be that all games be bootable and playable with the Padlet. "Hardcore" games could offer the option of using the pro pad, and if all they have for the Padlet is a damn screensaver anyway, how is that an unbearable jump in development logistics?
They didn't have to on Wii. The only device that required support was the basic Wiimote by itself. Past that it was up to the dev what they wanted to incorporate.
Just a week ago people were saying that 3rd parties would just cheap out on Wii U ports and throw a placeholder screen or a map or something onto the Wii U pad's screen and be done with it.
So I would guess that the only requirement from Nintendo will be that all games be bootable and playable with the Padlet. "Hardcore" games could offer the option of using the pro pad, and if all they have for the Padlet is a damn screensaver anyway, how is that an unbearable jump in development logistics?
LegendofJoe
Member
This is an argument I can get behind. That said I still think Nintendo would pack in a Wiimote before they'd pack in a free pad that serves as a screenless copy of what is already in the box.
Except they've shown Wii U games such as golf making use of the Wiimote.
I think it really depends on how Nintendo supports or doesn't support the Wiimote interacting with the tablet. If Golf is the only valid example, they probably won't include it in the box and just count on the millions of people who already have remotes. Or offer the golf game with 2 skus (one with remote, one without). Or a specific WiiPlayU demo game with a Wiimote included. If it's a feature a lot of their games use - especially in a WiiSports-ish pack in game, then they'd probably feel obligated to include it. I just don't picture them willing to raise the sticker price any more to include something many people already have.
The Wii U Pro? Almost no chance in hell that would be packaged in there. What would be the point? You always buy another controller for multiplayer. Raises the sticker price significantly for no reason.
As for the confusion, I remember being more confused when they were trying to show Wiimotes being used in unison with the tablet for multiplayer gaming. "They should just release a newly revised Pro" is what I (and some others). That they went this route after all is the least shocking news ever.
rollingstart
Banned
re: 2
Two things I'd want:
1) Position tracking like the PS Move, only find a way to do it without the ball.
2) Wireless Nunchuck. I can't believe this never happened with this Wii!
Actually, new nunchuck entirely. Clickable stick, no octagon gate, analog trigger, motion plus tech, wireless, rumble, maybe a d-pad or something.
Well, supporting this doesn't really need to be forced. Any game that supports single-screen/gamepad-only play will probably support this by default.
Also anyone who thinks Nintendo will pack in Wiimotes is insane. There are already hundreds of millions of them out there and, statistically speaking, it's safe to say most future Wii U owners will likely have owned a Wii. No business is going to waste money on a pack in unless they feel it absolutely needs it. If they can avoid packing it in without being an inconvenience to most customers, then you can bet they won't include it.
Packing it in makes no financial sense if there is a high rate of redundancy, and lets face it, they would rather sell controllers than give them away. They might include it in a marked-up "premium" bundle but it definitely won't be standard.
Looks awkward, but I think it makes sense. Over the last decade, the right analog stick has become the "home position" for the right thumb in most games. It only makes sense that it be symmetrical with the left, since it stands to reason that the dominant stick on the left is in the upper position because for comfort's sake.
GAFfers gonna GAF though. It'll be fine.
nckillthegrimace
Member
It would be strange if Nintendo included a sensor bar but no Wii Remote.
Buckethead
Banned
I'm saying you should do one or the other and in this case, it seems to make business sense to pursue "only gaming".
Build the best hardcore/serious gaming experience there is to be had - not chase after Apple.
Apple is having no problem selling iPads and iPhones, Nintendo contrarily will have difficulty selling a WiiU to older people at such a high price point.
The iPad does browsing, email, reading, apps - all VERY well and then does gaming as a little bonus. Cutesy stuff in your spare time.
They're deluded if they think they can do these experiences better. And Apple is far ahead in infrastructure (they're making money off everything in the App Store) and they're constantly revising their hardware.
The sensor bar will track the GamePad too I presume? Clearly it has IR facing the screen if it can be a universal remote.
jts
...hate me...
Because, as stated, the Wii U is an evolution from the Wii which was a console built around the Wiimote concept.
I like to believe Nintendo isn't pulling just some cheap marketing and unlike the GC controller on the Wii, the Wiimote is still a part of this new console ecosystem, even if it loses the main role.
Besides, being an all-new console, packing a WM+ would do wonders for the WM+ penetration, also would mean less of a drastic change from a development standview for Nintendo developers, and it would prove that the Wiimote, from conception to evolution wasn't simply a lie which is about to be very slowly phased out.
I believe you can overcome that potential confusion with smart packaging, materials and software. For example include Wii U Sports out of the box. Some classic Wiimote games, some uPad games and some hybrids like that golf concept shown. Bam.
The sensor bar doesnt track anything. It outputs IR signals that are read by an IR camera in the Wii Remote. The GamePad would also need an IR camera facing the sensor bar for it to use the pointing function of the Wii Remote.
Vane_MagicCity
Banned
I remember you could buy the SNES with one controller or with two. I could see something similar happening here. The WiiU Pro Controller is really just the second SNES controller.
About the confusion. I thought Nintendo realized they made a mistake making the 3DS seem like a redesigned DS. It looked similar and the name was similar and non educated parents were confused. For the WiiU, I thought Nintendo was going to change the name to avoid a similar problem and I thought they might also make the WiiU look very different from the Wii but they didn't do that. That is where much of the confusion will come from I think but adding a Wiimote in the box (and on the box art) would just compound the confusion.
jts
...hate me...
The sensor bar isn't really a sensor bar. It's a IR emitting device that is tracked by sensors in the Wiimotes. No I/O whatsoever between the bar and the console, it's just plugged in for power.
So there's no relation with the new pad.
edit: I'm late.
There were rumblings awhile back that a Wiimote's in the box. It costs them about $6 to make, and there wouldn't be a sensor bar otherwise. Any prospective Wii U Sports-type game would require it anyway. I don't see why they'd regress to playing a bowling game, for example, with a dual-analog tablet controller.
Yeah, their little golfing demo wouldn't work without a Wiimote. I have to imagine it'll be packed in.