Wii U Pro Controller announced - X360pad design, no screen, "for multiplatform games"

Just saw the news.... man.

Isn't this like admitting a triple defeat by Nintendo?

1) they admit Wii U tablet is not ergonomical, not comfortable for long sessions of gameplay (too bulky, too heavy etc.)
2) they admit Wiimote was - pardon the word - a fad (PS Move confirmed that, sadly)
3) they admit 3rd parties won't give a shit about the Wii U tablet and just port games to the Wii U not using any of the tablet's unique functionalities

I'm sorry but 5 minutes after reading the news this is how I see them. Did not read the whole 1000+ posts thread yet!

This is a controller you have to buy separately from the console. Like the Classic controller and CCPro.

All this is admitting is that Nintendo knows some gamers dislike their "innovations". They took the same stance with the Wii.
 
You might be right about that early games prediction.

Although Skyward Sword, for example, wouldn't work on a traditional gamepad. All of the enemies and puzzles are designed around the way you move your arms. If it had a traditional control mode, that would be two games in one, not just a toggle of the same game.

Good point. That leads me to believe it won't use the Wiimote, or at least not in any meaningful way whatsoever. The tablet is the new focus now, and the controllers back that up.
 
More than the DS, and that's the extent of the detail I'm going to go into.

WATCH OUT BOYS we got an analog control scheme expert on board!!

As we mentally confirm "yes I can operate sticks that are next to each other" he has carefully organized his bound stacks of research study papers curated from the world's finest invisible journals. "Heuristics of FPS Controls and You: The Asymmetrical Theory of Quickscope" serves as his breakfast meal, the nourishment which feeds him through the long winter.

Do not ask questions or ask for any details that would prove his opinion to be any less than fact! Those of you with functioning motor control are not to be tolerated. Why? The Journal of American Ganking says so!
 
WATCH OUT BOYS we got an analog control scheme expert on board!!

As we mentally confirm "yes I can operate sticks that are next to each other" he has carefully organized his bound stacks of research study papers curated from the world's finest invisible journals. "Heuristics of FPS Controls and You: The Asymmetrical Theory of Quickscope" serves as his breakfast meal, the nourishment which feeds him through the long winter.

Do not ask questions or ask for any details that would prove his opinion to be any less than fact! Those of you with functioning motor control are not to be tolerated. Why? The Journal of American Ganking says so!

While I disagree with him, I think that bish is a trustworthy individual and probably knows what he's talking about.
 
Good point. That leads me to believe it won't use the Wiimote, or at least not in any meaningful way whatsoever. The tablet is the new focus now, and the controllers back that up.

That is probably true. Flagship games like Zelda will use the tablet, we would assume for all kinds of reasons (all users might not have Wiimotes, and these games are supposed to show why the tablet is great for gaming)... and if it does use the tablet, it won't use the Wiimote.

Wiimote is probably doomed in general :(
 
I'm not as disturbed with the right analog stick's placement as I am with face buttons that are basically located where Start/Select are on most other controllers. It could end up feeling totally fine, but it looks extremely uncomfortable. The thought of stretching my thumb over to the left to mash buttons for extended periods of time is not a pleasant one.
 
You guys think this will work with Steam? I was thinking of buying a wired 360 pad this week but I may hold off and buy this at launch, even if I don't get a Wii U right away.

It looks that fucking sexy.
 
Both controllers have symmetrical analog stick placement, which is not ideal for FPS games. X360 right analog stick placement is (yes, it's subjective, but there is empirical evidence to support this) a better design. Which is why it's puzzling that if Nintendo was going to ape that layout, why not go whole hog and steal it entirely? Within legal limits, of course.
I've heard tons of complaints about the DS3's analogue sticks. This the first time I've heard a complaint about their positions simply because of symmetry. Hold a DS3 high on the left grip to simulate the offset of the 360 controller. Those sticks still suck. (You can also try this with the old classic controller, it's easier because there's no grip in the way.)

I'm pretty sure that's just a learned behavior. Your thumbs are making the same movements relative to their starting points, the only difference is the angles they move at. But since they rarely move in unison anyway, it shouldn't be a problem.

I've used many symmetrical control schemes in the past... from arcades, the SNES, N64 (dual controllers), Virtual Boy, DS, every Playstation controller ever...I've even missed around with some dual Nunchuk games... I have never considered such a complaint before today. If it's really, truly is problem for some people (more than they don't want anything different), they could always hold the controller slightly different in each hand.
 
So now the Xbox controller is officially the standard.
RIP DualShock

I loved that DualShock but I've gotta give props to the 360 controller design.

I had some crazy pain in both my hands recently... and using the 360 controller was easy, while the PS3 was incredibly painful. Maybe that's a weird metric but I think it says something about the inherent ergonomics of each controllers.
 
That is probably true. Flagship games like Zelda will use the tablet, we would assume for all kinds of reasons (all users might not have Wiimotes, and these games are supposed to show why the tablet is great for gaming)... and if it does use the tablet, it won't use the Wiimote.

Wiimote is probably doomed in general :(

Yeah, you're probably right.

Wiimote is probably doomed in general :)

Um, I mean...Wiimote is probably doomed in general :(

I'm sorry Wiimote fans, I just like regular controls way more.

Also, 360 controller is superior to the DS3 in every single way besides the D-pad. I have a PS3 and 360, and the controller is still one of the clear better things about 360.
 
Yeah, you're probably right.

Wiimote is probably doomed in general :)

Um, I mean...Wiimote is probably doomed in general :(

I'm sorry Wiimote fans, I just like regular controls way more.
Meh, it's cool man.

I like some of the potential of the Wiimote (quite a bit actually), but it would take someone blind, deaf, and dumb not to see how practical that archetype is for the vast majority of gaming genres.


Also, 360 controller is superior to the DS3 in every single way besides the D-pad. I have a PS3 and 360, and the controller is still one of the clear better things about 360.
Tell that to Charlie M. Shepherd.

Poor lass has been running around in circles for almost 15 minutes now.
 
While I disagree with him, I think that bish is a trustworthy individual and probably knows what he's talking about.

I am sure "he knows what that study said." That is about as much credibility I think is worth ascribing to any of these claims. The notion of the study itself trumping any seasoned gamer's stance is pretty silly on principle.

"We have divined the most optimal way for you, the prototypical gamer, to play a game."

It's science!
 
WATCH OUT BOYS we got an analog control scheme expert on board!!

As we mentally confirm "yes I can operate sticks that are next to each other" he has carefully organized his bound stacks of research study papers curated from the world's finest invisible journals. "Heuristics of FPS Controls and You: The Asymmetrical Theory of Quickscope" serves as his breakfast meal, the nourishment which feeds him through the long winter.

Do not ask questions or ask for any details that would prove his opinion to be any less than fact! Those of you with functioning motor control are not to be tolerated. Why? The Journal of American Ganking says so!
Don't be a dick.

I'm certain that I called out the subjective aspect of asymmetrical preference before bringing up the studies. Keep fucking that chicken, though, if it makes you feel better.
 
Just saw the news.... man.

Isn't this like admitting a triple defeat by Nintendo?

1) they admit Wii U tablet is not ergonomical, not comfortable for long sessions of gameplay (too bulky, too heavy etc.)
2) they admit Wiimote was - pardon the word - a fad (PS Move confirmed that, sadly)
3) they admit 3rd parties won't give a shit about the Wii U tablet and just port games to the Wii U not using any of the tablet's unique functionalities

I'm sorry but 5 minutes after reading the news this is how I see them. Did not read the whole 1000+ posts thread yet!

1) Not at all. It's just admitting that customers might not want to have to bear the burden of buying controllers with IPS screens and likely-pricey 0-latency streaming technology for simple local multiplayer.

2) Half true. The wiimote will live on in the fact that, thanks to it, pretty much every console from here until eternity will have some form of motion control. It was an undeniable success in that respect. The wiimote itself is most likely fated to be phased out. But, with the exception of Sony's dualshock, this has always been the case with console controllers. Console makers have always taken whatever innovations worked in a previous generation, and incorporated them into a different next-gen design.

3) Not true for the same reason as 1.
 
You might be right about that early games prediction.

Although Skyward Sword, for example, wouldn't work on a traditional gamepad. All of the enemies and puzzles are designed around the way you move your arms. If it had a traditional control mode, that would be two games in one, not just a toggle of the same game.



I'd call it the same thing as mashing on the analog stick in a general direction and then complaining because you keep falling into pits, unlike a classic d-pad. There's a precision there.. maybe you didn't use it.

If you move your arm directly left, the sword goes directly left.

If you're telling me that the sword didn't go directly left when you did, then you had a broken Wiimote or radio interference or something.

If you're saying you didn't want to move your arm directly left, then that's a different story.

If it didn't work for you, I understand why you wouldn't want it again... but for someone who had no problems... It really sucks for me if they start catering to that!


Don't you think we've all heard the "many ways we are doing it wrong" many times before? Seriously, for some of us the WM+ controls just weren't worth the hassle.

Anyway, Skyward Sword will be the forgotten Zelda game. If it needs a WM+ to be played, then we probably won't be able to play it in 10 years. No problem going back to play the 20 year old A Link to the Past though.
 
Huh? Start and select are in the same places they are for both DS3 and 360 pad.
I think he is a little confused and was referring to the main controller. If he was then I'd agree with him. They should put the +&- back under the screen and give the thing 6 real face buttons... even if they're just mirror +&- in most games.

[edit] not confused... just annoying... I still like my idea.
 
Meh, it's cool man.

I like some of the potential of the Wiimote (quite a bit actually), but it would take someone blind, deaf, and dumb not to see how practical that archetype is for the vast majority of gaming genres.

Yeah, I'm fine with most games that were thought up for traditional control schemes to have traditional pads.

Although I will say that traditional style games have used the Wiimote in very interesting ways: ie Mario Galaxies, No More Heroes 1/2.

And then there are the games that just could not have worked on any other controller: Skyward Sword, Sin and Punishment 2 (I know S&P2 had a classic control option but it was the wrong way to play by far!)
 
Don't be a dick.

I'm certain that I called out the subjective aspect of asymmetrical preference before bringing up the studies. Keep fucking that chicken, though, if it makes you feel better.

Only fucked it once bro! But it's cool now, I have "had my fill"
 
Meh, it's cool man.

I like some of the potential of the Wiimote (quite a bit actually), but it would take someone blind, deaf, and dumb not to see how practical that archetype is for the vast majority of gaming genres.



Tell that to Charlie M. Shepherd.

Poor lass has been running around in circles for almost 15 minutes now.

I liked the idea of the Wiimote too, but I just feel like it was too flawed to be an all around stand-in for a controller.

I also forgot about Motion Plus. Motion Plus segments the market yet again, which is already fragmented, another reason to just cut ties with the mote all together. Unless you make Wii U games with Wiimote controls not require it.

Also, yeah, I'm just not sure how anyone could say that the PS3's controller is better in any way, besides the d-pad, and that it uses a built in rechargeable battery that uses usb to charge it, which is fucking awesome.
 
1) Not at all. It's just admitting that customers might not want to have to bear the burden of buying controllers with IPS screens and likely-pricey 0-latency streaming technology for simple local multiplayer.

2) Half true. The wiimote will live on in the fact that, thanks to it, pretty much every console from here until eternity will have some form of motion control. It was an undeniable success in that respect. The wiimote itself is most likely fated to be phased out. But, with the exception of Sony's dualshock, this has always been the case with console controllers. Console makers have always taken whatever innovations worked in a previous generation, and incorporated them into a different next-gen design.

3) Not true for the same reason as 1.

Thanks for your responses. At this moment I feel pretty comfortable about the Wii U but with the Wii U Pro Controller I am puzzled what will 3rd parties do. I hope Wii U Tablet functionalities are REQUIRED in order to get your game on the Wii U.
 
My interest in the Wii U has been spiked! I hope all games are compatible and I won't have to use that gimmicky controller.

Calling the Wii U tablet gimmicky is like calling the Dualshock 3 gimmicky because it has motion controls. It's a traditional controller with something extra.

That said, I'd prefer this controller when I'm playing a game that doesn't really take advantage of the screen for obvious reasons.
 
Don't you think we've all heard the "many ways we are doing it wrong" many times before? Seriously, for some of us the WM+ controls just weren't worth the hassle.

Anyway, Skyward Sword will be the forgotten Zelda game. If it needs a WM+ to be played, then we probably won't be able to play it in 10 years. No problem going back to play the 2o year old A Link to the Past though.

It's just odd to me. Please realize that those who argue with statements like yours just don't get your complaint.

I picked up that Wiimote and Link did what I did.

Maybe you didn't like that... but "it didn't work"? I just don't get it at all.


Edit: If you really want to play Skyward Sword in 10 years, the 200+ million Wiimotes lying around will surely work fine on Wii, Wii U, and PC emulation, if you deign to touch them ;)
 
This is equivocally a good thing, no? More options (which will be entirely compatible, I assume, given that it has the same controls as the gamepad bar gyro/motion sensors) for different types of players, while being no extra work for developers. Correct me if I have forgotten something.
 
whats the point of having a GamePad and a normal controllers? Epic fail......choose one Nintendo!
So for intensive play the GamePas is not suited? Damn!
 
It's just odd to me. Please realize that those who argue with statements like yours just don't get your complaint.

I picked up that Wiimote and Link did what I did.

Maybe you didn't like that... but "it didn't work"? I just don't get it at all.

I'm willing to accept that even though the WM+ takes away a layer of abstraction between player and game, that you're still going to be limited by both design and technical proficiency.

I let my muscles tell me what worked, and played the game accordingly. This is not meant to be a judgement on other players. Just how it worked for me.
 
whats the point of having a GamePad and a normal controllers? Epic fail......choose one Nintendo!
So for intensive play the GamePas is not suited? Damn!

Tablet is for single-player experiences, or can be used for one player. Regular controllers give extra flexibility to developers, and allow people to pick them up if they don't like the tablet's feel for some reason. Win-win.
 
whats the point of having a GamePad and a normal controllers? Epic fail......choose one Nintendo!
So for intensive play the GamePas is not suited? Damn!

Think more about multiple controllers for family and friends... they won't need extra screens, so why pay for them?

And some people might want a tinier controller for a traditional experience.

This is a good thing.
 
Thanks for your responses. At this moment I feel pretty comfortable about the Wii U but with the Wii U Pro Controller I am puzzled what will 3rd parties do. I hope Wii U Tablet functionalities are REQUIRED in order to get your game on the Wii U.

I personally don't see 3rd party devs' approach changing from what I suspected before we learned of the pro controller.

1st party games, and 3rd party games that focus primarily on single player experiences locally will make use of the touch screen.

3rd party multiplatform games, and 3rd party games that really wouldn't benefit much from a touch screen (like Fighters) won't make much use of the screen.

But I think this has always been fairly obvious. And good for Nintendo, honestly. I mean, how many more gens will it take before people realize what 3rd Parties do when Nintendo tries to force them to do things their way? The go elsewhere (and there are a LOT of elsewheres to go).

It's about time Nintendo started giving 3rd parties some of what they want.
 
It's just odd to me. Please realize that those who argue with statements like yours just don't get your complaint.

I picked up that Wiimote and Link did what I did.

Maybe you didn't like that... but "it didn't work"? I just don't get it at all.


Edit: If you really want to play Skyward Sword in 10 years, the 200+ million Wiimotes lying around will surely work fine on Wii, Wii U, and PC emulation, if you deign to touch them ;)

I think you missed the point. If the controls aren't worth the hassle now, they will not be in 10 years either.
 
Calling the Wii U tablet gimmicky is like calling the Dualshock 3 gimmicky because it has motion controls. It's a traditional controller with something extra.

That said, I'd prefer this controller when I'm playing a game that doesn't really take advantage of the screen for obvious reasons.

The difference between the dualshock 3 and the wii u tab is that you could play a game without needing to know that the controller had motion controls... You can't ignore the fact that the wii u tab has a bigass fucking screen in the middle of the buttons.
 
Probably not. The point is the IR aiming has long been the best thing about the Wiimote, so it's removal in favor of Motionplus' inferior implementation hurt the game significantly.

Legitimate complaint.

I love that damn pointer.


The difference between the dualshock 3 and the wii u tab is that you could play a game without needing to know that the controller had motion controls... You can't ignore the fact that the wii u tab has a bigass fucking screen in the middle of the buttons.
Since when has adding features to a controller been a bad thing?

Shoulder buttons, a second analog stick, the digital buttons under those sticks all completely superfluous controller additions. Until they found appropriate use.
 
Yeah, you're probably right.

Wiimote is probably doomed in general :)

Um, I mean...Wiimote is probably doomed in general :(

I'm sorry Wiimote fans, I just like regular controls way more.

Also, 360 controller is superior to the DS3 in every single way besides the D-pad. I have a PS3 and 360, and the controller is still one of the clear better things about 360.

360 pad face button and bumpers suck in comparison.
 
whats the point of having a GamePad and a normal controllers? Epic fail......choose one Nintendo!
So for intensive play the GamePas is not suited? Damn!

They insisted on putting half of a DSi/3DS into this controller and as a result it's just too expensive. Very few people would buy 3 extra ones so Nintendo knows they have to bring in a cheaper alternative and then to make it impossible to use 4 Upads so no one feels they need to buy 3 extra ones.

It's a mess really but Nintendo doesn't always make the best design choices. Look at the design problems of the 3DS.
 
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