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[FStop7]

No analog triggers is a big minus.

It is pretty comfortable over long periods of time, more so than The Duke.

Re: capacitive vs. resistive

I wish they'd gone further down the resistive path with a pressure sensitive pad and stylus. The drawing stuff that's integrated into the community is the best part of the whole thing.

 

[XenodudeX]

You can look at porn with this thing. Porn. #Gamechanger

 

[Refreshment.01]

One thing I wonder about button placement...is anyone else a little disappointed that the market roundly rejected the Gamecube configuration with one large "action" button at your thumb's resting point and the other three face-buttons easily differentiated by shape and position? I get that it's a bad set-up for certain genres, but I thought it was perfect for the many modern games that rely heavily on a context-sensitive action button and then leave secondary items to the other face buttons.

The GameCube doesn't get enough credit. As far as using 4 face buttons in a controller goes it's the most logical and intuitive way to do it. 1 big main interaction button, surrounded by satelite ones. It's confusion prove.

Funny thing is the GameCube had the chance to be somewhat be "revolutionary" in terms of controls but Nintendo's weird desicion making prevented that from happening.

 

[Jack Scofield]

I saw one at a Target and tried it out. Do they expect me to use four fingers for the shoulder buttons? You can't switch between L1 and L2 like you can on PlayStation and Xbox

For that reason alone I deem the controller a failure.

 

[WonkyPanda]

You can look at porn with this thing. Porn. Gamechanger

 

[GavinGT]

I saw one at a Target and tried it out. Do they expect me to use four fingers for the shoulder buttons? You can't switch between L1 and L2 like you can on PlayStation and Xbox

For that reason alone I deem the controller a failure.

I couldn't figure that one out either. Either way it feels sort of wrong to me.

 

[Xavien]

And ruin the precision drawing thing that's becoming a big part of the community?

Indeed, some folks on Miiverse have made some amazing drawings (radioheadrules being one of them ) and it really adds to the social aspect. At first i wasn't impressed by Miiverse, but having used it, its amazing.

The gamepad is super comfortable (but then I've always expected that from nintendo), it just seems to do everything atleast well, if not fantastically, except the battery life, really wished they put a bigger battery in there, but if it added to the weight, it might have affected its comfyness.

But, the Wiimote + nunchuck is still the best in my eyes, purely because the split design of the controller is genius, so much freedom. 360 would be up there but the d-pad is awful and for RPG's its a right pain in the arse.

You can look at porn with this thing. Porn. #Gamechanger

Browser is also amazing, HD mp4s play smoothly and the ability to play videos on the TV screen "while" browsing on other sites/pages on the gamepad, oh my god.

 

[Pyccko]

Man, maybe I have mutant hands or something, but from playing with it for like 20 minutes at my local gamestop, I thought it was horribly uncomfortable. Near the end my pinky and ring fingers were going numb, like I was getting nerve damage or some shit. Damn these hands!

 

[kitsuneyo]

I absolutely love it too. It's the first thing I pick up when I go into the living room. Battery life hasn't been much of a problem for me, I just stick it on the charging stand when I'm not using it. Would prefer analogue triggers.

Is it my favourite ever though? Well, it's the most versatile probably, and it's very comfy. But the 360 pad, to me is near perfection (despite it's crap D-pad).

 

[kinggroin]

Sssssss......mmmmm...maaaaaybe.

They give us a bigger battery to fill the enclosure and add a couple more hours, and OK. I guess I'd feel comfortable saying its the best. GameCube and the new 360 controller are very very close though.

 

[Wrestlemania]

I saw one at a Target and tried it out. Do they expect me to use four fingers for the shoulder buttons? You can't switch between L1 and L2 like you can on PlayStation and Xbox

For that reason alone I deem the controller a failure.

You say that like it's a bad thing. I'm glad someone has finally made a controller where it's comfortable to use all four shoulder buttons at once.

 

[GavinGT]

You say that like it's a bad thing. I'm glad someone has finally made a controller where it's comfortable to use all four shoulder buttons at once.

I do agree that it's comfortable, but I don't think my middle fingers would be as useful on those triggers as my index fingers. I almost think the triggers should be above the bumpers if they want us to use all four fingers.

 

[Refreshment.01]

I couldn't figure that one out either. Either way it feels sort of wrong to me.

No need for concerns, with some sessions your muscle memory would do the rest. When i bought the first Xbox i got really worried because i couldn't properly reach the triggers. Had no problems after some hours of use.

The Wii U controller excels at ergonomics. Really impressive and the weight is perfect.

 

[linko9]

I may agree. Gamecube still has it beat in terms of ergonomics, but I know that some people's hands don't agree with the smallish GC controller. Of course, the second stick is far superior on the gamepad. But I do think it's much more comfortable than the dualshock, and slightly more comfortable than the 360 pad. What I really love about it are the d-pad and buttons. Best d-pad since the Saturn by far, and the buttons are the perfect size and spacing for most games. I've always found the dualshock buttons far too mushy, and the 360 buttons are too rigid and "pointy" (my fingers get uncomfortable after especially long sessions.) The gamepad strikes a good balance. I think overall GC may win for me, but of course only if we ignore the big-ass screen, which I think is pretty neat. And the gamepad is effectively wired, which is a bummer, but doesn't really bother me.

 

[MrBS]

That pad is certainly far more comfortable than I thought it would be. Lack of analogue buttons continues to disappoint but no one has really supported since PS2 anyway. Resistive screen is a minus and the battery life is an absolute joke.

 

[KevinCow]

You can't switch between L1 and L2 like you can on PlayStation and Xbox

Sure you can. That's how I've been doing it.

 

[Hero]

YEah, I'm not looking forward to buying another controller even if it has better battery life. Don't these sell for like $130-150 in Japan (or will?). If they are priced that high here, they can go to hell.

I meant it can be alleviated with a bigger battery, which supposedly a third party company is releasing in the near future.

That was 22 years ago. The standard configuration has changed. Also, L and R versus ZL and ZR isn't exactly a descriptive naming scheme for the bumpers/triggers. And Start and Select are also known as + and - for no good reason.

I like how in one post you go from "22 years ago, standards have changed" and then go on to say "And they have these new + and - buttons for no reason at all I don't understand."

 

[Gospel]

I was at Target picking up Far Cry 3 a moment ago when I saw they had a Wii U demo station setup. So i went over and picked it up and tinkered with it etc, etc. I agree with pretty much every positive thing I've heard about it. It feels really, really good in the hands. The touch screen was actually very sensitive, too. Way more so than the either 3DS' touchscreens. The analog stick placement was awkward for like 10 seconds though.

If I was rich, made of money or a drug dealer, it'd probably pick one up if only to dick around with the Gamepad some more.

 

[muu]

screen doesn't feel quite as responsive as the 3DS screen, which felt just right. I have no need for analog triggers, and considering the most relevant racing game on the WiiU is going to be Mario Kart I doubt it's ever gonna be an issue for the majority of us.

 

[HylianTom]

I loved the GameCube controller, and made a point of buying an extra sealed one to keep in storage for future use.

If I had my wish, I would've added the GameCube controller's beautiful buttons to the right side of the gamepad. It would've been glorious. Glorious, I say..!

Otherwise? I'm loving this gamepad. It's fantastic.

 

[Shining Sunshine]

I think it's ergonomically terrible. Having the middle finger to press shoulder buttons is the worst idea.

 

[GavinGT]

I meant it can be alleviated with a bigger battery, which supposedly a third party company is releasing in the near future.



I like how in one post you go from "22 years ago, standards have changed" and then go on to say "And they have these new + and - buttons for no reason at all I don't understand."

I was referring to how it's confusing that they took the Wii + and - buttons and decided to also call them Start and Select. Which is it, Nintendo?

 

[whitehawk]

I pretty much agree with everything. I don't even miss the analog triggers really (though I did love the ones with HUGE travel on the Gamecube. But nobody makes them like that anymore).

And yeah, I do miss the octagonal gating on the analog sticks. It's actually the thing I miss the most.

It's a totally wonderful, convenient controller. It's really only marred by the admittedly horrible battery life.




Unfortunately for Sony and MS, Nintendo if I recall has a patent on the D-Pad design so they'll pretty much never get it perfect like on the Wii U pad. Sony will probably always stick with the non-connected design, and MS will stick with the 8-way or whatever.

It's a shame that with this in mind Nintendo doesn't even get the d-pad right on all their own stuff, but damn when they do it feels great. Wii U Gamepad has it and it's a big improvement over the others.

DPAD on the Vita is connected.

 

[kinggroin]

That pad is certainly far more comfortable than I thought it would be. Lack of analogue buttons continues to disappoint but no one has really supported since PS2 anyway. Resistive screen is a minus and the battery life is an absolute joke.

After using the system for some time now, I partially disagree with the bolded.

 

[ZeroGravity]

I actually agree, and I'm just as surprised as well.

 

[GameplayWhore]

Your hands are fused together. Any controller that restricts freedom like that can't be optimal.

Secret PS3 splitapart controller may be best, but that doesn't actually exist.

*goes to check rest of thread to see if alone in sentiment*

edit:

I wished or hoped Nintendo would add clickable sticks, it seems every one and their mother would come out of the wood work and say they are unnecessary or suck, or get in the way of gameplay, or always get accidentally clicked. But now no one has a problem with it.

Eh? I think they're an unnecessary feature that requires the thumb to move in an uncomfortable way. I had RSI that could some day come back, and this particular repetitive action is definitely a negative

edit:

The GameCube doesn't get enough credit. As far as using 4 face buttons in a controller goes it's the most logical and intuitive way to do it. 1 big main interaction button, surrounded by satelite ones. It's confusion prove.

I don't need specifically what they did, but I'm pretty unhappy about the diamond configuration. Since the buttons are different on every controller (dat roving x button!), it's hard to memorize where things are during quicktime events. Differently located and/or shaped buttons works a large way towards alleviating that.


edit: Yup, wanting a splitapartable controller is out of the norm, I guess. Luckily, I work for neuroscientists, so I can just have them take a peek inside to find out what's wrong with me!

 

[Like the hat?]

I've played pretty much exclusively off tv so far. Best feature to ever come to a home console.

 

[majik13]

I think it's ergonomically terrible. Having the middle finger to press shoulder buttons is the worst idea.

you are doing it wrong, seriously!

 

[Sushigod7]

I'm loving the gamepad but the orange Gamecube controller is the best controller known to man the wavebird comes in 2nd.

 

[brandonh83]

I like it. If I could play my VC games on it, I would like it a lot more.

 

[meppi]

I think it's ergonomically terrible. Having the middle finger to press shoulder buttons is the worst idea.

Middle fingers? 0_o
I'm pretty sure that can be categorised as user error.

If there's one thing Nintendo is quite good at it's controller ergonomics.

Not saying this is my favourite controller ever as it's way too soon for something like that and like others have said, the GameCube one certainly is very high on that list. Even though it had it's own problems like the rather terrible D-pad.
I also still love the Japanese Saturn pad and see it as not being bettered for 2D games.

But, when I first got my Wii U last Thursday, I wasn't really sure about the controller as I needed to get used to the button and stick layout as well as the feel of the analogue sticks.
Fast forward 5 days of heavy play and I don't even think about the controller anymore when I'm holding it. It feels natural and like I've been using it for years.
So yeah, in that regard it certainly is excellent.

 

[DDayton]

While I was unsure about the design when I used the demo stations, I will say that I'm surprised by how well it works now.

• Joystick and joypad are both usable: This is a big point for me -- I don't think I can think of another device in which the thumbstick and + pad are both equally usable. Every other device I can think strongly favors one over the other, with one of the two being annoying (to say the least). Both are quite functional this time...
• Right joystick placement isn't annoying: Again, I was suspicious of this -- but I find that, somehow, I have no issue switching between the right thumbstick and the XYBA buttons. Everything just seems to work, and I can even easily tap Y while keeping my thumb on the stick.
• Shoulder buttons are friendly: It looks like moving your finger to the upper L and R buttons should be annoying due to the grip in place for ZR and ZL.. yet, strangely, it's not an issue.
• Stupid "push in the joysticks" is less stupid: I hated this so much on 360 controllers. It seems less annoying on the Wii U controller. Perhaps it requires less effort or a less awkward feel -- I'm not sure, but I do know I hate it far less.

I do have a few annoyances, though...

• Start/Select Buttons: I'm not sure where else they could put these, but I don't like the current placement -- it requires removing my fingers entirely from the upper right portion of the controller to reach these.
• Analog Buttons: I've actually disliked analog buttons in all their uses, and found the GameCube ones particularly annoying. I do prefer the lack of them on the Wii U, but it raises questions of how they'd ever be able to release Super Mario Sunshine on the Wii U VC. Nintendo made some very good uses of analog buttons on the GameCube, and it would be a shame if Luigi's Mansion and Super Mario Sunshine lost control features due to this...
• It's Not a Wii Remote + Nunchuk: I still think the split controller w/ pointer feature is one of the best innovations in gaming controls ever, even with the problems it faces versus "standard controllers." I would have liked an "upgraded" Remote + Nunchuk solution, something allowing for all the options of the current controllers WITH a split design. However, that would be nearly impossible to due while keeping a screen involved, so...

 

[waypoetic]

Tried it. Didn't like it. Imho the worst console-controller out there.

 

[Skiesofwonder]

I've had some trouble with the button naming as well. I understand why Nintendo used that placement, but playing games like Madden and Call of Duty which I am use to on the HD twin layout becomes a real mind-bender at times. Nothing I can't get use to, but I've had some very frustrating moments with accidentally throwing it to the wrong wide receiver in Madden which isn't fun. Other then that and the battery life, the Gamerpad really is an amazing controller.

Someone mentioned it before, but ZombiU's button prompts are brilliant and I hope more developers adapt that into their games for the future. Actually, Ubisoft has really surprised me. Both ZombiU and AC3 have some of the best use of the Gamerpad so far.

 

[abstract alien]

Add GCN analog triggers
improve battery life
add GCN button layout (yeah, the big and small round buttons and two beanshaped buttons) - so much more clear, hierarchically. Thumb on the big button, tilt right or left, slide up for the other 3 buttons. Genius.
The top shoulder buttons are placed uncomfortably high for me.

Fix that and you have the ultimate controller.

These are exactly my thoughts on it. Even still, it feels damn good, and it's actually innovative. Top three for me would be

1st place: GameCube/wiimote - tie, can't decide.

2nd place: Gamepad - the best traditional controller since GC.

3rd: Who knows, who cares.

 

[Shining Sunshine]

Middle fingers? 0_o
I'm pretty sure that can be categorised as user error.

If there's one thing Nintendo is quite good at it's controller ergonomics.

Not saying this is my favourite controller ever as it's way too soon for something like that and like others have said, the GameCube one certainly is very high on that list. Even though it had it's own problems like the rather terrible D-pad.
I also still love the Japanese Saturn pad and see it as not being bettered for 2D games.

But, when I first got my Wii U last Thursday, I wasn't really sure about the controller as I needed to get used to the button and stick layout as well as the feel of the analogue sticks.
Fast forward 5 days of heavy play and I don't even think about the controller anymore when I'm holding it. It feels natural and like I've been using it for years.
So yeah, in that regard it certainly is excellent.

So you use your index finger for both shoulder buttons?

Because that's a time delay and extra stress to move the distance from the top and back shoulder buttons.

Huge, mega design flaw for worst controller. Nintendo likes to break standards for the worse.

 

[beril]

Briefly tried one in a store the other day. It was hard to really judge it, because it was tethered to the demo station which made it heavy and a bit awkard to hold. But I agree that the buttons were really nice and the dpad was pretty magical.

 

[DDayton]

I've had some trouble with the button naming as well. I understand why Nintendo used that placement, but playing games like Madden and Call of Duty which I am use to on the HD twin layout becomes a real mind-bender at times

Why would any PS3 gaming experience be a problem when PS3 buttons don't have letter names?

 

[KevinCow]

you are doing it wrong, seriously!

Yeah, I really don't get what people are on about with this.

Are you guys holding it like this?

Because I hold it like this:

And when I need to press L or R, I do this:

 

[Skiesofwonder]

So you use your index finger for both shoulder buttons?

Because that's a time delay and extra stress to move the distance from the top and back shoulder buttons.

Huge, mega design flaw for worst controller. Nintendo likes to break standards for the worse.

Um... That's what you do with every controller that has shoulder and trigger buttons.

Why would any PS3 gaming experience be a problem when PS3 buttons don't have letter names?

It's more 360 (Microsoft) then anything. Going clockwise, 360 is YBAX, while WiiU is XABY. Sony is different though, having its own little scheme of Triangle, Circle, X, Square which is actually easy to remember. If both Microsoft and Nintendo controllers are going to use letters, I wish they would just synch up. I'm sure patents keep them from doing that, but it can be very confusing (especially if you go back and forth between the two consoles).

Also, L, ZL, R, and ZR took some getting use to but I'm fine with that now and the N64 explanation actually makes a lot of sense.

 

[Cosmozone]

I just love the feel of it. For the controls, the layout is kind of straightforward. The trigger buttons are great, but you often accidentally trigger them.

 

[KevinCow]

So you use your index finger for both shoulder buttons?

Because that's a time delay and extra stress to move the distance from the top and back shoulder buttons.

Huge, mega design flaw for worst controller. Nintendo likes to break standards for the worse.

I... what?

So using the top buttons with your index and middle finger is wrong. But switching between them with your index finger is also wrong.

Is there a third option that I'm unaware of?

 

[tenchir]

Yeah, I really don't get what people are on about with this.

Are you guys holding it like this?

Because I hold it like this:

And when I need to press L or R, I do this:

Yeah, I am fairly sure most of us are using it that way. The people who are using it like the first pics are just weird. Why would you need simultaneous access to all 4 shoulder buttons? It doesn't take long to move from R1/L1 to R2/L2, it's a fraction of a second to do it.

 

[meppi]

So you use your index finger for both shoulder buttons?

Absolutely. I do the same for 360 and PS3 as well. Tried it before with putting both index and middle fingers on all of those triggers on the various controllers and that never ever works for me.

 

[linko9]

I'm surprised there are so many people unaware of this schism. Lots of good, wholesome people such as myself use only the index fingers to operate shoulder buttons, and many deviant, disrespectful hooligans use both the middle fingers and index fingers. I say good on Nintendo for not catering to the likes of the 4-finger crowd. Ought to be a law I say.

 

[GameplayWhore]

I... what?

So using the top buttons with your index and middle finger is wrong. But switching between them with your index finger is also wrong.

Is there a third option that I'm unaware of?

…face the controller so that its top is pointing towards the floor, and use the floor to press R or L whenever needed. This has no downside.

Spoiler

except during any kind of motion control and any time you want to be sane while playing

 

[v1oz]

I feel the gamepad is less forgiving to larger hands than the 360 or dualshock. I've only had a few (casual) days with it so far but it certainly hasn't felt very comfortable to use.

How can the PS3 and 360s pads be more forgiving for large hands if they are much smaller?

 

[Skiesofwonder]

How can the PS3 and 360s pads be more forgiving for large hands if they are much smaller?

Exactly what I was thinking.

 

[goomba]

I'm still yet to touch one.

No demo stations here (Christchurch, NZ)

 

[v1oz]

What's this I hear about the touch screen not being very accurate. I heard it often misses button presses when playing Zombi U.