Topic: GamePad vs Pro Controller: an unscientific survey

[Soren]

Simple question time.

Last years major Wii U releases had underwhelming use of the GamePad. I find myself playing Mario Kart 8 exclusively with the Pro Controller, and Smash Bros with the Gamecube controller. Bayonetta 1 and 2 as well, I only used the Pro Controller. With the exception of FIFA 13 and Wonderful 101, I found myself using the Pro Controller every time the game gave me an option.

What about you guys? What are your controller habits on Wii U?

[azeke]

NewOld challenger appears!

I use Classic Controller pro (the one tethered to wiimote)!

[ejamer]

I'm still waiting for a sale to pick up the Pro Controller. GamePad feels good enough for me, and the off-TV play feature gets a lot of use here. Some of the games we've spent a lot of time with benefit (or even require) use of the GamePad anyway.


(Still very keen to get a Pro Controller eventually... just not keen enough to buy one in place of buying a game.)

[Soren]

Doh! Edited the poll to add others, though I did kinda want to focus on the new gen controllers.

[Adrock]

If the Pro Controller is an option, I use it. Besides being comfortable and light, it also means I don't have to wear down my GamePad which I realize is kind of a lame reason not to use it. The Pro Controller is more comfortable for me during longer gaming sessions which aren't terribly common for me these days. The only thing I really have against the GamePad's ergonomics are ZL/ZR. They feel weird since I prefer the shoulder buttons and triggers to be closer. Otherwise, it's a solid all-around controller.

I was never terribly fond of the Classic Controller though the Classic Controller Pro was more comfortable due to the prongs. I didn't use it much. I figured I might have to for Super Smash Bros. but with the Gamecube controller being an option, I never bothered.

[Ian Sane]

If the Pro Controller is an option, I use it. Besides being comfortable and light, it also means I don't have to wear down my GamePad which I realize is kind of a lame reason not to use it.

I think that's a very logical reason.  The Gamepad is expensive and inconvenient to replace so you might as well only use it when necessary.

[ejamer]

If the Pro Controller is an option, I use it. Besides being comfortable and light, it also means I don't have to wear down my GamePad which I realize is kind of a lame reason not to use it.

I think that's a very logical reason.  The Gamepad is expensive and inconvenient to replace so you might as well only use it when necessary.

Yeah - I'm kind of worried about this point... There is no easy replacement for a GamePad unless you buy a new Wii U.

[BranDonk Kong]

Pro Controller wins, period. Our family typically only uses the GamePad for off-screen play unless it's required like in Rayman Legends or Captain Toad levels in SM3DW.

[Shaymin]

Gamepad, because playing on a TV is for chumps.

[ShyGuy]

I like the functionality that the touchscreen offers, but a friend of mine, she finds it too heavy. She has wrists like a girl! She likes Art of Balance anyway, and that requires a touch screen.

[Nile Boogie Returns]

Off Tv play trumps almost everything else. I do rather fancy the Pro Controller for action-heavy games. Now if I could just figure out how to play BioShocK Infinite on my Mac with the Pro Controller then a Jedi I have become!

[Evan_B]

I believe there is a program you can use to pick up the Wii U Pro's Bluetooth signal on your PC. It functions as a keyboard mapping replacement though, so it might be 8-directional input.

Anyway, I have an absurd amount of controllers at my place- 2 Wii Pros, 1 Wii Pro with a GCN shell (awesome feel, actually, it's one of HORI's new ones), a Smash Bros. GCN, a Wii U Pro and the Gamepad. While the Wii U Pro is amazing and super comfortable, I play off-TV too much and rarely use it except when playing pretty seriously, like in Hyrule Warriors, MK8, and some other titles.

[lolmonade]

It's tough to give a fair answer to this, but if there isnt any useful functionality utilized on the gamepad, then I'd prefer Pro controller all the way. 
 
I have no problems with the way the gamepad feels, but I'm always a little nervous about being too rough on it, because I wouldn't want to pay to repair it.  I'm hesitant to ever use it for Smash or Bayonetta.

[NWR_insanolord]

I almost exclusively use the GamePad. I spend a lot of time playing Off-TV, but even when I'm not I prefer the GamePad. Most of my time using the Pro Controller has been hooked up to my PC or iPad.

[Evan_B]

I've spent about nine dollars self-repairing a broken Gamepad. I don't know what everyone is so nervous about.

[Ian Sane]

I don't get the Off-TV praise.  I've spent my whole gaming life trying to find ways to play my handhelds on a TV and you guys are doing the exact opposite.  The whole thing sounds like a handheld without any portability which seems like the worst of both worlds to me.  Having a tiny screen and speakers is something you tolerate so you can take your games with you when you leave the house.

[Adrock]

I've spent about nine dollars self-repairing a broken Gamepad. I don't know what everyone is so nervous about.

Lulz. That's awfully smug of you. It'd be a different story if I could waltz into Best Buy or Target and buy a new one for $80. That sounds pricey except when put in perspective, it's only $30 more than a Pro Controller and $20 more than a Dual Shock 4.

I haven't read the terms and conditions, but my guess is that Nintendo doesn't want people opening up and messing with the GamePad so if I screw something up and try to send it in for a replacement, they won't help me. No thanks. I like the Pro Controller, and if something happens to the GamePad, $80 isn't a terrible replacement cost. I think that price hinges on me to having a non-warranty voided Gamepad to send in though.

I don't get the Off-TV praise.  I've spent my whole gaming life trying to find ways to play my handhelds on a TV and you guys are doing the exact opposite.  The whole thing sounds like a handheld without any portability which seems like the worst of both worlds to me.  Having a tiny screen and speakers is something you tolerate so you can take your games with you when you leave the house.

Different strokes for different folks. I've only tried off-TV play a few times and my reaction is typically, "Hey, look at that... now back to how I actually want to play video games." My friend's girlfriend almost exclusively uses AND looks at the GamePad even when we're playing Super Smash Bros. or Mario Kart 8. **** it, man. If it gets her to play, why not? I mean, the point is to get people to play video games and comfort is a big part of that.

[Evan_B]

It's not that Off-TV is convenient.

Well, actually, that's exactly it. I like playing games late at night and not-disturbing others. I also like touch-related elements. I find the inventory selection in Hyrule Warriors much more intuitive than button inputs. It's also just nice to be able to have the game right in your face- I've struggled with the couch positioning and controller wires and making a mess when I take out discs so much in my life, it feels good to just pick up the device and play it right in my hands, specially console-sized games.

And Adrock... I wasn't trying to be smug. I was just encouraging people to learn about what's actually inside their gaming controllers rather than treating them like priceless amazonian idols. But if that's how you want to interpret it, I'll keep my thoughts to myself next time.

[Khushrenada]

rather than treating them like priceless amazonian idols.

But that's how you're supposed to treat them! Nintendo even gave a stand for you to set the controller on to so it can stay upright on a shelf for everyone to ooh and aah over as they examine this rare (based on sales) gaming device. No touching though! Don't want people's greasy fingerprints showing up all over the glossy finish or touch screen.

[Adrock]

I'm mainly concerned about the analog sticks which is typically the first thing to wear down on controllers for me. My Gamepad gets used if someone wants to use it or if required by the game. Multiplayer in Hyrule Warriors requires the Gamepad, for example. My brother takes the GamePad and I use the Pro Controller because I like the Pro Controller. He actually prefers the GamePad so that works out.

And Adrock... I wasn't trying to be smug. I was just encouraging people to learn about what's actually inside their gaming controllers rather than treating them like priceless amazonian idols. But if that's how you want to interpret it, I'll keep my thoughts to myself next time.

Oh, don't be so dramatic. And your "priceless amazonian idol" line is an odd interpretation. I'll use the GamePad when a game calls for it. The GamePad is a controller and controllers are meant to be used (collector's items notwithstanding). Otherwise, I prefer the Pro Controller for previously stated reasons. As explained, I'm not willing to open the GamePad and learn about it. I might screw it up. In fact, I will likely screw it up because I'm no good at that stuff. I'd be more willing to experiment if the cost wasn't such an issue. As it stands, I can't just buy another one very easily. Opening it up probably voids the warranty and getting a new one from Nintendo costs a lot more than a repair/replacement. I can't be bothered.

[Ian Sane]

rather than treating them like priceless amazonian idols.

But that's how you're supposed to treat them! Nintendo even gave a stand for you to set the controller on to so it can stay upright on a shelf for everyone to ooh and aah over as they examine this rare (based on sales) gaming device. No touching though! Don't want people's greasy fingerprints showing up all over the glossy finish or touch screen.

You joke but I could totally see the Gamepad being worth big money when the Wii U is old enough to be considered retro.  For example Saturn stuff is typically much more rare and valuable than PS1 or N64 stuff because the console didn't sell that well.  Here we have a console that isn't selling well with a controller that doesn't have replacements sold in stores or third party knock-offs available.  Analog sticks can get loose and wobbly, screens can get cracked - it's a recipe for a rare item.  Does the Wii U even work if you don't have a Gamepad?  You've got two items that can get separated and typically when things have to go together it becomes harder after the fact to find them that way.

If someone's NES controllers get wrecked or lost it is easy to just grab some spare controllers to get everything working again.  Hell third party knockoffs are still made NOW.  The Wii U: Gamepad ratio is pretty much 1:1.  Every broken Gamepad will effectively be a broken Wii U and what third party company would be able to make replacement Gamepads 20 years from now?

[Adrock]

Wii U is now mostly functional without the GamePad. Many things are just easier with the GamePad like the eShop. I think the problem now is updated firmware which is the same problem as other consoles. Retro collecting is tougher when patches are no longer available. Does Nintendo still include system firmware updates on retail discs? That's one way to get the most recent update. Then again, you're still missing the game specific patches. Collectively, it just isn't the same anymore. It's no longer as easy as just buying an old console and an old cartridge/disc. Games routinely get shipped requiring a patch. You can have all the old hardware controllers and all, but the game might play like total ass. If you're collecting, you're essentially buying shelf decorations. If you want to actually game, better hope it's available digitally.

[Khushrenada]

Perhaps. We obviously don't know what the next Nintendo console will be like and if the Gamepad will continue to be supported like Wii remotes have been. Even GameCube controllers are still getting support. Nintendo doesn't seem to be giving up controllers lately.

Right now, the Wii U has sold about as many consoles as the Saturn and that number will still increase though it's not going to be a dramatic increase. Still, it does mean more units on the market. So, while it could end up being a more rare and valuable system in the future, I don't think it will become as valuable as a Saturn and there's too many question marks to worry about future potential value.

[Khushrenada]

As explained, I'm not willing to open the GamePad and learn about it. I might screw it up.

It's really nothing to be afraid of. I had to change the battery on mine so I took care of it myself and it's great.



I can hold my head high and say I did that!

[Mop it up]

My order of preference if available goes like this:

Wiimote + Nunchuk
GameCube WaveBird
Classic Controller Pro
Pro Controller
Wiimote (one-handed)
Wiimote (sideways)
GamePad

I personally think the GamePad is a terrible controller, one of Nintendo's worst. I also don't understand the appeal of off-TV play.