Topic: Wii U Impressions

[NWR_Neal]

So, about that controller...

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/impressions/26635

The Wii U controller, which contains a seemingly normal controller with a 6.2-inch touch screen in the middle, feels great. The way it grips into your hands is comfortable, and the way it is laid out is wonderful. For its size, it is surprisingly lightweight. The screen is nice. I can't speak to the tech nature of it, but the touch screen didn't smudge at all from having my greasy fingers all over it.

The two analog sticks are Circle Pads that are similar to the one on the 3DS. The triggers all mold to your hand nicely, and have a nice click to them. The D-pad and face buttons feel similar to the ones found on some forms on the DS systems.

The controller also features a Home button, a plus button, and a minus button, in a similar position as on the 3DS, but they look and feel similar to the ones on Wii Remote. There is also a microphone and speakers at the bottom. A headphone jack resides on top of the controller, and you can also adjust the volume of the speakers up there, too. An IR port, similar to the one on the 3DS, is also nearby.

In the various demos, the controller felt wonderful. I can't stress that enough. Pay attention to our more specific impressions for details on how those all felt. After playing with the controller, I look forward to checking out full games on this thing. It's supremely intriguing and cool.

[GoldenPhoenix]

Nice to see all these impressions that say how well the controller is actually designed when physical held, instead of individuals judging it based off pictures.

[Caterkiller]

Neal please ask around about 2 or more people using a tablet each for one game. I am hearing things like for multiplayer one person has a tablet everyone else uses Wii remotes. Yes for some games, but there is no way that is going to work for all local multiplayer games.

[GoldenPhoenix]

Neal please ask around about 2 or more people using a tablet each for one game. I am hearing things like for multiplayer one person has a tablet everyone else uses Wii remotes. Yes for some games, but there is no way that is going to work for all local multiplayer games.

It appears you can't buy the controller separately.

http://www.computerandvideogames.com/306087/news/wii-u-console-and-controller-wont-be-sold-separately/

[ShyGuy]

Interesting, I heard the analog controls were not like the 3DS. Do they feel good enough to play something like Geometry Wars?

[ShyGuy]

Neal please ask around about 2 or more people using a tablet each for one game. I am hearing things like for multiplayer one person has a tablet everyone else uses Wii remotes. Yes for some games, but there is no way that is going to work for all local multiplayer games.

It appears you can't buy the controller separately.

http://www.computerandvideogames.com/306087/news/wii-u-console-and-controller-wont-be-sold-separately/

that would tie into the one controller per console rumor.

[Stogi]

What if I accidentally break my controller? Do I have to send it in to Nintendo?

[GoldenPhoenix]

What if I accidentally break my controller? Do I have to send it in to Nintendo?

Good point. Not sure what they'll do. My guess though is that there will be replacement controllers available, maybe not right away but within a year or so.

[Stogi]

That is seriously disappointing if true. So I'm going to do the American thing and just ignore it as long as possible and hope it's not.

[ShyGuy]

One the bright side, this one pad per console rumor would continue strong Wii remote support for the future, giving us hope for more waggle goodness. (like Red Steel 3)

[Mop it up]

I figured it'd be one screen controller per system based on what was shown in the videos and the fact sheet. It kind of makes sense though, because the controller looks expensive, and I also wonder what kind of processing power the system would need to stream games to four different controllers.

[ShyGuy]

I wonder if they will offer a wireless version of the classic controller pro to supplement.

[Chad Sexington]

The funny thing is that this is basically what I've been dreaming about every since the Gamecube & GBA connectivity was announced.  "What if the GBA was the controller?"
 
 Hm...
 
 The possibilities.
 

[Enner]

I hope the headphone jack moves down to the bottom. Seems a little careless for it to be at the top even in the prototype stage.


The handling of the controller with one hand in the video makes it look really light. Could you tell if the battery is in it? Judging by the size of the controller and (current) battery cover, it looks like a pack shouldn't add too much weight.


Really eager to hear about how the controller handles if you try to hold it on the left or right side with one hand and use the stylus with the other hand. Such a configuration probably won't be used too often, but I'm just curious about any and all possible comfort issues. Got to know the controller's limits as to how a person can hold it!

[Mop it up]

Another funny thing is that this is once again Nintendo recycling an old idea that didn't work out for its time.

WiiU = GBA/GCN link cable
3DS = Virtual Boy

[ShyGuy]

Another funny thing is that this is once again Nintendo recycling an old idea that didn't work out for its time.

WiiU = GBA/GCN link cable
3DS = Virtual Boy

Or the Gamecube cpu and graphics capabilities.

[NWR_Lindy]

Yep, that thing looks really light in the hand.  I have no doubt that it feels good as well.  Nice impressions, Neal.

[Adrock]

These were great impressions. Probably the best I've read. I'd applaud you but I'm currently at work and replying on my phone. I know you're itching for that +1. I'll make a mental note to applaud this later.

I really hope Wii U is capable of handling more than 1 screen controller at a time, at least 2 but preferably 4. I'd be okay with 2. This would certainly require a really powerful CPU. If the new controller is the big selling point and WiiU is positioned mainly as console to be enjoyed with others, allowing more than 1 screen controller is a must. Using the controller as the main screen is only needed for single player games, however. I consider that a bonus. Asking multiplayer games to be capable of streaming to multiple screen controllers is perhaps asking too much.

[Ceric]

I think it is funny that YouTube puts a M4 Closeup and Colt SAA Closeup as the next videos on this.

[Pale]

Interested in hearing more about the screen.....


Where does it fall on the spectrum between say, a glass covered screen like the ipad... and a soft screen like the DS?

[Ian Sane]

The thing is who comfortable will this thing be to use for three hours straight?  How comfortable will it be for long gaming sessions?  That's the real test and no one can test that at E3.  Yeah, you play around with for five minutes with demos that aren't even real games it might feel fine.  But if you're playing Zelda all afternoon is it going to be the same?

Another thing to think about is the constant looking from the TV to the screen to the TV to the screen.  How does your neck feel after doing that for a few hours?

[Adrock]

I tend to rest my arm on my legs or one arm on the arm of the couch so I don't think I'll have any issues either way. All the impressions I've read say that the controller is very light and if that's the case, playing for extended periods shouldn't be an issue. At the same time, there's no point in worrying about this considering no one will be playing this for extended periods until it launches.

[GoldenPhoenix]

The thing is who comfortable will this thing be to use for three hours straight?  How comfortable will it be for long gaming sessions?  That's the real test and no one can test that at E3.  Yeah, you play around with for five minutes with demos that aren't even real games it might feel fine.  But if you're playing Zelda all afternoon is it going to be the same?

Another thing to think about is the constant looking from the TV to the screen to the TV to the screen.  How does your neck feel after doing that for a few hours?

Maybe, um, take a break every once in awhile if it is bothering your neck? I know, what an extreme suggestion.

Also everything I've read sound like the control would be fine for extended play sessions, it is light, and built to mold with your hands. There is no indication it would be anymore uncomfortable then any other controller out there. Besides, it sure shows how much we've been spoiled, the original NES controller was hardly a comfortable controller and we did just fine with that.

[UltimatePartyBear]

Interested in hearing more about the screen.....


Where does it fall on the spectrum between say, a glass covered screen like the ipad... and a soft screen like the DS?

This is what I'd like to hear more about, too.  Is it resistive or capacitive?  The shot with the stylus suggests it's resistive, but it could possibly be a special stylus made for capacitive screens.  And, of course, is it multi-touch?

[ShyGuy]

Interested in hearing more about the screen.....


Where does it fall on the spectrum between say, a glass covered screen like the ipad... and a soft screen like the DS?

Pale loves his screens. Will he rage because it's too low of a resolution like the DSi XL? One can only hope.