Gaming Forums => Nintendo Gaming => Topic started by: Kytim89 on July 28, 2013, 03:17:04 PM
Title: Wii U Gamepad Redesign
Post by: Kytim89 on July 28, 2013, 03:17:04 PM
For a while now I have been brainstorming ideas for how Nintendo could redesign the Wii U's Gamepad. Honestly, Nintendo should make the redesign look less like a tablet and more like a controller, or even a handheld console itself. The Playstaion Vita would be a good example of how the redesigned Wii U Gamepad should look like.
Title: Re: Wii U Gamepad Redesign
Post by: Adrock on July 28, 2013, 03:20:52 PM
Stop it, kytim.
Title: Re: Wii U Gamepad Redesign
Post by: XavierMike on July 28, 2013, 03:22:16 PM
I don't know. I really like the current design. It's easy to use. The Vita s nice, but its too small for tablet functionality. I would put a better in though.
Title: Re: Wii U Gamepad Redesign
Post by: pokepal148 on July 28, 2013, 03:40:22 PM
Remind me again how redesigning the gamepad is a good idea...
Title: Re: Wii U Gamepad Redesign
Post by: broodwars on July 28, 2013, 04:07:52 PM
Remind me again how redesigning the gamepad is a good idea...
Well, apparently I have smaller-than-average hands. A smaller, lighter, thinner GamePad would fit my hands better. I wouldn't have to completely change my hand positions every time I want to use the L & R buttons vs. the LZ & RZ Triggers.
Title: Re: Wii U Gamepad Redesign
Post by: Oblivion on July 28, 2013, 04:11:22 PM
The Gamepad is fine. Not according to the guys on the podcast though. ( ::) )
Broodwars, I have fairly small hands and it doesn't bother me. :P
Title: Re: Wii U Gamepad Redesign
Post by: Kytim89 on July 28, 2013, 04:33:56 PM
The rules for Nintendo's handheld consoles apply to the Gamepad as well. The current model of the Gamepad is basically the DS Phat or the normal 3DS system. The design is bulky and does not make sense. It needs to be replaced with a sleeker and more stream lined version of itself.
Title: Re: Wii U Gamepad Redesign
Post by: Oblivion on July 28, 2013, 04:49:41 PM
It's not bulky. What's not to make sense about it? The DS Phat was an unholy monster even at the time of release.
No need to release something new just to release something new.
Title: Re: Wii U Gamepad Redesign
Post by: UncleBob on July 28, 2013, 05:23:05 PM
The only gamepad redesign we need is one with WiFi so you can be further away from the base unit (even in a whole different building) and be able to use it. :D
Title: Re: Wii U Gamepad Redesign
Post by: Oblivion on July 28, 2013, 05:34:58 PM
It already uses WiFi to connect to the Wii U. Albeit a very advanced and fast version of WiFi.
Title: Re: Wii U Gamepad Redesign
Post by: nickmitch on July 28, 2013, 07:00:40 PM
Range and battery life are really the only things that could be improved on the gamepad, in my opinion.
Although, I sometimes I do feel like my hand position dictates which parts of the controller I use (L&R vs ZR&ZL, Control stick vs D-pad) but that also varies with the game I'm playing, so I don't notice it normally. Sometimes I'll play a SNES game and notice my finger is on the Z triggers, but it's a quick adjustment.
Title: Re: Wii U Gamepad Redesign
Post by: EasyCure on July 28, 2013, 10:46:06 PM
I do that too, but once I realized I could map the buttons in earthbound, I just added L/R functionality to the Z triggers to play more comfortably while using the Dpad.
As for a redesign, I don't see that happening until they make a successor to the Wii u, and that's only assuming they stick with the gamepad. Considering they didn't keep wiimotes as standard (is in the box controllers), we can't just assume they'll keep the gamepad for the next console.
If they do, a lighter version would work but it better be backwards compatible, should an original gamepad cease to work.
Plus, Nintendo isn't even selling the current gamepad separate from the console now, let's wait for that to happen before we talk redesign..
Title: Re: Wii U Gamepad Redesign
Post by: azeke on July 28, 2013, 11:22:38 PM
Gamepad definitely feels too heavy to use for a long time for me.
And that battery life is so bad.
I might grab a redesign for a second controller.
Title: Re: Wii U Gamepad Redesign
Post by: Adrock on July 28, 2013, 11:26:21 PM
The design is bulky and does not make sense. It needs to be replaced with a sleeker and more stream lined version of itself.
For reals? I guess it could stand to be lighter if Nintendo could figure out a way to do so (though the research and development team spent a considerable amount of time shaving weight wherever they could). If anything, I wish the handles were more substantial, making the GamePad easier to grip.
The only thing I'd really see as improvements are making ZL/ZR even with L/R, improved battery life and a Gorilla Glass screen. At least 15-20 hours on like a 2 hour charge would be nice. Some battery saving options would be nice too, but that's probably more software related. I use my Wii U mostly for Netflix and it seems like a waste for the GamePad to be on. I'd be fine using a Wii Remote.
Title: Re: Wii U Gamepad Redesign
Post by: Wah on July 28, 2013, 11:28:16 PM
Remind me again how redesigning the gamepad is a good idea...
I like the gamepad just the way it is. I agree with Catman ;D
Title: Re: Wii U Gamepad Redesign
Post by: Kytim89 on July 28, 2013, 11:46:01 PM
To give everyone an idea of what I have in mind for an ideal Gamepad redesign check out this image. It is of a Vita with external hand grips. Just cross this with the Gamepad itself and you get what I have in mind without crossing copy right infringement boundries.
Title: Re: Wii U Gamepad Redesign
Post by: TJ Spyke on July 29, 2013, 12:13:28 AM
GamePad lighter? The thing is already extremely light. I have a hard time seeing how anyone could find it heavy. I have to agree that a longer battery life is just about the only improvement it needs.
Title: Re: Wii U Gamepad Redesign
Post by: Adrock on July 29, 2013, 12:22:55 AM
Kytim, you'd to make the screen smaller and quite frankly, that's not worth it. Nintendo can probably shave some height and depth, but I don't see the point. I really can't believe this is even a thing.
Title: Re: Wii U Gamepad Redesign
Post by: Kytim89 on July 29, 2013, 12:33:04 AM
Kytim, you'd to make the screen smaller and quite frankly, that's not worth it. Nintendo can probably shave some height and depth, but I don't see the point. I really can't believe this is even a thing.
I neglected to mention to just balloon that picture of the Vita up to about the same dimensions as the Gamepad. The Gamepad Lite would have the same form factor as the Vita with all the good things of the Gamepad.
Title: Re: Wii U Gamepad Redesign
Post by: ShyGuy on July 29, 2013, 12:42:19 AM
Make the screen bigger!
Title: Re: Wii U Gamepad Redesign
Post by: Oblivion on July 29, 2013, 12:52:18 AM
Kytim uses Bing? Surely that's the real problem here.
Title: Re: Wii U Gamepad Redesign
Post by: Caterkiller on July 29, 2013, 01:00:38 AM
Broodwars how are you pressing the L and R buttons? When I discovered pressing them on the sides instead of the top I had a much easier time.
As for the weight I never had any problems with it. I did some some long Monster Hunter sessions and never felt fatigued. Does anyone actually hold up any controller besides a Wiimote? I just rest it in my lap until I need to use motion or pay close attention to the screen.
Even when I lay back and hold up the pad with my elbows rested I never get fatigued.
Title: Re: Wii U Gamepad Redesign
Post by: broodwars on July 29, 2013, 03:08:01 AM
Broodwars how are you pressing the L and R buttons? When I discovered pressing them on the sides instead of the top I had a much easier time.
As I have become accustomed to on other controllers (including the Pro Controller), I press the L & R buttons at the top.
Title: Re: Wii U Gamepad Redesign
Post by: Ceric on July 29, 2013, 10:58:58 AM
I've already established on numerous occasions that Broodwars uses a controller Weirdly.
On the weight its as light as they could make it cost effectively. They obviously sacrificed battery for weight. Just look in the batter bay and you'll notice its meant for a much bigger battery.
Now the technology is out their to make a better gamepad but it exists in items that they contribute a good amount of cost of and are much more expensive.
Title: Re: Wii U Gamepad Redesign
Post by: Oblivion on July 29, 2013, 12:09:41 PM
Broodwars how are you pressing the L and R buttons? When I discovered pressing them on the sides instead of the top I had a much easier time.
As I have become accustomed to on other controllers (including the Pro Controller), I press the L & R buttons at the top.
How does that happen?
Easily. It's just like you would hold any other controller: your hands gripped around the wings with your index fingers curved over the shoulder buttons, your left thumb on the left stick, and your right thumb hovering over the face buttons or right stick (as the situation requires).
Title: Re: Wii U Gamepad Redesign
Post by: Oblivion on July 29, 2013, 01:01:27 PM
But your index fingers press the triggers on the top of the controller? I just have trouble picturing that.
Title: Re: Wii U Gamepad Redesign
Post by: broodwars on July 29, 2013, 01:27:56 PM
But your index fingers press the triggers on the top of the controller? I just have trouble picturing that.
The L & R buttons are at the top of the Gamepad along the curve between the top & the side. That's where I press them because that's the only place you can press them. I don't know what's confusing about that. Was something lost in translation there?
Title: Re: Wii U Gamepad Redesign
Post by: Ceric on July 29, 2013, 01:36:02 PM
Pics or none of this has happened :P
Title: Re: Wii U Gamepad Redesign
Post by: broodwars on July 29, 2013, 01:46:04 PM
Fine. This is as best a set of pictures as I could take with my phone while balancing the GamePad one-handed, so my fingers aren't quite where they usually are (but it's close enough).
(http://s24.postimg.org/52ov98dh1/IMAG0121.jpg)
(http://s22.postimg.org/e16ma2wpd/IMAG0122.jpg)
(http://s22.postimg.org/8auoky9sh/IMAG0123.jpg)
Title: Re: Wii U Gamepad Redesign
Post by: BranDonk Kong on July 29, 2013, 02:02:35 PM
Yeah, I'm not a very big fan of the shoulder button layout on the Wii U Gamepad. L2 and R2 are too far away from L1 and R1 (or LZ and RZ or whatever Nintendo calls them).
Title: Re: Wii U Gamepad Redesign
Post by: Caterkiller on July 29, 2013, 02:09:10 PM
I just press L and R on the side instead of the top. It curves nice enough to feel a comfortable buttom press.
Title: Re: Wii U Gamepad Redesign
Post by: NWR_insanolord on July 29, 2013, 02:14:05 PM
All my time with FIFA 13 has gotten me to adapt to having my fingers on all four shoulder buttons at once, and now I have no problem with it at all. This seems like something you can get used to over time.
Title: Re: Wii U Gamepad Redesign
Post by: broodwars on July 29, 2013, 02:20:35 PM
All my time with FIFA 13 has gotten me to adapt to having my fingers on all four shoulder buttons at once, and now I have no problem with it at all. This seems like something you can get used to over time.
Maybe, but there's just something really awkward about pressing the LZ & RZ triggers with my middle fingers, especially with the way those triggers press in and the distance between the two sets of triggers. It's easier to just use the Pro Controller, which uses a different type of trigger that's easier to press (either by flipping my Index fingers between them or using my middle fingers).
Title: Re: Wii U Gamepad Redesign
Post by: NWR_insanolord on July 29, 2013, 02:29:05 PM
I thought it was awkward at first too, but I got used to it. And I might use the Pro controller in some cases, but FIFA makes really excellent use of the GamePad screen that I'd never consider it, even though it's an option.
Title: Re: Wii U Gamepad Redesign
Post by: BranDonk Kong on July 29, 2013, 02:51:55 PM
I imagine you can get used to it, but I think it's a pretty bad design. You shouldn't have to get used to it...seems a like a case of form over function.
Title: Re: Wii U Gamepad Redesign
Post by: Ceric on July 29, 2013, 03:19:35 PM
Wait... Its common that people don't cover all four of the trigger buttons? That just seems ... awkward.
Title: Re: Wii U Gamepad Redesign
Post by: broodwars on July 29, 2013, 03:28:11 PM
Wait... Its common that people don't cover all four of the trigger buttons? That just seems ... awkward.
Yeah, unless I'm playing a shooter that uses them for something other than grenades, I generally prefer to rest my middle fingers wrapped around the wings of a standard controller until needed.
Title: Re: Wii U Gamepad Redesign
Post by: Ceric on July 29, 2013, 07:47:48 PM
My Son took the pictures and chose the Locals. I didn't do the 360 Controller because it be a pain to unplug. I also didn't find one of my Classic Controls to hold as well.
Title: Re: Wii U Gamepad Redesign
Post by: azeke on July 29, 2013, 11:49:11 PM
Most games take into account that many (if not most) only use one finger for both shoulder button and triggers.
I don't remember any game where you had to press both at the same time.
PS1 (and PS2?) controllers felt like you're supposed to hold them with finger on all four shoulder buttons, but Xbox/PS3 even CC are easier to use with just one finger switching between shoulder and trigger.
Title: Re: Wii U Gamepad Redesign
Post by: Kytim89 on August 01, 2013, 03:42:20 AM
I kind of wish that Nintendo had allowed for the front cover and the screen to be replaceable.
Title: Re: Wii U Gamepad Redesign
Post by: lolmonade on August 01, 2013, 09:38:45 PM
Overall, I actually like the gamepad, and wouldn't want them to make any drastic changes to it that would make the original seem obsolete. Not knowing what kind of space limitations Nintendo had when designing it, if I would want any changes, i'd prefer the following:
It seems like there's a lot of extra space on the outside of the gamepad. Cutting out all of that empty space and having the buttons/sticks a bit closer to the actual screen would probably make it a tighter fit in my hands.
Compared to a Vita or iPad, the Wii U gamepad's plastic feels a little cheap, like there's hollow space inside the gamepad. If they were to make the gamepad a bit more compact around the screen, i'd like to see a more dense material used to give it a little more feeling of weight and durability to it.
Longer battery life. I don't have the opportunity to binge game anymore, but even on my limited time budget, my Wii U gamepad seems like it's constantly running on empty.
This may just be a personal preference, but i'd like the power button on the right-hand side of the gamepad instead of at the bottom.
The buttons feel a little soft to me. I'd prefer them to have a bit more clicky-ness when I press them.
Title: Re: Wii U Gamepad Redesign
Post by: Ceric on August 01, 2013, 09:47:01 PM
lolmonade: You open the back and you can see the empty space where they were going to put a bigger battery. Which I'm pretty sure they didn't do because of weight. I hope they release the beefier battery here for those of use who wouldn't mind the extra weight.
Title: Re: Wii U Gamepad Redesign
Post by: Kytim89 on September 16, 2013, 10:51:21 PM
Honestly, with the reveal of the 2DS and the Vita TV Nintendo might very well reveal either a Gamepad revision this holiday season, or sometime early next year. I am actually looking forward to a smaller handheld about the size of a Vita that Nintendo markets for about $99.99 at retail.
Title: Re: Wii U Gamepad Redesign
Post by: Spak-Spang on September 16, 2013, 10:58:06 PM
Or a redesign that is slightly smaller, cheaper to make that will allow Nintendo to sell the controllers for around $79.99 for a new controller. Hopefully more like $69.99.
Title: Re: Wii U Gamepad Redesign
Post by: ThePerm on September 17, 2013, 03:48:13 AM
Nintendo ought to have the second gamepad have some improvements over the original. It makes sense to give it wifi ability, maybe some processing power. My ouya was only 99 dollars. One could only imagine what Nintendo could make for that price in the next 2 years.
Title: Re: Wii U Gamepad Redesign
Post by: Mop it up on September 17, 2013, 05:17:49 PM
I don't think an extra GamePad would sell at $100 especially since there will be so few games that use two. It needs to be priced as $80 to have a chance, but $70 or $60 would be better. The only way it could be $100 is if it sold with a game that has a two-GamePad multiplayer mode.
Preferably, the extra GamePad they sell should be smaller and more ergonomic, since the current GamePad is a monstrosity in all the wrong ways.
Title: Re: Wii U Gamepad Redesign
Post by: Kytim89 on September 17, 2013, 07:06:10 PM
Here is how Nintendo should go about a Gamepad revision: First, reveal the new Gamepad Lie that has similar dimensions to a Vita with hand grips. Secondly, announce a bundle with the best multiplayer game that is coming out for Wii U: Smash Brothers. Third, money hat Capcom (they need the cash) into making a state of the art Monster Hunter for the Wii U and money hat SE to get Dragon Quest XI for both the Wii U and 3DS and then bundle them with the Gamepad Lite. Sell each bundle for $129.99 or its foriegn equivalent.
Title: Re: Wii U Gamepad Redesign
Post by: NWR_insanolord on September 17, 2013, 07:40:49 PM
At launch people were arguing that the GamePad probably only had $40 or $50 worth of components in it. Outside of the streaming tech, it's not exactly cutting edge hardware. They would likely have no trouble hitting that price if they wanted to., though it might anger some people who paid $50 for a Pro Controller, which is considerably less expensive to make.
Title: Re: Wii U Gamepad Redesign
Post by: Adrock on September 17, 2013, 11:46:57 PM
I stand by what I said earlier in this thread. There isn't a lot Nintendo could do to the GamePad to make a redesign worthwhile. Outside of battery life and the shoulder buttons, I don't see many major improvements. Nintendo would be shaving weight by the gram (unless they find much lighter internal components) and I definitely do not advocate making the screen smaller.
If Nintendo were to sell the GamePad separately, I agree that it should be bundled with a game, at least initially. There's no point unless they have a game that uses an extra one. Packing an additional GamePad with Super Smash Bros. makes no sense since it won't use the GamePad's additional functions. The series already skipped motion controls and I believe Sakurai said at E3 that the new games won't have touch controls either.
Title: Re: Wii U Gamepad Redesign
Post by: Wah on September 18, 2013, 12:33:22 AM
bigger battery would be nice!
Title: Re: Wii U Gamepad Redesign
Post by: nickmitch on September 18, 2013, 11:49:18 PM
I don't think we'll see a redesign until there are games that can use two gamepads. Hopefully, Nintendo will do something really special with the concept and then bundle the title with the second gamepad. Otherwise, what the hell would I do with two? Let one collect dust while I regularly use the superior?
Title: Re: Wii U Gamepad Redesign
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on September 20, 2013, 12:23:26 AM
I stand by what I said earlier in this thread. There isn't a lot Nintendo could do to the GamePad to make a redesign worthwhile. Outside of battery life and the shoulder buttons, I don't see many major improvements. Nintendo would be shaving weight by the gram (unless they find much lighter internal components) and I definitely do not advocate making the screen smaller.
If Nintendo were to sell the GamePad separately, I agree that it should be bundled with a game, at least initially. There's no point unless they have a game that uses an extra one. Packing an additional GamePad with Super Smash Bros. makes no sense since it won't use the GamePad's additional functions. The series already skipped motion controls and I believe Sakurai said at E3 that the new games won't have touch controls either.
2nd game pad should be bundled with the very same game we all said from the beginning would make the best initial demonstration for it;
EA's Madden Football 201X
and it's the best way to get EA back on board with the Wii U, and as long as it matched the other versions feature for feature along with dual pad support, it would be THE version to own. so if Nintendo hasn't been pursuing this from the get-go, then I really have no idea what they are doing anymore.
Title: Re: Wii U Gamepad Redesign
Post by: Adrock on September 20, 2013, 08:36:20 AM
Unless Nintendo has their own two GamePad game, Madden is definitely the go-to game for a bundle. How much do you think Nintendo/EA could actually sell a bundle like that for? I think it greatly depends on how much Nintendo is willing to lower the perceived value of the GamePad since we can expect EA's MSRP for Madden to be $60. Last I read, Nintendo was offering a replacement GamePad for $140. I doubt anyone is paying $200 for Madden just for two GamePad support. All things considered, I'd estimate the GamePad at $40, $50 at the most (the screen making up the bulk of that number). That would bring the bundle down to $100 to $110 which I still think is a hard sell. Are Nintendo and EA willing to eat some of the cost to make the bundle more attractive? Not sure, but I'd try to get it down to $90.
Title: Re: Wii U Gamepad Redesign
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on September 20, 2013, 10:19:41 AM
I imagine Nintendo would take the write off on that bundle as part of the reason for the bundle is to boost 3rd party sales and improve relations with a major 3rd party.
But Nintendo should definitely have a few of their own games, even with an alternate bundle for those not interested in sports games. Maybe a WiiPlay style game.
Title: Re: Wii U Gamepad Redesign
Post by: nickmitch on September 21, 2013, 06:49:58 PM
Remind me again what the Wii U Madden sales are for this year? Is it zero?
Title: Re: Wii U Gamepad Redesign
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on September 21, 2013, 07:09:23 PM
It may be, but only because there is no compelling reason to buy a Wii U version over the version you can play with all the rest of your friends since they already own those systems.
Dual controller support would atleast make it the definitive version, especially for local multi-player, assuming it had feature parity with all other versions of course.
Title: Re: Wii U Gamepad Redesign
Post by: nickmitch on September 21, 2013, 07:24:41 PM
So, you want to convince EA, a company on the record as saying it's not focusing on the Wii U because there "aren't enough boxes", to release game whose compelling feature involves a purchasing a fairly expensive piece of hardware?
Madden would be a great idea, but it won't be what sells the second gamepad unless you can convince EA that any part of it is a good idea.
Title: Re: Wii U Gamepad Redesign
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on September 21, 2013, 08:57:41 PM
I said it should happen, not that it will.
Madden with 2 gamepad support was one of the original thoughts to be a showcase for the feature back when we thought EA was going to be showing "unprecedented support".
I'm not expecting Nintendo to actually have this in the works for next year, but I would assume that are always actively trying to improve 3rd party relations, and not having any EA sports games and any of their other major franchises really doesn't help when the console is already struggling to get a foothold with current gen gamers looking to upgrade.
With Madden leading the way on promoting dual pad support to the masses, it will be easy to understand the benefits of such a feature almost immediately, and that's half the hard part of selling such a feature, getting people to understand why they want it.
Title: Re: Wii U Gamepad Redesign
Post by: Kytim89 on September 22, 2013, 09:49:32 PM
A joint venture with SEGA to develop Wii U Sports titles titles that use more than two Gamepads would be more likely than EA returning to a Nintendo ever again.
Title: Re: Wii U Gamepad Redesign
Post by: nickmitch on September 22, 2013, 10:25:47 PM
You still have the problem of needing to push more units then convert a fanbase over from the systems their friends are using.
I think a Mario football game would make more sense. People wouldn't buy a system for it, but it could be one of those things that gets people looking.
Title: Re: Wii U Gamepad Redesign
Post by: alegoicoe on September 23, 2013, 12:27:50 AM
