Zelda Informer: "Late last night Nintendo decided to release a rather hefty update to the Wii U firmware. The update allowed for system transfers exactly like the 3DS, but more interestingly it made the eShop usable with a Pro Controller and Wiimote. This means the only thing currently not able to be done on the Wii U without a GamePad is changing system settings – an update that should be rather simple to implement whenever Nintendo feels like it. This simple change got my mind racing – could Nintendo release a bundle without the GamePad? It seemed like a rather simple concept, but it spurned a completely unintended debate.
Through this debate it made me realize something – yes, Nintendo can release a bundle without it. More importantly, they should release a bundle without this holiday season. The time is right for it, or as right as it can be right now, and it would actually benefit all Wii U owners. How is that possible? Wouldn’t currently GamePad users be left in the dust?"
The Nintendo Switch is potentially nearing its lifespan, and several Wii U games haven't found their way over as ports yet.
I think it's better to leave games like AC: Amiibo Festival and Mario Tennis: Ultra Smash forgotten on the Wii U. Best case, they are mediocre games; worse case, they are very bad. It was a dark time for the Wii U, and the first only exists to sell Amiibo cards, whereas the second was put together in a couple of months with a shoestring budget, and it shows.
The rest of the list does have some really cool games, though. I would love to see a remake of Star Fox Zero with decent controls, and Xenoblade X doesn't require that much modification to work.
This article leaves out Nintendo's most controversial game to date devils Third.
I personally found the cover system really fun in that one compared to at the time most fps games completely lacking one.
Kirby is always ignored or forgotten by people, so good to see it mentioned here.
Play Kirby Canvas Curse on DS, and then play Rainbow Curse on Wii U, they're really fun and unique 'platformers' without any actual jumping.
Hanzala from eXputer: "The cruel hammer of Nintendo has fallen. Farewell, 3DS and Wii U, you surely brightened my life and many others; you won't be forgotten."
A new list goes over eight of the the most useless amiibo, ranging from the Shadow Mewtwo card to the Qbby figure.
While Nintendo could certainly release a Wii U without the gamepad, I also feel like that would be a step back for the Wii U. In its current form, my favorite feature is the offscreen play and I don't think I am in the minority saying that. I like having a controller that I can effortless control my TV, play without having the input on my Wii U and has, well I don't know how to phrase it in a way that wouldn't make the Vita look bad, but I tend to have a better experience* with the gamepad than Vita via cross play.
I also thought that the touchscreen offered new options** (like some of those Nintendoland games are pretty fun with people) that helped me get into the idea of owning it. One of the most interesting uses was Rayman Legends murphy mode thingy, which offered a nice change of pace and were some of my favorite challenges to do online. Anyway, while none of this would change if they removed the gamepad, I do feel like it would be an open invitation for developers to ignore it / opt out of supporting it in the first place. Considering a few have gone on record saying they don't know what to do with it, I get the distinct impression that more games will completely ignore it / give us straight ports, which isn't terrible, but a lot of neat stuff can be done with the second screen in the right hands.
* This might just be me, but I can play on the Wii U 1:1, where as I had lag issues playing something simple like Towerfall. Please do not reply if you want to nitpick this aspect as I really don't want to debate about it.
** I don't bring up the Kinect because I have zero experience and have no right to comment on it.
I love the gamepad I can take the console out on trips and not need a TV!
It's not like the wii u gamepad is xbox's one kinect, the gamepad is great and it doesn't feel just like an extra acessory.
Despite de update, you can pretty much say that the bundle is never going to happen. First of all, Nintendo in one of their financial meetings clearly said they are going to support the Gamepad. The introduction of amiibo, the quick start menu, more games that approach the controller and minor things like the Pikmin 3 update are sign of what I'm saying, Nintendo won't drop and wants you to use the controller.
The update of yesterday is for those ones who:
1) For some reason don't have the controller and couldn't access to the eShop.
2) Those ones who literally just hate the Gamepad.
Nintendo launched this update for convenience, not because it's planning something. And also the company wants to unseat that argument mentioned in the article: "the Gamepad it's not the selling point of the console, we buy it for its games". I agree, but what Nintendo wants to do is that you can say: "the Gamepad it's an important part of the console and brings new experiences to the games". So, again, it won't happen.
However, I agree that Nintendo should launch a minor bundle for those ones who believe the console is overpriced or just don't want the controller at all. This is about bringing satisfaction to both belligerents, those ones who like the controller and are excited to see what is Nintendo capable to do with it, and those ones who want the traditional experience. That could help sales, but I want to focus in the fact that the console would be cheaper, not because they're going to ditch the controller. The option would be available for traditional players and Nintendo will be able to continue with its Gamepad innovation.
As always, apologies for grammar.
I love the gamepad. if anything they could just release the console with an extra pro controller to appease the people who don't like it