Looks like this was just announced. I'm not complaining though, the 360 controller is probably the most comfortable I've ever used. But man, that's kind of shameless.

Yeah, it was hard not to immediately think of the 360 controller when that image popped up. If it ain't broke...

This is specifically created for multiplatform games. Nintendo isn't forcing 3rd parties to use the screen-controller.

Which In my opinion segments the games in a huge way. I envision that only nintendo is only going to make games using the screen controller down the road.

@Dany: I will say this - the Wii U is probably going to extend the life and viability of the 360, which is great. I forsee a lot of third parties releasing Wii U/360 games.

@Dany said:

This is specifically created for multiplatform games. Nintendo isn't forcing 3rd parties to use the screen-controller.

Which In my opinion segments the games in a huge way. I envision that only nintendo is only going to make games using the screen controller down the road.

Well that way they won't scare away the third parties at least.

@Jack268 said:

@Dany said:

This is specifically created for multiplatform games. Nintendo isn't forcing 3rd parties to use the screen-controller.

Which In my opinion segments the games in a huge way. I envision that only nintendo is only going to make games using the screen controller down the road.

Well that way they won't scare away the third parties at least.

Totally but at the same time the only innovation on the Wii U is going to be coming from nintendo. This is a way to 'not scare' 3rd party devs but at the same time it just seems like a response om how left field they went in creating that screen contoller.

The face buttons placement is weird but maybe I'm imagining the controler being much bigger than it acutally is , but I don't know what that says about the Wii U when the main thing the tablet controller is what makes the console stand out but I guess is better that way for multiplatform games.

Not shameless enough. They should switch the right analog and the A,B,X,Y buttons.

At least Nintendo knows how to make D-pads.

Hey look, Nintendo sorta remembered how controllers work.

i approve of this controller

@Dany said:

@Jack268 said:

@Dany said:

This is specifically created for multiplatform games. Nintendo isn't forcing 3rd parties to use the screen-controller.

Which In my opinion segments the games in a huge way. I envision that only nintendo is only going to make games using the screen controller down the road.

Well that way they won't scare away the third parties at least.

Totally but at the same time the only innovation on the Wii U is going to be coming from nintendo. This is a way to 'not scare' 3rd party devs but at the same time it just seems like a response om how left field they went in creating that screen contoller.

man....nintendo releases so few games anyway (relative to 3rd parties of course)....if this happens the whole controller might end up like huge wasted potential.

@Dalai: They actually have a patent on that design for the D-Pad which is why you don't see anyone else doing that style of D-pad.

I hope Wii U comes with a 360 emulation chip.

They can make a mean D-Pad but I think their analog sticks are crap. There, I said it.

this is funny

@Dalai said:

At least Nintendo knows how to make D-pads.

yep, this.

@ez123 said:

They should switch the right analog and the A,B,X,Y buttons.

That's what I was thinking.

@Dalai said:

At least Nintendo knows how to patent D-pads.

Fixed.

(Although the patent did expire in 2005, so shame on Microsoft if they don't use it for their next console.)

But will it be good for Smash Bros.?

Is it weird that I really like where the right analog stick is?

or you know. Maybe 3rd parties will use the screen-controller is a cool way.

maybe

Does anybody remember the original playstation controller? It was a snes controller with handles. Copying controllers just works.

A When it comes to controllers, making unnesecary changes serves nobody.:

B: The only significant differences between this and the GCN controller are that the triggers are slightly different, there are some extra buttons, the face buttons are less weird, and the analog sticks are now on the same plane like a PS3 controller. This is a pretty natural evolution of what they did with the Gamecube (and to be frank, I've always held that MS was looking over Nintendo's shoulder when they were making the controller S)

(also, having both sticks on the same plane and above the buttons sounds awful.)

I don't like the sticks being on top, but I guess I'll get used to it...

I'm going to buy one of these for my PC regardless of whether or not I get a Wii U. I've been waiting for a controller with the sticks on the outside for a long time, and the fact that the finally learned to give them circle gates and make them click makes it a no brainer. And not only that but it will have the best d-pad in the industry instead of the worst like the old 360 controller has.
 
The xbox-s and 360 controller was cool at first because you could hit the d-pad with your right thumb and never let off the left stick, but the other side of the controller wasn't the same way. The problem with having sticks on the inside, such as with the PS3 controller, is that you have to reach over your stick thumb if you want to hit the d-pad or the face buttons while still moving your character or aiming and firing at encroaching enemies. With those controllers it's actually easier to use the claw technique, which is incredibly uncomfortable.
 
This is by far the most exciting thing about the Nintendo Direct video.

I'm interested in seeing if any developers try to use the tablet and the Pro controller at the same time. Imagine what Battleship WiiU could be like.

I think that the placement of the analogue sticks is going to make this a great controller to use.  For example, I haven't played my ps3 in over a year because I can't stand having to jut my thumb out to the side for stick manipulation.  This will make games like shooters infinately more playable with a controller, plus, no company except for Nintendo has ever been able to make a d-pad that isn't horrible (again I am using the dual shock as an example of how not to do something).

@ztiworoh: Hmm, Peter Moore leaves Sega during the failure of the Dreamcast, joins Microsoft and introduces a new controller for the Xbox360.

Everyone takes from everyone, if you haven't noticed.

@Dalai said:

At least Nintendo knows how to make D-pads.

Exactly what I was thinking

@AhmadMetallic said:

this is funny

Because the 360 Controller didn't have the same layout and similar shape of a Gamecube controller, nope nope nope. Nope, revisionist history.

I'm interested in seeing if any developers try to use the tablet and the Pro controller at the same time. Imagine what Battleship WiiU could be like.

If anything, it looks comfortable.

I use the 'claw grip' with game-pads so this controller looks pretty bad for me. At least it's a conventional game-pad and people have that option though.

Definitely an upgrade from the Classic Controller Pro. But when a contour works, why not roll with it? Nintendo has been copied enough over the years that people shouldn't get up in arms when they make a peripheral controller that resembles the competition's.

I like how it's almost good, but then they put that little bit of Nintendo-fucked up into it just to make sure you don't really want to use it unless you have to.

Hopefully it comes with the system by default. Otherwise, 3rd parties aren't going to use it (add functionality for it) that much.

It's smart of them to give the option, so I don't think its a big deal that it looks like the 350 controller.

@nintendoeats said:

A When it comes to controllers, making unnesecary changes serves nobody.:

B: The only significant differences between this and the GCN controller are that the triggers are slightly different, there are some extra buttons, the face buttons are less weird, and the analog sticks are now on the same plane like a PS3 controller. This is a pretty natural evolution of what they did with the Gamecube (and to be frank, I've always held that MS was looking over Nintendo's shoulder when they were making the controller S)

(also, having both sticks on the same plane and above the buttons sounds awful.)

You could have just summarized it as being the 360 controller with a reversed PS3 button layout.

@Vegetable_Side_Dish said:

SPOILER WARNING: Click here to reveal hidden content.

BACKPEDAL BACKPEDALLL

What makes you say that? They offered a similar traditional controller for the Wii.

They really should go all the way and swap the right stick with the face buttons. Why make it difficult for players to transition between consoles?

@Zor: it won't come with the system and I'm sure it'll get used just as much as the classic and pro controller is used on the wii.

@BlatantNinja23 said:

@Zor: it won't come with the system and I'm sure it'll get used just as much as the classic and pro controller is used on the wii.

That's where you're wrong. Unlike the classic controller for Wii, it has the same buttons as the regular Wii U controller. One would assume it would be compatible with pretty much any game where the touch screen isn't an integral element of gameplay. The most important use for this pro controller is multiplayer. If it turns out that the system can only handle one tablet controller, or "gamepad" if you will, then having additional controllers with the same button layouts is absolutely essential for local multiplayer games, especially with things like Super Smash Bros, Mario Kart, etc. The announcement of this controller is absolutely huge, as it means you won't be fighting over who has to use Wii remotes to play Smash Bros and other local multiplayer games that are better played with traditional controls.

A good first step Nintendo.

Reaching down to the face buttons like that seems dumb, it'd be bad for fighting games for sure.

@BestUsernameEver said:

Reaching down to the face buttons like that seems dumb, it'd be bad for fighting games for sure.

Huh? What makes you say that?

This is what I wanted. When I heard that the Wii U could only use one Wii U Gamepad (and rumored to be a max of two), I was extremely disappointed. I don't want to be relegated to using a stupid Wii Remote or Classic Controller + Wii remote for local multiplayer.

Also, CLICKABLE ANALOG STICKS ON A NINTENDO CONTROLLER!? Amazing.

Just let me play Metroid with HD graphics on that thing, without any dumb gimmicks.