Wii U GamePad: Difference between revisions
| Line 46: | Line 46: | ||
==Features== |
==Features== |
||
The GamePad's primary feature is its {{convert|6.2|in|cm}}, [[FWVGA]], single-touch, [[Resistive Touchscreen|resistive]] [[touchscreen]] display like the ones used in the Nintendo DS. The screen can be used as a supplement to gameplay to provide additional functionality that can be controlled using the screen, or to stream gameplay from the console in lieu of a television display. The controller also features a front-facing camera (usable for [[video chat]]), dual [[analog stick]]s, and motion control support.<ref name=gamasutra-e311>{{cite web|last=Caoili|first=Eric|title=Nintendo Unveils Wii U, Controller With Built-In 6.2" Touchscreen|url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/35102/Nintendo_Unveils_Wii_U_Controller_With_BuiltIn_62quot_Touchscreen.php|publisher=Gamasutra|accessdate=4 June 2012}}</ref> The GamePad will also support [[Near field communication|NFC]], which will be usable for several abilities, such as to allow developers to create figurines and cards that can wirelessly interact with the controller, and to make credit card transactions with compatible cards.<ref name="Briefing">{{cite web |url=http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/library/events/120127/04.html |title=Corporate Management Policy Briefing/Third Quarter Financial Results Briefing|date=27 January 2012|publisher=[[Nintendo]]|accessdate=11 February 2012}}</ref> In a special presentation preceding [[E3 2012]], Nintendo unveiled more details about the GamePad; including its ability to be used as a [[remote control]] for a television, and the ability to send handwritten messages and other content.<ref name=gamasutra-gamepad/> |
The GamePad's primary feature is its {{convert|6.2|in|cm}}, [[FWVGA]], single-touch, [[Resistive Touchscreen|resistive]] [[touchscreen]] display like the ones used in the Nintendo DS. The screen can be used as a supplement to gameplay to provide additional functionality that can be controlled using the screen, or to stream gameplay from the console in lieu of a television display. The controller also features a front-facing camera (usable for [[video chat]]), dual [[analog stick]]s, and motion control support.<ref name=gamasutra-e311>{{cite web|last=Caoili|first=Eric|title=Nintendo Unveils Wii U, Controller With Built-In 6.2" Touchscreen|url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/35102/Nintendo_Unveils_Wii_U_Controller_With_BuiltIn_62quot_Touchscreen.php|publisher=Gamasutra|accessdate=4 June 2012}}</ref> The GamePad will also support [[Near field communication|NFC]], which will be usable for several abilities, such as to allow developers to create figurines and cards that can wirelessly interact with the controller, and to make credit card transactions with compatible cards.<ref name="Briefing">{{cite web |url=http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/library/events/120127/04.html |title=Corporate Management Policy Briefing/Third Quarter Financial Results Briefing|date=27 January 2012|publisher=[[Nintendo]]|accessdate=11 February 2012}}</ref> In a special presentation preceding [[E3 2012]], Nintendo unveiled more details about the GamePad; including its ability to be used as a [[remote control]] for a television, and the ability to send handwritten messages and other content.<ref name=gamasutra-gamepad/> |
||
The controller lasts 3 hours and takes 2.5 hours to recharge. |
|||
Nintendo's first presentation of the controller in 2011 led to confusion upon whether the Wii U will support the use of multiple GamePads. A Nintendo spokesperson stated that the GamePad would not be sold individually from a Wii U console,<ref name=gm-2controllers/> and Shigeru Miyamoto has not ruled out the possibility of using multiple GamePads with a single console{{emdash}}but also felt that it may be more convenient to use the 3DS as a controller in this scenario as well{{emdash}}implying potential compatibility.<ref name=gm-2controllers>{{cite web|last=Rose|first=Mike|title=intendo: Wii U Controllers Not Sold Separately, 3DS May Work As Controller|url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/35137/Nintendo_Wii_U_Controllers_Not_Sold_Separately_3DS_May_Work_As_Controller.php|publisher=Gamasutra|accessdate=4 June 2012}}</ref> Regardless, the Wii U will remain compatible with all Wii controllers, such as the [[Wii Remote|Remote]] and [[Wii Balance Board|Balance Board]], and will also be accompanied by a more traditional "Pro Controller" as well.<ref name=gamasutra-gamepad/> During Nintendo's E3 2012 presentation, it was confirmed that the console will support up to two Wii U GamePads simultaneously. |
Nintendo's first presentation of the controller in 2011 led to confusion upon whether the Wii U will support the use of multiple GamePads. A Nintendo spokesperson stated that the GamePad would not be sold individually from a Wii U console,<ref name=gm-2controllers/> and Shigeru Miyamoto has not ruled out the possibility of using multiple GamePads with a single console{{emdash}}but also felt that it may be more convenient to use the 3DS as a controller in this scenario as well{{emdash}}implying potential compatibility.<ref name=gm-2controllers>{{cite web|last=Rose|first=Mike|title=intendo: Wii U Controllers Not Sold Separately, 3DS May Work As Controller|url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/35137/Nintendo_Wii_U_Controllers_Not_Sold_Separately_3DS_May_Work_As_Controller.php|publisher=Gamasutra|accessdate=4 June 2012}}</ref> Regardless, the Wii U will remain compatible with all Wii controllers, such as the [[Wii Remote|Remote]] and [[Wii Balance Board|Balance Board]], and will also be accompanied by a more traditional "Pro Controller" as well.<ref name=gamasutra-gamepad/> During Nintendo's E3 2012 presentation, it was confirmed that the console will support up to two Wii U GamePads simultaneously. |
||
Revision as of 11:32, 7 June 2012
| File:Wii U GamePad E3 2012-1.jpg The GamePad, as seen at E3 2012, used to play New Super Mario Bros. U using its touchscreen | |
| Developer | Nintendo |
|---|---|
| Type | Video game controller |
| Display | 6.2 inch (15.7 cm) 854×480 16:9 |
| Sound | Stereo speakers |
| Input |
|
| Camera | Front-facing camera |
| Touchpad | Single-touch LCD display |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, NFC |
| Dimensions | 5.3 inches high x 0.9 inches deep |
| Predecessor | Wii Remote |
The Wii U GamePad is a controller used by Nintendo's Wii U video game console. Incorporating traits from tablet devices, the GamePad incorporates both traditional input methods (such as buttons, dual analog sticks, and a D-pad), and a touchscreen. The touchscreen can be used to supplement a game by providing alternate functionality or an asymmetric view of a scenario in a game. The screen can also be used to play a game or control the console directly from the controller itself, in lieu of needing to solely use the television display.
The GamePad can work in tandem with other Wii-compatible accessories, such as the Wii Remote and Balance Board.
History
Nintendo's development team had felt that the Wii's notification light did not provide enough information to be useful beyond whether it had received content or not. With the complexity of modern televisions, designer Shigeru Miyamoto felt that a monitor separate from the console would provide an easier way to check on the console's status without needing to use the television.[1] Its operation as a supplemental display was also inspired by the common use of a second display at karaoke establishments in Japan, which display song information and also allows its users to select their next song.[2] Satoru Iwata stated that the controller's design is intended to provide a deeper experience for all players and allow them to "see games in a different way,"[2] a concept referred to as " asymmetric gaming" during its E3 2012 press conference.[3] With the Wii U's Miiverse social networking functionality, Iwata also likened the controller's screen to a "social window", which can allow users to remain connected even if they aren't playing.[1]
In its original prototype shown at E3, the controller featured slide pads similar to those of the Nintendo 3DS. On May 19, 2012, a photograph of a near-final version of the controller was leaked on Twitter by an employee of TT Games, revealing a wider build with ergonomic grips, a redesigned button layout, and analog sticks instead of slide pads.[4] On June 3, 2012, Nintendo officially unveiled the final version of the controller in a video presentation preceding E3 2012—confirming the changes made since the E3 prototype (such as the addition of analog sticks), and officially announced that the device would be known as the "Wii U GamePad", and revealing other features that can be used with its screen.[1]
Features
The GamePad's primary feature is its 6.2 inches (16 cm), FWVGA, single-touch, resistive touchscreen display like the ones used in the Nintendo DS. The screen can be used as a supplement to gameplay to provide additional functionality that can be controlled using the screen, or to stream gameplay from the console in lieu of a television display. The controller also features a front-facing camera (usable for video chat), dual analog sticks, and motion control support.[2] The GamePad will also support NFC, which will be usable for several abilities, such as to allow developers to create figurines and cards that can wirelessly interact with the controller, and to make credit card transactions with compatible cards.[5] In a special presentation preceding E3 2012, Nintendo unveiled more details about the GamePad; including its ability to be used as a remote control for a television, and the ability to send handwritten messages and other content.[1]
The controller lasts 3 hours and takes 2.5 hours to recharge.
Nintendo's first presentation of the controller in 2011 led to confusion upon whether the Wii U will support the use of multiple GamePads. A Nintendo spokesperson stated that the GamePad would not be sold individually from a Wii U console,[6] and Shigeru Miyamoto has not ruled out the possibility of using multiple GamePads with a single console—but also felt that it may be more convenient to use the 3DS as a controller in this scenario as well—implying potential compatibility.[6] Regardless, the Wii U will remain compatible with all Wii controllers, such as the Remote and Balance Board, and will also be accompanied by a more traditional "Pro Controller" as well.[1] During Nintendo's E3 2012 presentation, it was confirmed that the console will support up to two Wii U GamePads simultaneously.
See also
References
- ^ a b c d e "Nintendo Unveils Wii U, Controller With Built-In 6.2" Touchscreen". Gamasutra. Retrieved 4 June 2012.
- ^ a b c Caoili, Eric. "Nintendo Unveils Wii U, Controller With Built-In 6.2" Touchscreen". Gamasutra. Retrieved 4 June 2012.
- ^ "Nintendo Land preview: Zelda: Battle Quest and Luigi's Ghost Mansion". Metro. Retrieved 6 June 2012.
- ^ Mallory, Jordan. "Redesigned Wii U tablet shown off by TT Games QA guy". Joystiq. Retrieved 3 June 2012.
- ^ "Corporate Management Policy Briefing/Third Quarter Financial Results Briefing". Nintendo. 27 January 2012. Retrieved 11 February 2012.
- ^ a b Rose, Mike. "intendo: Wii U Controllers Not Sold Separately, 3DS May Work As Controller". Gamasutra. Retrieved 4 June 2012.
External links
| Hardware | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online service | |||||||||
| Home Menu | |||||||||
| Games |
| ||||||||
| Licensed toolkits |
| ||||||||
