Wii U GamePad

The Wii U GamePad is the standard <a href="/facts/Game_controller/2PkNFsUX">game controller</a> for <a href="/facts/Nintendo/dMrLpaHu">Nintendo</a>'s <a href="/facts/Wii_U/Hv4EI4la">Wii U</a> <a href="/facts/Home_video_game_console/zP1RTC84">home video game console</a>. Incorporating features from <a href="/facts/Tablet_computer/6pGX2I7b">tablet computers</a>, the GamePad has traditional input methods (such as buttons, dual <a href="/facts/Analog_stick/okum8wxt">analog sticks</a>, and a <a href="/facts/D-pad/rA3C2xT0">D-pad</a>), <a href="/facts/Touchscreen/zpSKDFpe">touchscreen</a> controls, and motion controls. The touchscreen can be used to supplement a game by providing alternate, <a href="/facts/Second_screen/CD4E2WnJ">second screen</a> functionality, or an <a href="/facts/Asymmetry/U009nepR">asymmetric</a> view of a scenario in a game. The screen can also be used to play a game strictly on the GamePad screen without the use of a television display. Conversely, non-gaming functions can be assigned to it as well, such as using it as a television remote.
In 2009, the development of the Wii U GamePad began alongside development of the main <a href="/facts/Wii_U/Hv4EI4la">Wii U</a> console. The Wii U GamePad can be used in conjunction with other controllers compatible with the console, such as the <a href="/facts/Wii_Remote_Plus/0uaGlccQ">Wii Remote Plus</a>, <a href="/facts/Nunchuk_(controller)/0uaGlccQ">Nunchuk</a>, <a href="/facts/Wii_Balance_Board/wJJf6QVL">Wii Balance Board</a>, and the more conventional <a href="/facts/Wii_U_Pro_Controller/wnX10xl4">Wii U Pro Controller</a>.
Response to the Wii U GamePad was mixed. Critics praised the comfortable feel of the GamePad, but criticized the battery life, and misuse of the Wii U GamePad's potential in <a href="/facts/List_of_Wii_U_games/Vv7RWM2M">games and software</a>.

Wii U GamePad open-in-new

Wii U GamePad