E3 2014: Nintendo’s Last Chance to Prove the Gamepad is a Game Changer – Article

It’s obvious that Nintendo’s Wii U and its unique Gamepad controller concept has not been a runaway success for the Kyoto-based giant. Unlike the original Wii, which had people lining up (literally) to own one and experience a new way to play games, Nintendo’s current console is having trouble catching on with the market. While it’s true that third party support is painfully lacking on the console, largely forcing Nintendo to support it alone, the controller remains arguably the biggest culprit of the system’s lagging sales for one simple reason: untapped potential.

It’s not that the Gamepad is completely bereft of great uses. First, off-TV play is a boon to many people, as being able to continue playing a game while allowing the TV to be freed-up can be very convenient. Secondly, the way it enhances games with maps and inventory at your fingertips is far more useful than it may first appear. Anyone who has played The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD can attest to that. Then there’s also the fact that its internet browsing capabilities are pretty impressive.

But unfortunately, none of those features warrant system-selling status with the majority of consumers. What Wii U sorely lacks is a hit game featuring gameplay that couldn’t be done without the Gamepad – such as the promised function of asymmetrical gameplay that has been largely absent on the system. Aside from very few games (most notably Nintendoland), the vast majority of the Wii U’s library could be played with a standard controller and the Gamepad functionality that is incorporated is done so in token, gimmicky ways (both Mario games come to mind).

This is an excerpt from the full story which was originally featured on gamrReview, read the full version here – E3 2014: Nintendo’s Last Chance to Prove the Gamepad is a Game Changer – Article

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